Abstract
Green algae are of great economic importance. Seaweed is consumed fresh or as seasoning in Japan. The commercial value is determined by quality, color, and flavor and is also strongly influenced by the production area. Our research, based on solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), has revealed that volatile compounds differ intensely in the four varieties of commercial green algae. Accordingly, 41 major volatile compounds were identified. Heptadecene was the most abundant compound from Okayama (Ulva prolifera), Tokushima (Ulva prolifera), and Ehime prefecture (Ulva linza). Apocarotenoids, such as ionones, and their derivatives were prominent volatiles in algae from Okayama (Ulva prolifera) and Tokushima prefecture (Ulva prolifera). Volatile, short chained apocarotenoids are among the most potent flavor components and contribute to the flavor of fresh, processed algae, and algae-based products. Benzaldehyde was predominant in seaweed from Shizuoka prefecture (Monostroma nitidum). Multivariant statistical analysis (PCA) enabled simple discrimination of the samples based on their volatile profiles. This work shows the potential of SPME-GC-MS coupled with multivariant analysis to discriminate between samples of different geographical and botanical origins and form the basis for development of authentication methods of green algae products, including seasonings.
Highlights
Seaweeds have been traditionally used as medicines, food, and seasoning [1, 2]
There is a strong interest in the authenticity of these commercial products and up to now consumers have to rely on package information to provide confirmation that the product is from a high-quality region with a traceability
We newly report on nontargeted solid-phase microextraction (SPME)-GC-mass spectrometer (MS) followed by multi-variant statistical analysis in Japanese green macroalgae
Summary
Most seaweeds are of commercial importance in foodstuffs, cosmetics, and dyes. They serve as source for biological active compounds. Certain countries or regions have reputations for producing high-quality green algae, including Aonori (a high quality, merchandised Japanese green seaweed), and are able to demand a significantly higher price for their products. In Japan, high-value production areas include the river Shimanto in Kochi prefecture and river Yoshino in Tokushima prefecture. GC-MS techniques coupled with multi-variant analysis are becoming increasingly important tools to monitor the distribution of counterfeit foodstuffs and have been used in authenticating many food products, such as tea, olive oil, honey, cheese, and wine [6,7,8,9,10,11,12]. Significant differences in the volatile profiles of green algae from four production areas were detected, implying that markers could potentially be identified using this analytical-statistical approach
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