Abstract
Seaweeds, which have been widely used for human consumption, are considered a potential source of biological compounds, where enzyme-assisted extraction can be an efficient method to obtain multifunctional extracts. Chemical characterization of Sargassum muticum and Osmundea pinnatifida extracts obtained by Alcalase and Viscozyme assisted extraction, respectively, showed an increment of macro/micro elements in comparison to the corresponding dry seaweeds, while the ratio of Na/K decreased in both extracts. Galactose, mannose, xylose, fucose, and glucuronic acid were the main monosaccharides (3.2–27.3 mg/glyophilized extract) present in variable molar ratios, whereas low free amino acids content and diversity (1.4–2.7 g/100 gprotein) characterized both extracts. FTIR-ATR and 1H NMR spectra confirmed the presence of important polysaccharide structures in the extracts, namely fucoidans from S. muticum or agarans as sulfated polysaccharides from O. pinnatifida. No cytotoxicity against normal mammalian cells was observed from 0 to 4 mglyophilized extract/mL for both extracts. The comprehensive characterization of the composition and safety of these two extracts fulfils an important step towards their authorized application for nutritional and/or nutraceutical purposes.
Highlights
Seaweeds are extremely versatile organisms that are widely used for direct human consumption, being considered a food with high commercial value
O. pinnatifida seaweeds’ enzymatic extracts, and the consecutive correlation with previously observed bioactivities [3], has not been performed. After identifying this important need, the main aim of the research was to determine: i) The elemental, as well as the amino acid and monosaccharide composition for each extract; ii) structural characterization based on FTIR-ATR and 1 H NMR analysis; and iii) safety validation by assessment of cytotoxicity by testing the metabolic activity of cells when in contact with the extracts
Magnesium levels were in the same range of values for both extracts (29.3–36.8 mg/mglyophilized extract) and represented the third major macro element found in both extracts; magnesium is known as an important mineral for cardiovascular function
Summary
Seaweeds are extremely versatile organisms that are widely used for direct human consumption, being considered a food with high commercial value. They are currently recognized as a huge source of new untapped ingredients, many of which, with biological activity, playing a positive role on health and with great potential to be exploited for food and/or nutraceutical applications. According to Singh and Reddy [1], a wide variety of products derived from seaweeds (including food products) are industrially produced, rendering an estimated total annual value of US $5.5 to 6 billion. Mar. Drugs 2019, 17, 209; doi:10.3390/md17040209 www.mdpi.com/journal/marinedrugs.
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