scholarly journals Microalgae as Sustainable Bio-Factories of Healthy Lipids: Evaluating Fatty Acid Content and Antioxidant Activity

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 357
Author(s):  
Tiago A. Conde ◽  
Bruna F. Neves ◽  
Daniela Couto ◽  
Tânia Melo ◽  
Bruno Neves ◽  
...  

The demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly food sources and food ingredients is increasing, and microalgae are promoted as a sustainable source of essential and bioactive lipids, with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA), comparable to those of fish. However, most FA screening studies on algae are scattered or use different methodologies, preventing a true comparison of its content between microalgae. In this work, we used gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize the FA profile of seven different commercial microalgae with biotechnological applications (Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorococcum amblystomatis, Scenedesmus obliquus, Tetraselmis chui, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Spirulina sp., and Nannochloropsis oceanica). Screening for antioxidant activity was also performed to understand the relationship between FA profile and bioactivity. Microalgae exhibited specific FA profiles with a different composition, namely in the ω-3 FA profile, but with species of the same phylum showing similar tendencies. The different lipid extracts showed similar antioxidant activities, but with a low activity of the extracts of Nannochloropsis oceanica. Overall, this study provides a direct comparison of FA profiles between microalgae species, supporting the role of these species as alternative, sustainable, and healthy sources of essential lipids.

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyesung Hwang ◽  
Young-Jun Kim ◽  
Youngjae Shin

Five Korean blueberries (’’Nelson’’, ’’Duke ’’, ’’Bluejay ’’, ’’Toro’’, and ’’Elliot ’’) were harvested at two maturity stages (unripe and ripe) to evaluate fruit quality and antioxidant activities. The Hunter L, a, and b color of ripe blueberries was lower than that of unripe fruit. Soluble solid concentration (SSC) and pH increased, and titratable acidity (TA) and firmness decreased as the blueberries matured. The ripe blueberry fruits showed a higher SSC/TA ratio than the unripe fruits. Although total anthocyanin, flavonoids, phenolics content, and antioxidant activity were higher in ripe blueberries than in unripe fruit, the unripe fruit had higher acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition activities than ripe fruit in all cultivars. Total antioxidant activity was highly correlated with total flavonoids and phenolics. The relationships between the total antioxidant activity and the AChE or BChE inhibitory activity are negative. There were several physicochemical quality and antioxidant activity differences in blueberries, depending on the cultivar and the maturity at harvest. Unripe fruits also contain potential health-promoting bioactive compounds as functional food ingredients.


Author(s):  
Mehmet Zahit Aydın ◽  
Özge Süfer ◽  
Gökhan Baktemur ◽  
Flavien Shimira ◽  
Hatıra Taşkın

In the present study, it was aimed to determine the volatile aroma composition and antioxidant activity of Maitake mushroom grown in different substrate mixtures comparatively. Five different substrate mixtures except control were prepared. Total polyphenols and antioxidant activities were specified by Folin-Ciocalteu, FRAP and DPPH methods. Furthermore, analyzes were carried out in both dried and frozen samples. Head Space Solid Phase Micro Extraction technique combined with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used in the analysis of volatile compounds. In the present study, yield was obtained only from S4 (oak sawdust + wheat stalk + bran at 1:1:1 ratios) and S5 (poplar sawdust + wheat stalk + bran at 1:1:1 ratios) growing mixtures. Therefore, the studies have been continued by comparing only these two mixtures. While the yield in S4 mixture was 55.02 g 1 kg bag-1, it was determined as 124.82 g 1 kg bag-1 in S5 mixture. DPPH analysis results of frozen and dried samples were 7.99±0.08 and 8.19±0.05 µmol TE g-1 DM (S4) and 8.07±0.09 and 8.20±0.06 µmol TE g DM-1 (S5) respectively. In volatile aroma profile analysis, 22 and 32 compounds were detected in S4 and S5, respectively. Ketones were the most found compound groups and its ratio was 68.67% in S4 and 52.37% in S5. The highest percentage among ketones was obtained from 4-nonanone and 3-octanone compounds.


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1701200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eisuke Kuraya ◽  
Rui Yamashiro ◽  
Akiko Touyama ◽  
Shina Nakada ◽  
Kenta Watanabe ◽  
...  

The essential oil of A. zerumbet, obtained from the leaves through steam distillation, has a distinct aroma and shows antioxidant activity. In this study, we evaluated the yields, antioxidant activity, and volatile compound composition of essential oils extracted from the leaves of A. zerumbet to better understand how these characteristics may vary among individual plants, and how they may differ with location of growth and season in which leaves are harvested. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that chemical composition in each individual plant was not affected by harvest season or growth area. Furthermore, GC/MS and antioxidant activity assays revealed that although the antioxidant activity and yield of these essential oils differed significantly between individual plants and collecting seasons, there was a strong inverse correlation between the yields of essential oils and their antioxidant activity. The yield, the major volatile compound compositions, the enantiomeric ratio of the few monoterpenes, and the antioxidant activities of A. zerumbet essential oil varied significantly among individual plants, and probably reflected the genetic variability within the species. This suggests the plausibility of selecting lineages of A. zerumbet to optimize future production of valuable essential oils.


Foods ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyung-Rim Yong ◽  
Yoseph Asmelash Gebru ◽  
Dae-Woon Kim ◽  
Da-Ham Kim ◽  
Hyun-Ah Han ◽  
...  

Essential oil obtained from Maclura triscuspidata fruit has been reported to have functional properties. This study aimed at determining chemical compositions and antioxidant activities of steam-distilled essential oil (SDEO) and glycosidically bound aglycone fraction (GBAF) isolated from fully ripe M. triscuspidata fruit. SDEO was isolated by simultaneous steam distillation and extraction (SDE). GBAF was prepared by Amberlite XAD-2 adsorption of methanol extract, followed by methanol elution and enzymatic hydrolysis. Both fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 76 constituents were identified from both oils. Apart from fatty acids and their esters, the SDEO contained p-cresol in the highest concentration (383.5 ± 17.7), followed by δ-cadinene (147.7 ± 7.7), β-caryophyllene (145.7 ± 10.5), β-ionone (141.0 ± 4.5), n-nonanal (140.3 ± 20.5), theaspirane A (121.3 ± 4.5) and theaspirane B (99.67 ± 9.05 µg/g). Thirteen carotenoid-derived compounds identified in the SDEO are being isolated from M. triscuspidata fruit for the first time. Out of the 22 components identified in GBAF, 14 were present only in the glycosidically bound volatiles. Antioxidant activity of the GBAF was higher than that of SDEO. These results suggest that glycosidically bound volatiles of M. triscuspidata fruit have a good potential as natural antioxidants.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 414-424
Author(s):  
Amira Zaïri ◽  
Sahar Nouir ◽  
Mohamed A. Khalifa ◽  
Bouraoui Ouni ◽  
Houda Haddad ◽  
...  

Background: The plant species Thymus algeriensis (TA); Thymus capitatus (TC) and Rosmarinus officinalis (RO), are widely used in traditional medicine in Tunisia. The bioactivities of their essential oils have been also reported previously. The main objective of this work was to assess the phytochemical composition, the antioxidant activity, cytotoxic potential and the antibacterial, antifungal, of the essential oil (EO) of these plants. Methods: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify and quantify the constituents of the tested EO, chemical tests and spectrophotometric methods were used for antioxidant activities and for the screening, the quantification of phytochemicals. The cytotoxic potential of the EO was checked using HCT 116 cultures. Extracts were evaluated for their antibacterial potential by the microdilution method. Antifungal activities were tested using the Poisoned food method against: Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. Results: The EO of tested plants presented several components, mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Results revealed that T. capitatus EO is not toxic comparing to the other tested samples. Phenolic compounds were detected and this EO showed excellent antioxidant activity presenting dose dependent relationship. Regarding antimicrobial activity, T. capitatus EO, also had the highest inhibition against all tested bacteria and fungi. Conclusions: This study showed the importance of the bioactivities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, and safety potential) of EOs of the plant species TC, RO, and TA used in traditional medicine.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Sherratt ◽  
Peter Libby ◽  
Deepak L Bhatt ◽  
Preston Mason

Background: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid (O3FA), reduces oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in patients with hypertriglyceridemia, an effect that may contribute to lower cardiovascular (CV) events as reported in the REDUCE-IT trial. By contrast, DHA-containing products have failed to show a reduction in CV events, which may be due, in part, to differences in antioxidant activity. We compared the effects of EPA versus DHA and a mixed O3FA (EPA/DHA) supplement on oxidation of human LDL in vitro . Methods: LDL was isolated from human plasma by isopycnic centrifugation, separated into test samples of 100 μg/mL, and incubated at 37°C for 30 min in the absence (vehicle) or presence of EPA, DHA, or mixed O3FA supplement at equimolar levels (2.5 μM). All samples were then subjected to copper-induced oxidation (20 μM) as measured by formation of malondialdehyde (MDA). The FA content of the O3FA supplement was measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results: EPA significantly inhibited LDL oxidation in a time-dependent manner compared with vehicle; after 4 hours, EPA inhibited MDA levels by 96% compared with the vehicle oxidation level (0.51 ± 0.01 vs 11.4 ± 0.4 μM; p <0.001). While DHA exhibited antioxidant activity at 2 hours at a level below EPA (2.5 ± 0.1 vs 11.4 ± 0.4; p <0.001), even this level of activity was lost by 4 hours. The mixed O3FA supplement failed to show any antioxidant activity through 4 hours (11.4 ± 0.5 μM). Fatty acid analysis showed that the O3FA supplement, in addition to EPA and DHA, contained more than 30 other fatty acids, including saturated fats, that may have nullified any potential benefits. Conclusions: These data support potent LDL antioxidant effects of EPA that were sustained over time compared with DHA, which had a weaker, transient effect, or a mixed O3FA supplement, which had no beneficial effect at all. This potent antioxidant mechanism of EPA may contribute to reduced CV risks seen in REDUCE-IT compared with negative findings from trials using DHA-containing formulations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mampolelo M. Photolo ◽  
Vuyo Mavumengwana ◽  
Lungile Sitole ◽  
Matsobane G. Tlou

This study reports on the isolation and identification of Methylobacterium radiotolerans MAMP 4754 from the seeds of the medicinal plant, Combretum erythrophyllum, for the purposes of investigating antimicrobial and antioxidant activities from this endophyte. The strain identity was confirmed by 16S rRNA-based phylogeny and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Ethyl acetate and chloroform (1 : 1 v/v) extracts from the endophyte were tested for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity on a total of 7 bacterial species (3 Gram-positive and 4 Gram-negative) using the standard Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) protocol and Quantitative Radical Scavenging activity using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively. The MICs were recorded at 250 μg/mL for B. subtilis ATCC 19659, B. cereus ATCC 1076, E. coli ATCC1053, and 62.5 μg/mL for K. oxytoca ATCC 13182 and M. smegmatis ATCC 21293, while an IC50 of 5.65 μg/mL was recorded with the DPPH assay. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, and steroids. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed the presence of 9-octadecene, 2,4-dinitrophenyl acetate, and 2(5H)-furanone, which have been previously reported for the targeted activities. M. radiotolerans MAMP 4754 tested positive for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and this is linked to the production of plant-derived secondary metabolites by this strain.


Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 353
Author(s):  
Samia Dabbou ◽  
Karima Lahbib ◽  
Gaetano Pandino ◽  
Sihem Dabbou ◽  
Sara Lombardo

Portulaca oleracea L., commonly known as purslane, is a weed with worldwide distribution and considerable medicinal uses due to its high levels of phytochemical compounds. However, until now, few studies have been conducted on the biochemical characterization of P. oleracea grown in Tunisia, a possible area of its origin as other North African countries. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of leaves and stems from a Tunisian spontaneous population of purslane. Particularly, samples were analyzed for their proximate composition, pigments, and volatiles, whereas ethanolic and aqueous extracts were evaluated for their composition in phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activities. Stems showed higher content of moisture (89.9%) and anthocyanins (4.61 µg g−1 dry matter, DM), whereas leaves revealed higher chlorophyll concentrations (7.42 mg g−1 DM). Significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities (p < 0.05) were obtained in ethanolic extracts, compared with water extracts, irrespective of the analyzed plant part. A high antioxidant activity of stems was obtained, especially when extracted with ethanol. Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses revealed six volatile classes with monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, and non-terpene derivatives as the highly represented compounds. Limonene (17.3–32.2%), carvone (38–46%), 2,6-dimethylcyclohexanol (2.2–6.4%), and nonanal (3.4–3.8%) were the most abundant volatiles. Based on the results of the present study, Tunisian purslane should deserve major consideration as an edible vegetable due to its richness in phytochemical compounds and, hence, for its potential health effects.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 2210
Author(s):  
Leila Soua ◽  
Mohamed Koubaa ◽  
Francisco J. Barba ◽  
Jawhar Fakhfakh ◽  
Hanen Kolsi Ghamgui ◽  
...  

In this study, the physicochemical characterization, functional properties, and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides extracted from Ephedra alata (EAP) were investigated. EAP were extracted in water during 3 h with a liquid/solid ratio of 5 in a water bath at 90 °C. The structure of the extracted EAP was examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The functional properties and biochemical activities of EAP were determined. The chemical analysis revealed that the contents of carbohydrates, uronic acid, and proteins were 73.24% ± 1.24%, 6.82% ± 0.57%, and 6.56% ± 0.36%, respectively. The results showed that the extracted EAP essentially contain three functional groups: C=O, C-H, and O-H. SEM images showed that EAP present numerous high porosity particles. The monosaccharide composition revealed a polymer composed of glucose (43.1%), galactose (36.4%), mannose (14.9%), arabinose (3.7%), and gluconic acid (1.7%). EAP showed interesting functional properties (solubility, oil holding capacity, foaming and emulsion properties). Finally, the results revealed that EAP displayed excellent antihypertensive and antioxidant activities. Overall, EAP present a promising natural source of food additives, antioxidants, and antihypertensive agents.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Goldson Barnaby ◽  
Raymond Reid ◽  
Vaughn Rattray ◽  
Ruth Williams ◽  
Marcel Denny

Delonix regiaandCassia fistulaseed extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant activity, total phenolics, ash, zinc and fatty acid content. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to assess the chemical functionalities present within the seeds. Antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. Total phenolics were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Lipid extracts were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Zinc concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Extracts from the seeds ofC. fistulahad a higher antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging activity, and phenolic content thanD. regia. FTIR revealed that the seeds are a rich source of protein with small quantities of fat.C. fistulaextracts contained a higher percentage of total fat thanD. regia. Palmitic acid was identified as the predominant saturated fatty acid in both extracts. Oleic acid and linoleic acid were identified in smaller quantities. Seed extracts may be considered for use in food and nutraceutical applications.


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