Biochemical study of attached macroalgae from the Madeira Archipelago and beach-cast macroalgae from the Canary Islands: multivariate analysis to determine bioresource potential
Nuno Nunes, Sofia Valente, S. Ferraz, Maria do Carmo Barreto, Miguel Â. A. Pinheiro de Carvalho
Abstract
Abstract Fifteen attached macroalgae from the Madeira Archipelago, comprising three green, three red and nine brown algal species, as well as two beach-cast macroalgal samples, collected along the north shore of Gran Canaria, were assessed for their biochemical properties. The analysis included the determination of total minerals, total carbohydrates, protein, lipids, chlorophyll a , total carotenoids, total phenolic content, fucoxanthin and phycobilins (allophycocyanin, phycocyanin and phycoerythrin). The results showed a high variability of biochemical composition, allowing for the targetting of specific bioresources for particular purposes, including functional foods. This work provides the foundation for a biorefinery strategy implementation plan, for which specific macroalgae may be targeted for valuable and beneficial compounds.