Evaluation of the Spatial Variations in the Biochemical Composition of Seaweed Species Along the Coast of Alexandria, With a Focus on Fatty Acids and Total Amino Acids of the Prevalent Edible Species
Mona M. Ismail, José Manuel Miranda, Abeer A.M. El-Sayed
Abstract
ABSTRACT The biochemical constituents of common seaweed (16 different species) from the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, were investigated, and the fatty acid and total amino acid contents of the three most dominant dietary species were assessed. Ulva fasciata has the highest moisture content (78.0% ± 9.9% fresh weight) in El Mex Bay, whereas in Gleem, Jania rubens has the greatest ash content (28.2% ± 2.9% dry weight), and Pterocladia capillacea has a high carbohydrate content (52.5% ± 5.2% DW). A high protein content was observed in U. linza (Abu‐Qir). In general, the lipid content of most seaweeds is low, and the caloric content of the selected species is also low at ≈5 kcal/100 g, making it a viable alternative biosource of healthy food to help combat obesity. U. linza and Cladophora glomerata are distinguished by their high photosynthetic pigments. Padina boryana has the highest fucoxanthin content. The highest level (5.26% ± 0.74%) of PUFA was found only in P. capillacea , indicating that it has the best nutritional indices. P. boryana and P. capillacea presented high essential amino acid (EAA)/NEAA ratios (0.65 ± 0.35 and 0.63 ± 0.69, respectively). Lysine is the limiting amino acid in P. boryana , with a low amino acid score (AAS) (62.20% ± 0.44% ). Padina boryana and P. capillacea had EAAI values of 154% ± 0.95% and 122% ± 0.86%, respectively. Seaweed examined and their biochemical compositions, fatty acids, and total amino acids have the potential to be used in biofuel, medicine, cosmetics, and nutrition.