Author(s): Mouga, Teresa ; Almeida, Mariana M. ; Pitacas, Filipa Inês ; Rodrigues, António Moitinho ; Vitória, Cláudia ; Anjos, Ofélia
Date: 2025
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/12891
Origin: IC-online
Subject(s): proximal composition; mineral content; nutritional profile; FT-NIR; FTIR-ATR; FT-RAMAN
Macroalgae are rich in bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic appli cations, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nutritional properties. In this study, the biochemical composition of three seaweed species—Ulva sp., Gracilaria multipartita, and Sargassum muticum—was analysed, focusing on their mineral content and macronu trient profile. The ash, protein, fibre, lipid, and carbohydrate contents ranged from (dw) 26.56 to 33.53 g/100 g, 10.13 to 18.43 g/100 g, 0.11 to 0.19 g/100 g, 5.83 to 10.88 g/100 g, and 42.48 to 53.27 g/100 g, respectively. The findings indicate that the species studied are excellent sources of essential minerals, particularly magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and trace elements, such as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. Sargassum muticum exhibited the highest mineral content and thus holds significant promise for further ex ploration in biomedical and therapeutic contexts. FTIR, FT-RAMAN, and FT-NIR analysis highlight the presence of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, including cell wall phycocolloids, and phenolic compounds. These results underscore the potential of macroalgae as natural sources of bioactive compounds for health-related applications, highlighting their value beyond traditional dietary supplementation.
