Alginic acid level, its physical properties and biochemical composition of three selected brown seaweeds (Colpomenia sinuosa, Dictyota dichotoma and Iyengaria stellate) of Karachi coast, Arabian Sea
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Abstract
The global population increasing day by day means that food production needs to increase by 70% by 2050, placing pressure on the quality of food standards. If we see our earth which is 70% covered by water all types of water have algae both micro or macro. Macro algae or Seaweed are available in large quantities; they appear to be the most suitable raw material for commercial exploitation. The key objective of the present research study was to assess the brown seaweed species potential as a source of alginic acid and its physical properties (relative density and viscosity) and biochemical content (carbohydrate, ash) in species of brown seaweeds Colpomenia sinuosa, Dictyota dichotoma and Iyengaria stellate collected from the different shores of Karachi coast (Hawks Bay, Buleji and Manora). Standard methods were used for all parameters. The yield of alginic acid was recorded in Colpomenia sinuosa8.74-13.09 %, Dictyota dichotoma9.11-10.99 %, and Iyengeria stellata 8.40-10.51 %. The range of relative density of the alginic acid extracted from Colpomenia sinuosa 0.8-0.945, Dictyota dichotoma0.75-0.889 and Iyengaria stellate 0.81-0.85 whereas viscosity was in the range of 77.12-98.95 in Colpomenia sinuosa, 84.4-93.32 in Dictyota dichotoma and 79.11-93.66 in Iyengeria stellata. The maximum carbohydrate was recorded in Iyengeria stellata (29.16-39.21%), ash content in Dictyota dichotoma (24.8-30.66%), and the moisture content in Dictyota dichotoma whereas biomass was high in Colpomenia sinuosa (314.17-487.16). The study of alginic acid and their physical properties, biochemical composition, and biomass reveals their suitability to be a good source for human consumption. Further studies are necessary for the isolation and characterization of the active molecules, which can be used to treat various oxidative stress-related diseases. Alginic acid polysaccharides not only possess health benefits but can also act as a means to strengthen the economy of a country through exports and imports.
Keyword: Alginic Acid; Extraction; Karachi coast; Pheaophytes; Polysaccharides