Exploration of marine genus <i>Chroococcidiopsis</i> sp.: a valuable source for antioxidant industry?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

F. Xavier Malcata (Author) FEUP; J. Assunção (Author) Other; H. M. Amaro (Author) Other; G. Lopes (Author) Other; Tavares, T. (Author) FEUP; A. C. Guedes (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Applied Phycology

Vol. 33

Pages: 2169-2187

ISSN: 0921-8971

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 7 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 12 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences

FOS: Engineering and technology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-3ES

DOI: 10.1007/s10811-021-02435-x

Abstract (EN): A cyanobacterium of the genus Chroococcidiopsis has been recently unveiled to go to Mars, owing to its unique ability to stand harsh environmental conditions. Nevertheless, it has been little characterized in terms of other biotechnological applications. The aim of this study was thus to explore the biotechnological potential of Chroococcidiopsis sp. LEGE 06174, using GRAS (generally recognized as safe) solvents for the combined extraction of bioactive compounds. Due to its mucilaginous sheath, sulfuric acid, NaOH, PBS, DMSO 20%, DMSO 100%, and acetone were tested as preliminary treatment-in attempts to enhance pigment extraction. Extracts were then obtained by several series of successive extractions: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (serie A), ethanol-PBS (serie B), acetone-PBS (serie C), methanol-PBS (serie D), and acetone-methanol-PBS (serie E). Such extracts were screened for antioxidant capacity, cytotoxicity, and physicochemical characterization in terms of polysaccharides, pigments, and total phenolic compounds. Pre-treatment with PBS proved the most effective toward overall pigment extraction and dissolution of the said mucilaginous sheath. Chroococcidiopsis sp. extracts have unfolded some interesting bioactive features, particularly upon pre-treatment with PBS-i.e., high antioxidant capacity and high content in polysaccharides, scytonemin, phycobiliproteins, and phenolic compounds. The highest total pigment content was obtained in serie D, particularly carotenoids, whereas the highest level of phenolic compounds was found in serie B. All in all, Chroococcidiopsis sp. appears to constitute a significant biotechnological resource worthy of further exploitation in terms of high added-value compounds.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 19