Exploration of marine genus Chroococcidiopsis sp.: a valuable source for antioxidant industry?

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2021

Autores

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

Revista

Título: Journal of Applied Phycology

ISSN: 0921-8971

Editora: Springer Nature

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge

ISI Web of Science

Classificação Científica

CORDIS: Ciências Tecnológicas

FOS: Ciências da engenharia e tecnologias

Outras Informações

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.

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica