Lipid Characterization of Beach-Cast Seaweeds from Gran Canaria Island: Potential Use in Human and Animal Nutrition

Abstract

Macroalgal wracks can be considered unpleasant for beach users and, consequently, they are usually collected from most touristic beaches and discarded. However, seaweeds are an important source of bioactive lipid compounds, such as phospholipids, glycolipids, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), displaying multiple health-promoting properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study is to characterize the lipid composition of twelve marine seaweed species (two green, six red, and four brown species) from macroalgal wracks of Gran Canaria Island, and to evaluate their potential use for several purposes, including human and animal nutrition. Lipid content, lipid classes, and fatty acid profiles of isolated specimens from the macroalgal wracks were determined. Lipid contents ranged between 0.27 and 3.17% of dry weight, with all species showing high phytosterols proportions and balanced omega-6/omega-3 (n-6/n-3) ratios. In addition, Cymopolia barbata, Asparagopsis sp., and Hypnea spinella seem to be an attractive source of both mono- and di-galactosyl-diacylglycerols, while A. stellata, Jania sp., and Lobophora sp. are relatively rich in n-3 LC−PUFA. Finally, both green algae showed the most favorable values for the nutritional indicators of cardiovascular health promotion. Overall, the macroalgal species analyzed could be considered as interesting sources for human and animal nutrition.