Optimizing antioxidant activity in Agarophyton vermiculophyllum for functional packaging

The value of macroalgae in a healthy human diet is becoming increasingly recognized and supported throughout Europe. Macroalgae provide rich source vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids, antioxidants that also support the functionality other industries, including cosmeceuticals, pharmaceuticals, more recently, packaging. Sustainable aquaculture will be necessary to supply increasing demand for as functional material, considering natural harvests are limited cannot keep up with demand. Different methods can used cultivate macroalgae, flow-through systems or recirculating (RAS) artificial seawater. latter provides strict control over growth conditions water quality order high traceable product. Additionally, environmental such salinity, temperature, light modified optimize concentration ingredients macroalgae. While most research efforts have focused on seasonal geographic trends concentrations wild there less information available optimizing these aquaculture. Therefore, we performed controlled experiments activity Agarophyton vermiculophyllum (Ohmi) Gurgel, J.N.Norris et Fredericq comb. nov. (formerly Gracilaria vermiculophylla) grown RAS seawater commercial fertilizer. We show free radical scavenging could increased by 13% via 34% intensity, but not daily dose, period 7 days. monitored rates maximum quantum yield photosystem II (Fv/Fm) antioxidant optimal photosynthesis. therefore suggest an optimization 4–7 days exposure 6:18 hour light:dark cycle prior harvesting increase activity.