Optimization of the rope seeding method and biochemical characterization of the brown seaweed Asperococcus ensiformis

The consumption of seaweed has grown notably due to its use in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, as well as organic fertilizers and biofuel, among others. Species of Asperococcus have antioxidant and antitumor properties and synthesize abundant amounts of fucoidans with important anticoagulant properties. In this study, the biochemical characterization of the A. ensiformis sporophytes was performed: organic matter, alginates, fucoidans, total carbohydrates and proteins content, pigments, polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Also, its life cycle was described and the best culture conditions were identified to optimize the hatchery phase. Three incubation temperatures 8, 12 and 16 °C and six nutrient concentrations were evaluated: three with Provasoli culture medium (PES) and three with PES + Kelpak® (a commercial biostimulant based on algae). Asperococcus ensiformis presented a heteromorphic life cycle, alternating between microscopical branched filaments (gametophytic phase) and an erect macroscopic stage (sporophytic phase). The biochemical composition of the A. ensiformis sporophytes showed a relatively low carbohydrate and protein content, but a high yield of alginates and fucoidans, and high polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. In the culture assays, the highest survival and colonization on seed-rope of gametophytes were achieved at 12 °C and high PES concentrations. The colonization of sporophytes on the seed-ropes at the end of the experiment was similar at the different temperatures, but the highest survival and growth were at 8 °C and low PES and PES + Kelpak® concentrations. This study emphasizes the need to analyze the industrial potential of A. ensiformis, through its biochemical characterization and optimization of crops, using different temperatures and traditional nutrients, as well as biostimulants based on seaweeds.

Fil: Poza, Ailen Melisa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca; Argentina

Fil: Fernández, Carolina. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Dirección General de Cultura y Educación. Universidad Provincial del Sudoeste. Centro de Emprendedorismo y Desarrollo Territorial Sustentable; Argentina. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina. Universidad Provincial del Sudoeste; Argentina

Fil: Latour, Ezequiel A.. Grupo de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnologico En Acuicultura y Pesca. - Universidad Tecnologica Nacional. Facultad Regional Chubut. Grupo de Investigacion y Desarrollo Tecnologico En Acuicultura y Pesca.; Argentina

Fil: Raffo, María Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina

Fil: Dellatorre, Fernando Gaspar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina. Grupo de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnologico En Acuicultura y Pesca. - Universidad Tecnologica Nacional. Facultad Regional Chubut. Grupo de Investigacion y Desarrollo Tecnologico En Acuicultura y Pesca.; Argentina

Fil: Parodi, Elisa Rosalia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca; Argentina

Fil: Gauna, Maria Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca; Argentina