Biochemical Analysis of Seaweed Using Chromatography and Gel Electrophoresis

Authors: Rukaiya Mustafizu, Naomi Paauwe, Rafaël Krugmann and Luuk Hendriks.

Department of Technology Water Environment

Introduction Results
Seaweed, a valuable marine resource rich in bioactive compounds, holds immense
potential for food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. In this study, we investigate
fermented seaweed, a sample provided for analysis. Fermentation is a process where
microorganisms break down organic matter, potentially enhancing the bioavailability of
nutrients and bioactive compounds in seaweed. Our analysis, utilizing chromatography and
gel electrophoresis, aims to explore the impact of fermentation on the organic acids, lipids,
and phycobilins present in seaweed. By studying these components in fermented seaweed,
we seek to understand how this process may influence the biochemistry and applications of
seaweed in various industries. This research contributes to our knowledge of fermented
seaweed and its potential benefits in nutrition, medicine, and beyond.By studying these
components in fermented seaweed, we seek to answer the research question: "How does
fermentation affect the composition and yield efficiency of organic acids in seaweed,
comparing fermented and non-fermented seaweed samples?" oxalic acid is hidden in a peak mess, it is probably present in the sample, but not quantifiable
-glucuronic acid is probably present in the sample, but in such small amounts that it is hidden in the peak mess
Methodology -Lactic acid is present in the sample. In the fermentation process lactic acid is made. It resulted in 1879 ppm lactic acid.
Sample -Acetic acid is present in the sample in small quantities. It resulted in 237,0 ppm
Preparation
From right to left. Standard, palmata 1(c&d), palmata 2 (c&d),
turu turu 1 (c&d), turu turu 2 (c&d), ladder, empty, empty,
Organic Acid palmaria 3 (r&r), palmaria 4 (r&r). No sample results and even
Extraction then, only a very dim standard result.

Lipid TLC
GC and HPLC
Extraction Analysis
Analysis

Native Analy
Phyco PAGE sis
Gel and
bilin
Electro Interpr
Extract
phoresi etatio
ion
s n

Note- sample measured is palmaria palmata, this algae contains 0.09 ug/g to 0.32ug/g of phycobilin’s (Ekaterina Dobychina, 2020),
Turuturu has an phycobilin content of about 3.6mg/g. this explains why palmata doesn’t give any noticeable peak (Gabriela Kovaleski,
2022).

The data of phycobilin’s is borrowed from Daphne and Isabel. It concluded in 0,7175 mg/g phycocyanin and 1,421mg/g
phycoerythrin which is roughly 2.14 mg/g of phycobilin’s in turuturu.

Gc results failed. no peaks showed up in the sample above an intensity of 30 and the calibration curve was not able to be
succesfully made. It probably needs a redo if we are to use it on the poster (still needs to check with other groups to verify if the
sample results are due to our own negligence or cause of the sample quality). This verification can be done tomorrow during the
poster review

Discussion
References Using HPLC to analyze the fermentation on Palmaria Palmata a clear effect was seen. There was a spike in lactic acid in the
1. Brown, D., et al. (2020). Fermentation Processes in Seaweed: sample that indicated that a fermentation process has occurred in an attempt to breakdown the algae’s cell wall.
Implications for Nutrient Content. Journal of Marine Science,
15(4), 78-91.
2. Ekaterina Dobychina, I. R. (2020, January 15). Seasonal
Changes in the Concentration of Photosynthetic Pigments
Conclusion
Palmaria palmata (Linnaeus) F. Weber & D. Mohr. Retrieved
from Knowledge E: https://knepublishing.com/index.php/KnE- Fermentation has little effect on the phycobilin content of the palmaria palmata, because there is little to no phycobilin to begin
Life/article/view/6170/11566 with and the effect on organic acids is unknown due to no non-fermented sample being available. However, the fermentation of
3. Gabriela Kovaleski, M. K. (2022, December 1). Extraction and Grateloupia Turuturu could have a measurable effect since this algae has roughly 1000 times more phycobilin. If your purpose
purification of phycobiliproteins from algae and their
is to characterize and analyze phycobilin’s it is recommended to us Turuturu instead of Palmata.
applications. Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology
Information:
For the HPLC it is recommended to include more standards. A wider range of standards could help identify the presence of
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9752866/ oxalic acid if necessary and the method should be adjusted accordingly. (J. A. Gallagher, 2020)