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Analysis of Fatty Acid Content and Composition in Microalgae
Published on: October 1, 2013
Marine macroalgae as sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids
M L Colombo1, P Risè, F Giavarini
1Department of Science and Drug Technology, School of Pharmacy, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy. maria.colombo@unito.it
Abstract:
Algae from cold water (Canada) and warm water (China) were analysed for the total lipid content, and for their fatty acid (FA) composition and content. The major findings are that fatty acids (FA) from Canadian algae are generally richer in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), with a higher n-3/n-6 FA ratio, and a higher degree of total unsaturation. The C 18:4 FA (stearidonic acid, morotic acid as synonym) was detected in greater amounts in cold water samples. The high levels of total PUFA, and especially of n-3 FA in Canadian algae, suggests possible utilization for nutritional purposes.
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