Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Analysis of Fatty Acid Content and Composition in Microalgae
Published on: October 1, 2013
Evaluation of the volatile composition and sensory properties of five species of microalgae
Jim Van Durme1, Koen Goiris, Ann De Winne
1Research Group Molecular Odor Chemistry, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Cluster Food and Biotechnology, KU Leuven Campus Ghent , Technology Campus, Gebroeders De Smetstraat 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
Due to their high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and proteins, microalgae hold a lot of potential for nutritional applications. When microalgae are integrated into foodstuffs, the aroma is an important aspect to consider. In this study the aroma properties of microalgae were studied by correlating data on the volatile composition with sensory evaluations. Four species of marine microalgae ( Botryococcus braunii, , Rhodomonas , Tetraselmis species, and Nannochloropsis oculata ) and one fresh water microalga ( Chlorella vulgaris ) were investigated. Multivariate data processing revealed that microalgal samples having a seafood-like odor character contain high levels of sulfuric compounds (dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, and methional), diketones, α-ionone, and β-ionone. Fresh green, fruity flavors were linked with typical aldehydes such as 2,4-alkadienals and 2,4,6-alkatrienals. The presence of these compounds in fresh microalga pastes is explained by aroma formation mechanisms such as enzymatic lipid oxidation, enzymatic and chemical degradation of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (generating dimethyl sulfide), phenylalanine (generating benzaldehyde), and carotenoids (generating ionones).
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Algae
Biofuels
Other Algae
Green Algae
Red Algae

