Microalgae as a New Source of Oxylipins: A Comprehensive LC-MS-Based Analysis Using Conventional and Green Extraction...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Marine Biology
• Lipidomics

Background:

• Microalgae are rich sources of essential lipids, including omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).
• Limited data exist on microalgal oxylipin profiles and the influence of extraction methods on these compounds.
• Oxylipins are bioactive lipid metabolites with potential health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the fatty acid and oxylipin profiles of four microalgal species: *Microchloropsis gaditana*, *Tisochrysis lutea*, *Phaeodactylum tricornutum*, and *Porphyridium cruentum*.
• To evaluate the impact of extraction methods, focusing on a greener ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using ethanol, compared to the conventional Folch method.
• To provide comprehensive oxylipin characterization for these microalgae.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with ethanol and the conventional Folch method were employed for lipid extraction.
• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the characterization of fatty acids and oxylipins.
• Quantification and identification of 68 distinct oxylipins derived from n-3 and n-6 PUFA.

Main Results:

• The UAE method demonstrated comparable oxylipin profiles and yields to the Folch method, indicating its viability as a greener alternative.
• Significant concentrations of n-3 derived oxylipins were detected in *P. tricornutum* and *T. lutea*.
• The highest concentrations of n-6 derived oxylipins were observed in *P. cruentum*.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the most extensive oxylipin characterization to date for the investigated microalgae species.
• Greener extraction methods like UAE are effective for analyzing microalgal oxylipins.
• Further research into the biological significance and applications of microalgal oxylipins is warranted.