Lipidomic profiling of Mediterranean macroalgae by hyphenated chromatography-mass spectrometry and ambient ionization...

In the last decades, algae have emerged as highly promising candidates for revolutionizing food systems, being an important source of omega-3 fatty acids. Given the high complexity and diversity of lipids in macroalgae, researchers have been challenged to develop suitable analytical methodologies for the complete characterization of all lipids and isolation of omega-3 species to be used as human dietary supplements.

In this research, an "omic" approach was developed to exhaustively elucidate lipids in different species of commercial and infesting marine macroalgae by exploiting hyphenated chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques and ambient sampling/ionization mass spectrometry. In detail, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection was employed for the determination of fatty acids ethyl esters, while reversed-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry afforded both class-type separation and lipid assignment within the native lipids. Particular emphasis was placed on miniaturization and full automation of the sample preparation procedures using robotic platforms online coupled to chromatographic instrumentations. In parallel, a rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry system equipped with an electrosurgical knife was also used as shotgun technique to obtain macroalgae lipid fingerprinting. Finally, supercritical fluid chromatography was employed to isolate fatty acid ethyl esters, aiming to produce omega-3 enriched formulations.

Macroalgae appear to be sustainable alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids pursuing the objectives of the Sustainable Blue Economy and the Bio-Based Circular Economy. Significantly, the present research enhanced the valorization of marine macroalgae in the nutraceutical context, supporting their use as an effective non-animal source of essential fatty acids.