Improving fermentation of Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta silages with additives for preserving biomass and antioxidants

Abstract Rapid deterioration of harvested macroalgal biomass is a challenge for industry and can be overcome with the inexpensive ensiling preservation. To improve silage quality, Saccharina latissima Alaria esculenta was subjected to conditions following 2 × 4 factorial design, prewilting treatments (no-prewilting prewilted 300 g DM kg ?1 fresh biomass) additive (no additive, formic acid, single two species Lactobacillus inoculant), ensiled 3 or 12 months at 15 °C. Acetate main fermentation product in these seaweed silages. Prewilting reduced acetate, mannitol, NH content In S. silages without additives, led less acidification (pH = 5.7). Also, caused protein phlorotannin degradation. When treated pH below regardless biomass’s moisture content. The use spp. inoculants essential lactate production silages, it significantly lowered A. compared no additives. A high level preserved (> 90%) 3-month prewilting. However, major reduction antioxidant activity observed 12-month both species. conclusion, viable method preserving biomass. restricted fermentation, acid bacterial additives facilitated acidification. there clear benefit activity.