Red Seaweeds as a Source of Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds: Optimization of the Extraction

The present work aimed to determine the nutritional composition (ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate content and energy value), phenolic compounds, pigments organic acids of three typical red algae from Northwest Spain: Chondrus crispus, Mastocarpus stellatus, Gigartina pistillata; as well their antioxidant antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, compared two extraction techniques: conventional heat assisted (HAE) high pressure (HPAE) maximize yield concentration target compounds. Different independent variables were considered for response study. Time (t) percentage ethanol solvent (S) chosen both techniques temperature (T) (P) used HAE HPAE, respectively. experiments designed following a surface methodology (RSM) approach. obtained results showed similar between samples: low-fat proteins, carbohydrates energy. All tested good properties. Finally, HEA demonstrated be most efficient technique. This study confirms potential part human diet source non-animal due its content, profile, bioactive properties, which proves that is optimum technique maximization.