Evaluation of the Spatial Variations in the Biochemical Composition of Seaweed Species Along the Coast of Alexandria, With a Focus on Fatty Acids and Total Amino Acids of the Prevalent Edible Species

Abstract

The biochemical constituents of common seaweed (16 different species) from the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, were investi-gated, and the fatty acid and total amino acid contents of the three most dominant dietary species were assessed. Ulva fasciatahas the highest moisture content (78.0% ± 9.9% fresh weight) in El Mex Bay, whereas in Gleem, Jania rubens has the greatestash content (28.2% ± 2.9% dry weight), and Pterocladia capillacea has a high carbohydrate content (52.5% ± 5.2% DW). A highprotein content was observed in U. linza (Abu- Qir). In general, the lipid content of most seaweeds is low, and the caloriccontent of the selected species is also low at ≈5 kcal/100 g, making it a viable alternative biosource of healthy food to helpcombat obesity. U. linza and Cladophora glomerata are distinguished by their high photosynthetic pigments. Padina boryanahas the highest fucoxanthin content. The highest level (5.26% ± 0.74%) of PUFA was found only in P. capillacea, indicatingthat it has the best nutritional indices. P. boryana and P. capillacea presented high essential amino acid (EAA)/NEAA ratios(0.65 ± 0.35 and 0.63 ± 0.69, respectively). Lysine is the limiting amino acid in P. boryana, with a low amino acid score (AAS)(62.20% ± 0.44%). Padina boryana and P. capillacea had EAAI values of 154% ± 0.95% and 122% ± 0.86%, respectively. Seaweedexamined and their biochemical compositions, fatty acids, and total amino acids have the potential to be used in biofuel, med-icine, cosmetics, and nutrition.