Abstract :
The objective of the present study is to evaluate the fatty acid, mineral and vitamin compositions of a marine red
alga Laurencia papillosa collected from the South East Coast of India in order to assess its nutritional quality to
use it as animal feed. Crude lipid was extracted and the fatty acid compositions were evaluated by Gas
chromatography. Ash content was estimated by incinerating the alga in muffle furnace and the mineral
compositions were evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Vitamin compositions were evaluated
using the HPLC system. The outcomes demonstrate that Laurencia papillosa contained nine fatty acids ranged
from 0.18 ± 0.04 to 9.51 ± 0.19 (mg/g DW). Unsaturated fatty acid contained around 45% and saturated fatty
acids constituted 55% of the total fatty acids. Among unsaturated fatty acid, the level of PUFAs was observed to
be 39.25%. Macro mineral contents were in the order of Na> Mg> C> K and trace elements were in the order of
Zn> Fe> Cu. Further, Laurencia papillosa contained seven vitamins, of which vitamin-C was observed to be
higher in content. The potential nutritional values of Laurencia papillosa were found in the present evaluation
confirm its sustenance value for animals including humans in terms of nutrients.
Key words: Fatty acids, Vitamins, Minerals, Marine red alga, Laurencia papillosa
Keyword :
Fatty acids, Vitamins, Minerals, Marine red alga, Laurencia papillosa