The green seaweed Ulva : tomorrow’s “wheat of the sea” in foods, feeds, nutrition, and biomaterials
Year: 2024
Type: review
Abstract: Ulva, a genus of green macroalgae commonly known as sea lettuce, has long been recognized for its nutritional benefits for food and feed. As the demand for sustainable food and feed sources continues to grow, so does the interest in alternative, plant-based protein sources. With its abundance along coastal waters and high protein content, Ulva spp. have emerged as promising candidates. While the use of Ulva in food and feed has its challenges, the utilization of Ulva in other industries, including in biomaterials, biostimulants, and biorefineries, has been growing. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status, challenges and opportunities associated with using Ulva in food, feed, and beyond. Drawing on the expertise of leading researchers and industry professionals, it explores the latest knowledge on Ulva’s nutritional value, processing methods, and potential benefits for human nutrition, aquaculture feeds, terrestrial feeds, biomaterials, biostimulants and biorefineries. In addition, it examines the economic feasibility of incorporating Ulva into aquafeed. Through its comprehensive and insightful analysis, including a critical review of the challenges and future research needs, this review will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable aquaculture and Ulva’s role in food, feed, biomaterials, biostimulants and beyond.
Authors: Laurie C. Hofmann, Sylvia Strauss, Muki Shpigel, Lior Guttman, Dagmar B. Stengel, Céline Rebours, Natasha Gjorgovska, Gamze Turan, Karina Balina, Gabrielle Zammit, Jessica M. M. Adams, Umair Ahsan, Angela G. Bartolo, John J. Bolton, Rosário Domingues, Ömerhan Dürrani, Orhan Tufan Eroldogan, Andreia Freitas, Alexander Golberg, Kira I. Kremer, Francisca Marques, Massimo Milia, Sophie Steinhagen, Ekin Sucu, Liliana Vargas-Murga, Shiri Zemah-Shamir, Ziv Zemah-Shamir, Antonio J. Meléndez-Martínez
Institutions: Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Hochschule Bremerhaven, Franciscus Vlietland, University of Haifa, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway, Møreforsking (Norway), Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Ege University, University of Liepāja, University of Latvia, University of Malta, Aberystwyth University, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy Üniversitesi, University of Cape Town, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Centro de Espectrometria de Massa, University of Aveiro, Karadeniz Technical University, Cukurova University, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Rede de Química e Tecnologia, LAQV Requimte, Tel Aviv University, University of Bremen, University of Cagliari, University of Gothenburg, Bursa Uludağ Üni̇versi̇tesi̇, Universitat de Girona, Reichman University, Universidad de Sevilla
Language: English
Subfield: Aquatic Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Funders: Universidade de Aveiro, European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland, Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Norges Forskningsråd, Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft, Bundesamt für Landwirtschaft, Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Marinhos, Universidade de Aveiro, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung
Awards: G1260683374, G2219685250, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, G3511004807, G3534458110, G3772420853, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, G4090066734, G4567890620, G6094164211, Verbundprojekt: Industrietaugliche Verfahrensoptimierung zur Herstellung einer nachhaltigen Verpackungslösung aus Makroalgen für den Lebensmittel-Handel (MakPakScaleUp) - Teilprojekt B, G7305958723, G7381772817, A manual for the use of sustainable marine resources – Definition of the cultivation potential and commercially relevant compounds of Sea Lettuces (Ulva spp.) along the Swedish coastline, G8094012365, G8805872440, G8921707620
OpenAlex ID: W4400459590