Chemical Profile of Basal and Apical Sections of Seaweed (Kappaphycus sp.) Based on GC-MS Analysis and Their Potential as Aquaculture Feed Additive
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Seaweeds are recognized as valuable biomaterials rich in nutrients and bioactive metabolites with strong potential for application in sustainable aquaculture. This study aimed to characterize and compare the chemical composition of the basal and apical sections of Kappaphycus sp., which represent physiologically older and younger tissues, respectively, using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Both sections contained similar groups of compounds but at notably different concentrations, particularly carbohydrate-derived products, furan-based derivatives, and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The basal section was dominated by levoglucosan (22.75%), furfuryl alcohol (10.03%), and lauric acid (7.94), whereas the apical section exhibited higher levels of levoglucosan (40.40%) along with palmitic acid (6.47%). These compositional differences reflect the distinct metabolic functions of mature versus actively growing tissues. The identified metabolites, many of which are known for their nutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, indicate substantial potential for incorporation into aquaculture feed additive formulations. These findings provide a biochemical basis for valorising different seaweed section as functional ingredients to support health, growth performance, and sustainability in aquaculture system.
Institutions: IPB University, Hasanuddin University
Language: English
Subfield: Aquatic Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Life below water, Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7125699862