Screening for alternative sources of seaweed polysaccharides in Argentina: potentials of the agarophyte Gelidium crinale.

CROCE, M.E.; VILLAR, M.; PARODI, E.R.

Sydney

Congreso; 5th Congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology.; 2014

International Phycological Society

During the 90?s Argentina contributed with 10 % of the agarophyte seaweeds exploited worldwide. The present status of this industry in Argentina is not enthusiastic since Gracilaria native populations are decreasing, therefore the selection of alternative species is essential to reinforce the resource. In this study Gelidium crinale was evaluated as an unexploited source of agar. The aims of this study were to determine yield and composition of polysaccharides of Gelidium crinale and to evaluate its potential for culture. G. crinale was collected in Anegada Bay (Argentina). Polysaccharides were extracted in three conditions: acid treatment + pressure boiled (AP), water treatment + pressure boiled (WP) and water treatment + boiled (WB). In addition, in vitro culture of apical sections was assessed. Relative growth rates (RGR) were calculated and data were analyzed through repeated measures. The highest yield (30 %) was obtained in WP conditions, while lowest was obtained in WB conditions. Average explants duplicated their size after six weeks in culture and the highest RGR was 11.8 %. Explants produced numerous proliferations after seven days in culture. Polysaccharides obtained in the three conditions were highly gelified. Pressure boiled extractions were the most effective while acid treatment did not enhance the extraction of polysaccharides. RGR of explants was high as well as RGR of proliferations. Proliferation production showed no polarity, however explants achieved high structural complexity. The results obtained suggest that G. crinale constitutes a potential resource to reinforce agar industry in Argentina, increasing its availability by culturing through micropropagation techniques.