GC-MS based metabolomics and lipidiomics analyses of selected freshwater green macroalgae

Abstract

Background: Macroalgae are a versatile source of biological molecules. The freshwater macroalgae can be used in a number of ways. They are a useful flora of fresh water bodies. They are cost effective remedy for the mitigation of excess phosphorus, nitrogen and other harmful chemicals in industrial wastewater. Here, the methanolic extracts of three freshwater macroalgae were further fractioned based on polarity of organic solvents and they were analyzed through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results: The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomics and lipidomics identification of various fractions showed the presence of different important compounds. These includes long chain fatty acids, tepenes, ketones, alkaloids, hydrocarbons and benzene containing compounds. Several of these compounds have important medicinal and nutraceutical properties.

Conclusions: A number of useful fatty acids and other hydrocarbons were reported from these macroalgae. These lipids and hydrocarbons can be used in the production of biodiesel. This study provide a complete profiling of the various secondary metabolites present in the freshwater macroalgae Chara vulgaris; Cladophora glomerata and Spirogyra crassa.