| dc.description.abstract | This PhD project explored the potential for new product development in L. hyperborea
through a better understanding of the metabolic differences in the tissues and co-products available from the bespoke industrial processing method developed by Marine
Biopolymers Ltd to extract high quality alginates.
Through application of previously developed methods and the development of new
metabolomic approaches, the diversity of components present in the different co-products and tissues was established. This contributes to the paucity of knowledge
available on this seaweed and provides methods that could be applicable to other
species.
For the first time, through MS-based metabolomic analysis, this project delivered
knowledge on the complex metabolic profiles of L. hyperborea and how they differ in
its different tissues and associated co-products and over different harvest seasons.
These profiles included components previously known to be present in L. hyperborea
but also a number of novel components. In addition, a better understanding of the
carbohydrate and fatty acid composition of this industrially important seaweed was
achieved. In particular, the substantial variation in fucoidan and laminarin composition
noted between different tissues, co-products and extraction methods has not been
reported before.
In conclusion, this thesis provides novel information that contributes to our
understanding of the biology of L. hyperborea but also contributes towards the
development of new strategies for valorisation of the co-products and tissues available
from the industrial processing of this seaweed for alginate production, which may lead
to more value for the company and less wasted biomass. | en |
