Chemical profiling of Ulva species for food applications: What is in a name?

Article Plant Sciences

Foliose Ulva Species Show Considerable Inter-Specific Genetic Diversity, Low Intra-Specific Genetic Variation, and the Rare Occurrence of Inter-Specific Hybrids in the Wild1

Antoine Fort et al.

Summary: The research found that there is relatively low intra-specific genetic diversity among the Ulva species, but high levels of inter-specific genetic diversity, despite similar morphologies between different strains. The use of next-generation sequencing technology detected a single inter-species hybrid between two genetically closely related species.

JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY (2021)

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Article Fisheries

European Union legislation on macroalgae products

Anu Lahteenmaki-Uutela et al.

Summary: In Europe, there are separate regulations for macroalgae-based products, including medicines, foods, and cosmetics. Product safety and consumer protection are the top priorities, while restrictions on heavy metal levels present barriers for macroalgae foods, feeds, and fertilizers.

AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Applied

Chemical profiling of the Arctic sea lettuce Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta) mass-cultivated on land under controlled conditions for food applications

Michael Y. Roleda et al.

Summary: The increasing use of seaweeds in European cuisine has led to cultivation initiatives funded by the EU. Research shows that long-term cultivation of the sea lettuce Ulva lactuca produces consistently high-quality biomass with nutritional value, providing sufficient minerals for daily dietary intake while posing low health risks from heavy metals. The nutritional value of Ulva, in terms of carbohydrates, protein, and fatty acids, is comparable to selected fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains.

FOOD CHEMISTRY (2021)

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Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

A sequencing-free assay for foliose Ulva species identification, hybrid detection and bulk biomass characterisation

Antoine Fort et al.

Summary: Sea Lettuce (Ulva spp.) has significant ecological and industrial impacts, requiring species identification through "barcoding" using Sanger sequencing. A novel "sequencing-free" method using restriction digestion enzymes targeting species-specific SNPs within the ITS1 sequence allows for accurate identification of foliose Ulva species. This method also has potential for hybrid detection and could be applied for traceability and purity assessment in commercial Ulva products.

ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS (2021)

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Correction Chemistry, Applied