Characterisation of the volatile profile of microalgae and cyanobacteria using solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

Microalgae and microalgae-derived ingredients are one of the top trends in the food industry. However, consumers' acceptance and purchase intention of a product will be largely affected by odour and flavour. Surprisingly, the scientific literature present a very limited number of studies on the volatile composition of microalgae and cyanobacteria. In order to fill the gap, the main objective of the present study was to elucidate the volatile composition of seven microalgal and cyanobacterial strains from marine and freshwaters, with interest for the food industry while establishing its potential impact in odour. Among the seven selected strains, Arthrospira platensis showed the highest abundance and chemical diversity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols were the families with the highest diversity of individual compounds, except in Arthrospira platensis and Scenedesmus almeriensis that showed a profile dominated by branched hydrocarbons. Marine strains presented a higher abundance of sulfur compounds than freshwater strains, while the ketones individual profile seemed to be more related to the taxonomical domain. The results of this study indicate that the VOCs composition is mainly driven by the individual strain although some volatile profile characteristics could be influenced by both environmental and taxonomical factors.

Automated summary

Microalgae and microalgae-derived ingredients are a top trend in the food industry, but consumers' acceptance and purchase intention can be influenced by odor and flavor. Surprisingly, there are limited studies on the volatile composition of microalgae and cyanobacteria. This study aimed to investigate the volatile composition of seven microalgal and cyanobacterial strains from marine and freshwater sources and understand their potential impact on odor. The results showed that the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is mainly driven by the individual strain, but can also be influenced by environmental and taxonomical factors.