A preliminary determination of crude proteins from Sri Lankan seaweeds a novel alternative source of proteins

Abstract

Recenijy. the global demand for proteins is increasing with pc-puiation growth. Although Seaweeds are often promoted for their poJysaccharides. they demonstrate higher protein contents even more diansome tenesirial plants. Tlierefore. applicatioG of protein extracts will be a vahie addition. Tins studywas earned out to determine seaweed protems and the protem profile o f selected seaweed species of Sri Lanka. Initially, crude protem contents of seaweeds harvested from the same geographical Location were evaluated. Naairiily grown Turbinari ncmaia (Pkaeophyti?, Graciiaria salicornia CRhodopliYta), Cauhrpa ientihfera (ChJorpJiyta) and a cultivated variety Kappaphycia aherezii (Rliodophyta) were col Leered from Jaffiia in December 2019 and ilieix crude protein confects were determined. For the analysis. freshJy harvested seaweeds were washed oven dried (if 60 PC), powdered and sieved to obtain similar partible size and were preserved in airtd it containers at room temperature. After drying, yield was reduce d nearly 10 tnnes of tlie fresh samples. The crude protem content (“-'o') and moisture content {%) of die above seaweeds o& dry weight b asis were S-. 1.5 56 ± 0.0 05 9.9.6193 ± 0.0119. 14.511 = 0.009,10.528 ± 0.0653 (protem content) and 5.52 = 0.01, 9.09 ± 0.05. 8 74 ± 0.03^ 9.33 ± 0.04 {moisture content), respectively. The results revealed that the crude1 protem content of seaweed species varied as. Caulerpa ienrilifera- Kappaphycvs alverzzii:-- Gracilnria salicomia.- Turbmarin ornaia. In addition, the de-ermiiiation of the soluble protein: and the protem profiles of the above seaweeds ire in progress