Changes in total nitrogen and amino acid composition of New Zealand Undaria pinnatifida with growth, location and plant parts. (1st November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, April Yongdong; Robertson, John; Hamid, Nazimah; Ma, Qianli; Lu, Jun
• Is Part Of: Food chemistry. Volume 186(2015)
• Page Start: 319
• Page End: 325
• Publication Date: 2015-11-01
• Subjects: Total nitrogen -- Amino acid -- Undaria pinnatifida -- Monthly changes -- Sporophyll -- Blade; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.06.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-8146

Abstract

Highlights: First study on total nitrogen and amino acids of New Zealand U. pinnatifida . First to show sporophyll of U. pinnatifida contains high level of protein. New Zealand U. pinnatifida contains high level and quality of protein. Total nitrogen and amino acids are subject to seasonal change. Total nitrogen and amino acids are subject to environmental change. Abstract: Undaria pinnatifida is known as unwanted organism in New Zealand. However, Wakame is a traditional food made of U. pinnatifida, which is now cultured extensively in East Asia. Therefore, it is important to examine this introduced alga as a potential source of dietary protein for human consumption in New Zealand. This study determined total nitrogen content and amino acid profile of New Zealand U. pinnatifida harvested from the Marlborough Sounds on a monthly basis from June to November 2011. Total average nitrogen content and crude protein content was 21.02 mg/g dry weight and 13.1% of dry weight, respectively. The three most abundant amino acids that contributed to flavour (glutamic acid, aspartic acid and alanine) were present and the most abundant essential amino acids were arginine, leucine, lysine and valine. The results showed that the amino acid content in blades from the exposed farm was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) than the others. Sporophyll maturation of U. pinnatifida in New Zealand influenced protein content and amino acid composition. Sporophyll, considered as a waste product by many, was found to be a potentially good source of protein.