Characterization of Various Aspects of Floridean Starch Extracted from Red Algae
學生姓名:
盛美麗
指導教授:
宋文杰
學期:
114下
摘 要:
Red algae are popular for producing commercially valuable polysaccharides such as agar and carrageenan. However, another compound that is often overlooked due to its low content in seaweed is called floridean starch (FS). Recent studies have explored the diverse immunomodulatory effects, biosynthetic mechanisms, and application of FS from different species. At the metabolic level, a study on Neoporphyra haitanensis showed that the expression of genes involved in FS biosynthesis and certain catabolic pathways is significantly upregulated under continuous dark conditions. Where overall FS content remains stable, indicating a highly regulated balance between synthesis and degradation to maintain carbon storage during environmental stress. FS extracted from Grateloupia filicina was tested for its immunomodulatory effects and demonstrated the ability to significantly activate macrophages, rapidly increasing nitric oxide (NO) release and cytokine secretion, including IL-6 and TNF-α. In vitro digestion study reveals a high proportion of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) at 40.43%, which facilitates rapid, persistent glucose release, reaching 499.7 mg/g over 180 minutes of pancreatic digestion, suggesting its ability to sustain a carbohydrate source. Separately, FS extracted from Gracilaria salicornia was utilized to create microbial inoculum complex (MIC) beads. These FS-based beads were encapsulated with agriculturally significant microbes to support plant growth. Characterization of the FS from G. salicornia in this study indicates relatively strong gel formation and a comparatively low gelling temperature, suggesting potential as a fast-gelling compound suitable for structural reinforcement compounds in the beads.
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