Evaluation of Biochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity of Pterocladiella capillacea Algae

Red macroalgae are the basis of many commercially important food, pharmaceutical and other important industries. Research on these species has generally focused on improving seaweed cultivation, developing new methods to extract useful compounds or identifying new applications. In our study, the biochemical contents (total protein, carbohydrate and total phenolic substance) of Pterocladiella capillacea algae collected from the Black Sea were determined. In addition, antioxidant activity of P. capillacea species extracted by Soxhlet and ultrasonic-assisted maceration methods was investigated using 2 different methods (DPPH scavenging and iron reduction). The carbohydrate value of P. capillacea dry biomass was determined as 42% and protein value as 17%. In our study, where the effect of the extraction method on antioxidant activity and total phenolic substance was evaluated, it was determined that the Soxhlet method was more effective in total phenolic substance and iron reduction tests, while the ultrasonic-assisted maceration method was more effective in DPPH scavenging activity. In conclusion, the high carbohydrate content of P. capillacea species collected from the Black Sea (Türkiye) coasts and its potential use as a source of bioactive compounds causing antioxidant activity were highlighted.