Unraveling the Biotechnological Potential of Red Seaweed (Rhodophyta, Florideophyceae) in Culture

The global demand for sustainable protein sources has led to increased interest in macroalgae, particularly red seaweed, due to their rich nutritional content and bioactive compounds, which translates into a wide range of biotechnological applications. This study compares the biochemical profiles, specifically pigments and proteins, as well as antioxidant activity, of four red seaweed species, namely Nitophyllum punctatum, Chondria coerulescens, Plocamium cartilagineum and Sphaerococcus coronopifolius. The aim was to compare wild and cultivated biomasses to identify optimal cultivation strategies for maximizing their value. The results show that culture conditions have a significant impact on pigment and protein content, as well as antioxidant potential, for all species. While all cultured species showed increased protein content, specific responses in pigment production and antioxidant activity were clearly species-dependent. These results highlight the specific culture conditions required to produce pigments or antioxidant activities on a species-by-species basis. As these four red seaweed species remain relatively underexplored, further targeted research is required to refine cultivation methods and enhance our understanding of their biotechnological value.