New sources of phycocolloids from the Peniche Coast macro-algae invaders
Abstract/Aim
The main objective of this project consisted in the extraction of phycocolloids from an invasive alga, Asparagopsis armata, present in large scale along the Portuguese coast. At the end of this project, optimized method of extracting these phycocolloids was established, which being economical and environmentally friendly allows the production and commercial use of such products by the national industry. The biopolymers were characterized by spectroscopy and rheological properties to assess their capacity as thickeners and film-forming agents, comparing them with properties exhibited by similar commercially available products.
Keywords
Phycocolloids; Invasive Algae; Asparagopsis armata; Agar; Carrageenan
Partners
Ignition Grant | INOV.C
Coordinator
MARE-Polytechnic of Leiria: Paulo Nunes – paulo.nunes@ipleiria.pt
Funding
10 000€ | QREN :: MaisCentro :: European Union // Duration 12 months