Potential Use of Mougeotia Sp. Algae in Food Production, Based on its Carotenoid Content

Authors:
E. Muntean, V. Bercea, N. Dragos, Nicoleta Muntean

Mougeotia sp. Agardt originating from the collection of the Institute of Biological Researches Cluj Napoca proved to be a valuable source of carotenoids. High performance liquid chromatography revealed that it contains five provitamin A carotenoids: 5,6-epoxy-β-carotene, α-carotene, β-carotene, 9Z-β-carotene and 15Z-β-carotene. The chromatographic profile of this algal strain is dominated by two major carotenoids: lutein and β-caroten. Chromatographic separations were achieved using a Nucleosil 120 - 5C18 column, with a gradient involving the following mobile phases: A - acetonitrile: water = 9: 1 and