Abundance and Distribution of Fatty Acids in Sediments of the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Sediment samples obtained from the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge were studies by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer(GC-MS) for the abundance and distributions of total fatty acids(TFAs). Approximately 34 fatty acids were identified, with the chain-lengths ranging from C12 to C30. The total concentrations of TFAs(∑TFA) ranged from 7.15 to 30.09 μg g-1 dry sediment, and ∑TFA was weakly correlated with bitumen content(R2 = 0.69). The ∑TFA of samples around hydrothermal areas were significantly higher than that of samples away from hydrothermal areas, indicating intense primary production and large biomass in the hydrothermal areas, and suggesting a close relationship between hydrothermal activity and ∑TFA of samples. The characteristics of the TFA composition in the present study are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and lacking in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the ratios between the concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids and ΣTFAs in samples close to the hydrothermal areas, are about 0.8, but for samples far from the hydrothermal areas, they are only about 0.5. Several fatty acids(e.g., a/i C15:0 and C16:1ω7), which are signature biomarkers for sulfur-metabolizing bacteria, show the same distribution trend as ∑TFA of samples, further highlighting the close relationship between fatty acid content and hydrothermal activity and/or hydrothermal communities. The metabolic activities of hydrothermal communities, especially those of microorganisms, are likely the main source of fatty acids in samples.     

Purification of a Diatom and Its Identification to Cylindrotheca closterium

A diatom was purified with colony selection and continuous dilution methods. It was identified to Cylindrotheca closterium according to its morphological characteristics and rbc L and 18 s r RNA gene sequences. The alga was not sensitive to ampicillin and neomycin, but sensitive to chloramphenicol which inhibited its growth at concentrations ranging from 50 to 150 μg m L-1. The purified alga was easy to culture and its specific growth rate was 0.207 ± 0.002(d-1). It was resistant to pollution and could be harvested in an easy way. It was relatively high in lipid content(20.08% ± 0.67% of dry weight) and the combined amount of its 16:0 and 16:1(n-7), the most suitable resource of biodiesel, was as high as 64% of the total fatty acids, while the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids reached 19.96%–20% of the total fatty acids. Thus the purified C. closterium can be cultured as a biodiesel producer or a nutrition supplement producer.     

Toxicity and Accumulation of Selenite in Four Microalgae

The toxicity and bioaccumulation of selenite in four microalgae, Spirulina platensis,Dunaliella salina, DunalieUa bardawill and Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultured in the presence of selenite were investigated. Lower concentrations of selenite were generally nontoxic and frequently stimulated algal growth, while higher concentrations of selenite inhibited algal growth. Selenite was more toxic to D. salina and D. bardawill than to S. platensis and P. tricornutum. All algae cultured in selenite were able to incorporate Se to different degrees, which depended on algal species. The distributions of selenite among intracellular macromolecular compounds were different among algal species : most of the selenite was associated with proteins in S. platensis, D. salina and D. bardawill, while most of the selenite was associated with lipids in P. tricornutum, which reflected the physiological differences among the algae. These observations suggest that algae are able to accumulate selenite and bind it with intracell~ar macromolecular compounds when exposed to high concentration of selenite. This may represent a form of storage or detoxification of selenite by the algae.     

The effects of season on fatty acid composition and ω3/ω6 ratios of northern pike(Esox lucius L.,1758) muscle lipids

In the present study,the effects of season on fatty acid composition,total lipids,and ω3/ω6ratios of northern pike muscle lipids in Kizilirmak River(Kirikkale,Turkey) were investigated.A total of 35 different fatty acids were determined in gas chromatography.Among these,palmitic,oleic,and palmitoleic acids had the highest proportion.The main polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs) were found to be docosahexaenoic acid,eicosapentaenoic acid,and arachidonic acid.There were more PUFAs than monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFA) in all seasons.Similarly,the percentages of ω3 fatty acids were higher than those of total ω6 fatty acids in the fatty acid composition.ω3/ω6 ratios were calculated as 1.53,1.32,1.97,and 1.71 in spring,summer,autumn and winter,respectively.Overall,we found that the fatty acid composition and ω3/ω6 fatty acid ratio in the muscle of northern pike were significantly influenced by season.     

Biochemical composition of the alligator pipefish,Syngnathoides biaculeatus(Bloch, 1785)

Considering the economic importance in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and lack of baseline information, we evaluated the proximate composition, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, trace element content and C:N ratio in the alligator pipefish, Syngnathoides biaculeatus. Amongst proximate principals, a crude protein formed the major biochemical component((58.9±2.2)% dry weight). Mean percent concentrations(dry weight) of other components such as a total lipid(TL), ash and nitrogen-free extract measured were,(1.8±0.2)%,(19.2±2.2)% and(20.1±0.45)%, respectively. The fatty acid profile revealed the presence of 27 saturated fatty acids(SFA) with 13 straight-chained and 14 branched-chained, 28 unsaturated fatty acids(UFA) with 14 monounsaturated and 14 polyunsaturated and nine other minor fatty acids. Mean percent contributions of total SFAs and UFAs to TL were found to be(55.41±0.24)% and(44.05±0.25)%, respectively. Altogether, 16 dif ferent amino acids with an equal number of essential(EAA) and non-essential(NAA) ones were identified. Percent contributions by EAA and NAA to the total amino acid content were 38.11% and 61.89%, respectively. Trace metal concentrations in S. biaculeatus were generally low and their distribution followed the order, MgFeZnMnCuCrNiHgCo. The C:N ratio was(4.37±0.04)%. The profile of major biochemical constituents in alligator pipefish, S. biaculeatus revealed its potential use in TCM as well as a nutritional diet for human consumption. The results of the study would also form the basis for formulation and optimization of diets for the culture of S. biaculeatus.     

A Comparison Study on Flesh Quality of Large Yellow Croaker(Larimichthys croceus) Cultured with Three Different Modes

To compare the flesh quality of large yellow croaker cultured with three different modes, enclosure culture(EC), cage culture with feeding trash fish(CCF) and cage culture with feeding formula diet(CCD), thirty six fish individuals of EC(484.6 ± 79.8 g), CCF(432.7 ± 87.9 g) and CCD(416.9 ± 49.5 g) were sampled to measure body color, flesh water holding capacity, flesh proximate composition, amino acids and fatty acids composition, and collagen and inosinic acid contents. The analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the yellowness of skin and the contents of crude protein and inosinic acid between CCD and EC(P 0.05), and the two modes showed higher values than CCF(P 0.05). Most of the amino acids(AA) in flesh were higher in EC than in CCF(P 0.05), but CCD showed no difference in AA composition from the other two modes(P 0.05). EC and CCD had higher contents of collagen, free AA and lower drip loss than CC(P 0.05). In polyunsaturated fatty acids, EC showed significantly higher levels of C20:5 n-3 and C22:6 n-3 than CCF and CCD(P 0.05), but CCD had significantly higher C18:2 n-6 than CCF and EC(P 0.05). In conclusion, the flesh quality of CCD fish is similar to EC fish, and these two modes have better flesh quality than CCF.     

Effects of temperature, salinity, light intensity, and pH on the eicosapentaenoic acid production of Pinguiococcus pyrenoidosus

The effects of temperature, light intensity, salinity, and initial pH on the growth and fatty acid composition of Pinguiococcus pyrenoidosus 2078 were studied for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) production potential. The fatty acid composition was assayed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which indicated that the main fatty acids were C14:0, C16:0 and EPA. The highest EPA percentage 20.83% of total fatty acids was obtained at 20℃ with the temperature being set at 20, 24, and 28℃. Under different salinities and light intensities, the highest percentages of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and EPA were 17.82% and 31.37% of total fatty acids, respectively, which were achieved at salinity 30 and 100μmol photon m-2s-1 illumination. The highest percentages of total PUFAs and EPA were 38.75% and 23.13% of total fatty acids, respectively, which were reached at an initial pH of 6 with the test range being from 5.0 to 9.0.     

Comparison of Nutritional Quality in Fish Maw Product of Croaker Protonibea diacanthus and Perch Lates niloticus

Fish maw(the dried swimbladders of fish) is ranked in the list of the four sea treasures in Chinese cuisine. Fish maw is mainly produced from croaker, which is the most highly priced. However, some of the fish maw being sold as croaker maw are in fact not from croaker, but from the Nile perch Lates niloticus. The present work determined and compared the proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid composition of croaker Protonibea diacanthus maw and perch L. niloticus maw. The results indicated that both maws were high protein sources and low in fat content. The dominant amino acids in both maws were glycine, proline, glutamic acid, alanine and arginine. These amino acids constituted 66.2% and 66.4% of the total amino acids in P. diacanthus and L. niloticus, respectively. The ratio of FAA: TAA(functional amino acids: total amino acids) in both maws were 0.69. This is a good explanation for why fish maws have been widely utilized as a traditional tonic and remedy in Asia. Except valine and histidine, all the essential amino acid contents in P. diacanthus were higher than in L. niloticus. Moreover, croaker P. diacanthus maw contained more AA and DHA than perch L. niloticus maw, showing a higher ratio of n-3 / n-6, which is more desirable.     

Characteristics of Vertical Distributions of Fatty Acids in Surface Sediments of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea

Fatty acids(FAs) in sediment collected from three different stations in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea were analyzed for their distributions and to determine evidence of harmful algal blooms in the sediment core.Less diverse FAs were found in the Yellow Sea(YS) station,whereas in the two stations of the East China Sea(ECS) the FAs were more diverse.Concentrations of some FA species in the two ECS stations displayed an occasional surge in their vertical profile.The highest concentration of FAs was found in the surface layer of station QT3(43.28 μg g~(-1)).Monounsaturated FAs were more susceptible to degradation compared to their saturated counterparts,and changes of 16:0,18:2 and 20:5 accounted for the most variability in total concentrations of FAs as those species made up most of the quantified FAs.The origins of the major fraction of FAs were attributed to autotrophic sources,and bacterial FAs accounted for only a small fraction of the total FAs in the region.Nutrient availability was a possible regulating factor controlling bacteria abundances in marine sediments in the ECS and the YS.A principal component analysis(PCA) was applied to analyze the FA dataset and to reveal the principal environmental factors that control the composition of FAs in the sediments.PC2,which explains 15% of the variance,was estimated to reflect the diagenetic effects on the FA compositional changes in sediments influenced by bacterial degradation.     

EFFECTS OF HARVEST STAGE ON THE TOTAL LIPID AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF FOUR CYLINDROTHECA STRAINS

Four strains of Cylindrotheca (B156, B164, B196, and B200) were harvested at three phases in the growth curve and their total lipid and fatty acid composition were determined. Total lipid reached highest values in the late stationary phase in B156 (24.0%), B164 (26.6%) and B200 (17.3%), in the exponential phase in B196 (15.5%). Saturated fatty acids increased with the devel-opment of the culture in B156 and B196, and reached their highest values in the late stationary phase in B156 (41.7%) and B196 (45.1%), in the early stationary phase in B164 (45.4%) and B200 (37.6%). Monounsaturated fatty acids increased with the development of the culture in B196 and B200, and reached their highest values in the late stationary phase in B196 (32.4%) and B200 (32.8%), in the early stationary phase in B164 (31.0%) and in the exponential phase in B156 (29.3%). Polyunsaturat-ed fatty acids decreased in the later phases of the culture in B164, B196 and B200, and peaked in theexponential phase in B164 (29.5%), B196 (42.9%) and B200 (37.3%), and in the early stationary phase in B156 (32.0%).     

FATTY ACIDS PROFILE IN A HIGH CELL DENSITY CULTURE OF ARACHIDONIC ACID-RICH PARIETOCHLORIS INCISA （TREBOUXIOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA） EXPOSED TO HIGH PFD

The changes in arachidonic acid (AA) and fatty acids profiles along the growth curve ofParietochloris incisa, a coccoid snow green alga, were studied in a 2.8 cm light-path flat photobiorcactor, exposed to strong photon flux density [PFD, 2400 μEmol/(m²·s)]. Sixteen fatty acids were identified by gas chromatography showing that AA was the dominant fatty acid (33%–41%) followed by linoleic acid (17%–21%). AA content was closely investigated with respect to total fatty acids (TFA), ash free dry weight (AFDW) of cell mass as well as total culture content. These parameters were influenced significantly in a similar manner by culture growth phase, i.e., slightly decreasing in the lag period, gradually increasing in the logarithmic phase, becoming maximal at the early stationary phase, starting to decrease at the late stationary phase, sharply dropping at the decline phase. The increase in AA per culture volume during the logarithmic phase was not only associated with the increase in AFDW but also connected with a corresponding increase in AA/TFA, TFA/AFDW as well as AA/AFDW. The sharp decrease in AA content of the culture during the decline phase was mainly due to the decrease in AA/TFA, TFA/AFDW and AA/AFDW, although AFDW declined only a small extent. Maximal AA concentration, obtained at the early stationary phase, was 900 mg/L culture volume, and the average daily net increase of AA during 9 days logarithmic growth was 1.7 g/(m²·day). Therefore, harvesting prior to the decline phase in a batch culture, or at steady state in continuous culture mode seems best for high AA production. The latter possibility was also further confirmed by continuous culture with 5 gradients of harvesting rate. Contribution No. 4138 from the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Project 39970575 supported by NSFC and A/2786-2 supported by International Foundation for Sciences (IFS).     

Comparative fatty acid composition of fourSargassum species (Fucales,Phaeophyta)

Fatty acid composition of fourSargassum species from Qingdao and Shidao, Shandong Province was investigated. 16:0 (palmitic acid) was the major saturated fatty acid. C₁₈ and C₂₀ were the main polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid predominated among polyenoic acids in all the algal species examined, except forSargassum sp. which had low concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid. Contribution No. 2354 from the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences     

Isolation of plasmid from the blue-green algaSpirulina platensis

CCC plasmid was isolated from an economically important blue-green alga —Spirulina platensis (1.7×10⁶ dalton from the S₆ strain and 1.2×10⁶ dalton from the F₃ strain) using a rapid method based on ultrasonic disruption of algal cells and alkaline removal of chromosomal DNA. The difference in the molecular weight of the CCC DNAs from the two strains differing in form suggests that plasmid may be related with the differentiation of algal form. This modified method, which does not use any lysozyme, is a quick and effective method of plasmid isolation, especially for filamentous blue-green algae. Contribution No. 79 of the Experimental Marine Biology Laboratory and 2153 of the Institute of Oceanology, Academia Sinica. This research was supported in part by The President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Foundation.     

Isolation and pharmacological activities of bromophenols from Rhodomela confervoides

Four bromophenols were isolated from the extract of marine red alga,Rhodomela confervoides by column chromatography and HPLC methods. By means of spectroscopic methods inclding IR, MS, 1D, and 2D-NMR techniques, their structures were elucidated as (1) 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxy benzoic acid methyl ester; (2) bis (2,3-dibromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzyl) ether; (3) 3,4-dibromo-5-(methoxymethyl)-1,2-benzenediol and (4) 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxy-benzaldehyde. Compound 1 was first isolated from the algae in nature, and 1, 4 were found to have selective cytotoxic activities against KB, Bel 7402 and A549 cells, 2 showed powerful antibacterial activities againstStaphylococcus aurens andPseudomonas aeruginosa. Supported by National “863” Program (No. 2004AA625030, 2001AA620503), Quingdao marine sciences project (No. 04-2-NN-26) and Key Knowledge Innovative Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (KZCX3-SW-215).     

Studies on extraction procedure and antioxidative activity of phlorotannins fromSargassum kjellmanianum

Known only in phaeophyceae, phlorotannins (brown algal polyphenols) are natural products with potential uses in pharmacology. This study yielded an extraction procedure to obtain high purity, high molecular weight phlorotannins fromSargassum kjellmanianum and revealed the characteristics of their infrared and flourescence spectra. The antioxidative activity of phlorotannins, which was about 2.6 times as strong as that of 0.02% BHT (tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene), showed potential for preventing oil rancidification. Contribution No. 2918 from the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The project was supported by The State Ninth-five Key Program of China. (No. 96-916-04-01).     

Effect of nitrate and phosphate on accumulation of β-carotene isomers inDunaliella salina

Dunaliella salina, a halotolerant unicellular green alga, can accumulate a large amount of β-carotene under certain environmental conditions. The isomers of β-carotene extracted fromD. salina cultured in medium with different nitrate and phosphate concentrations were analysed by HPLC with Alox-T alumina column. At least six isomers were found in different proportions depending on the culture media's nitrate and/or phosphate concentrations. Nitrate and/or phosphate deficiency was conducive to the accumulation of total cis isomers but not of all trans isomer. It is suggested that 1 mmol/L KNO₃ and 0.1 mmol/L KH₂ PO₄ are favourable for accumulation of total cis β-carotene. Contribution No. 2090 from the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant No. 38970587.     

The ultrastructure of separated and cultured cell of Porphyra yezoensis

There are many reports that cells (protoplasts) separated from the thallus ofPorphyra by enzyme can develop to normal leafy thalli in the same way as monospores. But there are few investigations on the subcellular structure of the isolated vegetative cell for comparison with the subcellular structure of monospores. To clarify whether the separated and cultured cells undergo the same or similar ultrastructure changes during culture and germination as monospores undergo in their formation and germination, we observed their ultrastructure, compared them with those of the monospore and found that the ultrastructure of separated and cultured cells did not have the characteristic feature as that of monospore formation, such as production of small and large fibrous vesicles, but was accompanied by vacuolation and starch mobilization like that in monospore germination. The paper also discusses the relations between monospores and separated and cultured cells. Contribution No. 3875 from the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Project 39770593 supported by NSFC; Project 96-C01-05-01 of the 9th Five-Year Plan supported by Science and Technology Commision of China.     

Experimental study on the interspecific interactions between the two bloom-forming algal species and the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis

The interspecific interactions between the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and two harmful algal blooms (HAB) species were investigated experimentally by single culture method. B. plicatilis population and the growth of the two algae were compared at different algal cell densities. The results demonstrated that the B. plicatilis obtained sufficient nutrition from Prorocentrum donghaiense to support net population increase. With exposure to 2.5×10⁴ cells mL⁻¹ of P. donghaiense, the number of B. plicatilis increased faster than it did when exposed to other four algal densities (5, 10, 15 and 20 ×10⁴ cells mL⁻¹), and the increase rate of B. plicatilis population (r) at this algal density was 0.104 ± 0.015 rd⁻¹. Cell densities of P. donghaiense decreased due to the grazing of B. plicatilis. In contrast, Heterosigma akashiwo had an adverse effect on B. plicatilis population and its growth was largely unaffected by rotifer grazing. In this case, B. plicatilis population decreased and H. akashiwo grew at a rate similar to that of the control.     

Steroids from green alga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chaetomorpha basiretorsa</Emphasis> Setchell

Six steroids have been isolated from ethanolic extract of green alga Chaetomorpha basiretorsa Setchell by a combination of repeated normal phase silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatography as well as recrystallization. Using spectroscopic methods including MS and NMR, their structures were determined as β-1awsaritol （1）, saringosterol （2）, 24-hydroperoxy-24-vinyl- cholesterol （3）, β-stigmasterol （4）, stigmast-4-en-3α, 6β-diol （5）, 29-hydroxystigmasta-5, 24 （28）-dien-3β-ol （6）. All these compounds were obtained from this genus for the first time and they were inactive （IC50〉10μg/ml） against KB, Bel-7402, PC-3M, Ketr 3 and MCF-7 cell lines.