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Effect of Salt Stress on the Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, Microbial Load, and In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Two Microalgae Species (Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Spirulina platensis)

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10 July 2023

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10 July 2023

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Abstract
Microalgae have gained attention as alternative food sources due to their nutritional value and biological effects. This study investigated the effect of salt stress on the antioxidant activity, phenolic profile, bioa-vailability of bioactive compounds, and microbial counts in the blue-green algae Spirulina platensis and di-atom species Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Culturing these microalgae in different salt concentrations (15 35‰), we observed the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in the control groups. S. platensis (20‰) exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to P. tricornutum (30‰), which decreased with in-creasing salt stress. Using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS, we identified and quantified 20 phenolic compounds in P. tricornutum and 24 in S. platensis. The bioavailability of these compounds was assessed through in vitro di-gestion, with the highest amounts observed in the intestinal phase. Salt stress negatively affected the syn-thesis of bioactive substances. Microbial counts ranged from 300 to 2.78x104 cfu/g for total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and from 10 to 1.35x104cfu/g for yeast/mold in P. tricornutum samples, while S. platensis samples ranged from 300 to 1.9x104cfu/g and 10 to 104 cfu/g, respectively. This study suggests that adding salt at different ratios to the nutrient media during the production of P. tricornutum and S. platensis can impact phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, microbial load evaluation, and in vitro bioaccessibility of the studied microalgae.
Keywords: 
Phaeodactylum tricornutum
;  
Spirulina platensis
;  
Salt stress
;  
Phenolics
;  
Antioxidant capacity
;  
in vitro digestion
Subject: 
Biology and Life Sciences  -   Food Science and Technology

1. Introduction

Microalgae, regarded as one of the earliest photosynthetic organisms on Earth, have existed for 3.5 billion years and stand out as the sole algal group exhibiting a prokaryotic structure among their counterparts [1]. Diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) and green algae (Chlorophyceae) are known as the most important microalgae groups in terms of their abundance in nature [2]. Diatoms are microscopic unicellular or filamentous algae that have acid and heat resistant silica shells and are available in marine and freshwater ecosystems as well as in soil and even in moist surfaces [2]. Phaeodactylum tricornutum (P.tricornutum) is a single-celled eukaryotic diatom species belonging to the Pennateae group. It is often used as a model organism because of its genome sequence and ease of culturing [2]. It has a brown chromatophore and a large golgi apparatus in the center of its cell. Spirulina platensis (S.platensis), on the other hand, is a very important natural food source that has been used since ancient times and has attracted great interest by researchers in recent years due to its high micro and macronutrient contents. It is a prokaryotic blue-green alga with a diameter of about 0.1 mm and grows naturally in the alkaline waters of lakes in warm regions. It is defined as prokaryotic due to the absence of mitochondria, nucleus, golgi body, endoplasmic reticulum and vacuoles and also considered as similar to bacteria because of having a similar cell wall [3].
Many phenolic compounds are responsible for the antioxidant activity in the structure of microalgae. These compounds play a significant role in various physiological processes, including stress response allowing the organism to adapt and survive by interacting with its environment. Microalgae are considered natural sources of these bioactive metabolites [4]. In previous studies, various phenolic compounds, including protocatechuic acid, catechin, vanillic acid, gallic acid, epicatechin, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid have been detected in P. tricornutum and S. platensis. [4,5,6,7]. It is known that these bioactive compounds have antioxidant properties as well as beneficial effects by regulating the anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and immune systems [6].
It is known that the structure and activities of the bioactive compounds are closely related to the processes in the digestive system. In vitro models have been developed to investigate the effects of digestion on these compounds and predict their bioavailability and release from the food matrix. Bioavailability encompasses the fraction of digested nutrients and bioactive compounds that enter the systemic circulation and is eventually utilized by the body, incorporating bioaccessibility, which quantifies the release of the compound from the matrix within the gastrointestinal tract. Bioactive components such as secondary metabolites are responsible for antioxidant activity and cell protection instead of providing energy to the body [8]. P. tricornutum is used in numerous applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and biofuel industries [9], and S.platensis is consumed as a food supplement, promoted as a 'super food' and sold as capsules, flakes or dried powder after dehydrating it by the methods of spray drying, freeze drying, sun drying and hot air drying [6].
The biomass productivity of microalgae is significantly influenced by salt concentration, which stands as a crucial environmental factor constraining their growth and impacting their biochemical composition. High salinity levels in plants and microalgae cause ionic, osmotic and oxidative stress. Microalgae produce various reactive oxygen species (ROS) under salt stress including hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and singlet oxygen [10]. ROS act as secondary messengers in intracellular signaling channels that trigger various abiotic and biotic stress adaptive responses. However, high ROS accumulation is thought to damage macro and micromolecules affecting physiological performance and cellular metabolism [10].
P. tricornutum, which has a ciliated cell wall and S. platensis, which has an 86% digestible cell wall are the two most commonly and commercially grown algae species. The phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro bio-accessibility of these algae species are affected by various factors including the salt concentration of the growth medium. There has been no study in the literature on the effect of salt stress on the antioxidant activity, phenolic profile and bioaccessibility of the bioactive compounds of P.tricornutum and S.platensis cultures. Hence, this study focused on the investigation of the effects of different salt concentrations on the antioxidant activity, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB), yeast-mold count, phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of the in vitro digestion in the P.tricornutum and S.platensis cultures.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. P.tricornutum and S.platensis Cultures

P.tricornutum and S.platensis cultures were grown under controlled laboratory conditions in the Algal Biotechnology Laboratory of the Faculty of Fisheries of Cukurova University in Adana, Türkiye. Zarrouk medium [11] and Si-Walne medium [12] were modified and used for the production of P.tricornutum and S.platensis cultures, respectively. Zarrouk medium [11] and Si-Walne medium [12] were modified and used to produce the P.tricornutum and S. platensis cultures, respectively. Sea water was utilized for P.tricornutum and pure water was used for S.platensis. The cultures were conditioned at room temperature (20 and 25 °C) and grown at a light intensity of 80 μmol photon m-2s-1 under laboratory conditions. Continuous illumination was applied and the light intensity was checked by a light meter (Licor, LI-250). Fluorescent lamps (Tekfen, TLD, 36 Watt) were utilized, and the cultures placed on the shelves were ventilated by an aquarium air pump (3.5 L/min, 5 Watt). The trial culture groups were kept in six-liter flasks.
The salt concentrations and sample codings used for P.tricornutum culture samples were as follows: P15 (‰15), P25 (‰25), P30-C (‰30 control) and P35 (‰35) while for the S.platensis samples, S20-C (‰20 control), S25 (‰25), S30 (‰30) and S35 (‰35) salt concentrations and codings were utilized. These values were determined based on the minimum and maximum salt concentrations at which both species can grow. The optimal concentrations are 30‰ and 20‰ for the P. tricornutum and S. platensis cultures and these values were used for the control groups in the study. Harvesting was carried out when the growth entered the stationary phase. The sampled biomasses were freeze-dried (Teknosem, TRS 4/4V, Istanbul). A vacuum pressure of 0.037 mbar and a temperature of -56 °C were applied during freeze drying without damaging the molecular and physical structure of the sample for about 60 h in reference to the user's guide of the dryer. The final water content of the sample was about 8% [13].

2.2. Chemicals

Chemicals and standards used in the culture media of P.tricornutum and S.platensis [catechin (154-23-4), quinic acid (77-95-2), cinnamic acid (140-10-3), caffeic acid (331-39-) 5), vanillic acid (121-34-6), kaempferol (520-18-3), epicatechin (490-46-0), gallic acid (149-91-7), lutein (127-40-2), ferulic acid (1135-24-6), quercetin (849061-97-8) and (±)-6-Hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox) (53188-07-1)] were purchased from the Sigma company (St. Louis, MO, USA). Acetonitrile (75-05-8), formic acid (64-18-6), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) (30931-67- 0), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) (1898-66-4), copper(II) chloride dihydrate (CuCl2.2H2O) (10125-13-0), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Neocuproine) (484-11-7) were obtained from the Merck company (Gernsheim, Germany). Ultrapure water was obtained by a purifier (Millipore Co., Saint-Quentin, France) and used to prepare the mobile phases in the HPLC analyses. All standards were prepared daily in the analyzes.

2.3. Extraction of P. tricornutum and S. platensis

Extractions were prepared based on the method available in Kelebek and Selli [14] with some modifications. 1 gram of the freeze-dried samples was mixed with 10 ml of methanol/water (80/20) and kept in an ultrasonic water bath for 3.5 hours at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Then the samples were extracted after keeping it in a magnetic stirrer for one night. The extracts were centrifuged at 6500 rpm at 4°C (Hettich Universal 320R), and the upper clear part was taken and passed through 0.45 µm filters and stored at 4°C until the analysis.

2.4. Antioxidant Capacity Analysis

The antioxidant capacities of the freeze-dried P. tricornutum and S. platensis culture samples were determined using three different methods (DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC).
DPPH method
This analysis was performed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), which determined the sample's ability to inhibit free radicals using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at 515 nm (BMG Labtech, Spectrostar Nano, Ortenberg, Germany) according to the method outlined by Brand-Williams et al. [15]. By mixing extracts with a DPPH solution, the color of the solution changed from purple to yellow based on the corresponding hydrazine. To determine the reducing ability of the antioxidants towards DPPH, the decrease in absorbance at 515 nm was monitored. Trolox concentrations ranging from 50-500 mM were utilized for the calibration and the results were expressed as micromoles of Trolox equivalent (TE) per 100 grams of dry weight (mM of TE/100g of DW).
ABTS method
In this method, 2, 2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) was used based on the method of Saafi et al. [16]. 7 mM ABTS was mixed with 2.45 mM potassium bisulfate and kept in the dark for 12-16 hours and this solution was diluted with sodium acetate (pH 4.5) buffer to obtain an absorption value of 0.70±0.01 at 734 nm in a spectrophotometer. Then, 2.98 mL of the prepared solution was mixed with 20 μL of sample extract, and the absorbance was measured 10 minutes later in a UV Vis spectrophotometer (BMG Labtech, Spectrostar Nano, Ortenberg, Germany) at a wavelength of 734 nm. The absorbance values were calculated with the Trolox standard curve, and the results were expressed in mM Trolox/100g DW.
Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) method
The CUPRAC analysis was conducted based on the method described by Apak et al. [17]. The experimental procedure involved the preparation of a 1.0×10-2 M solution of Copper (II) chloride (CuCl2.2H2O), a 1 M Ammonium acetate buffer at pH 7.0 and a 7.5×10-3 M solution of neocuproine (2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline). A Trolox antioxidant compound stock solution was also prepared at a concentration of 1.0×10-3 M. In a glass tube, 1 mL of the copper (II) solution, neocuproine solution and ammonium acetate buffer was added sequentially. Then, 0.5 mL of the antioxidant solution and (1.1-x) mL of distilled water were added to the tubes, which were thoroughly shaken. The resulting solutions with a total volume of 4.1 mL were closed at room temperature for 30 minutes. Subsequently, the absorbance values were measured in a UV-Vis spectrophotometer (BMG Labtech, Spectrostar Nano, Ortenberg, Germany) at 450 nm against the reference solution. The absorbance values were calculated using the standard calibration curve of Trolox (1.22 x 10-5, 2.44 x 10-5, 3.66 x 10-5, 4.88 x 10-5, 6.10 x 10-5) and expressed as mM Trolox/100g DW.

2.5. Total Phenolic Compounds (TPC) Analysis

Total phenolic compounds (TPC) analysis was performed using the Folin-ciocalteu reagent according to the method specified by Shahidi [18]. 200 µl of the extract/standard solution and 1.5 ml of Folin-ciocalteu reagent (1:10) were added to the spectrophotometer cuvette. After five minutes, 1.5 ml of 6% sodium carbonate solution was added to the tubes and kept for 90 minutes at room temperature in the dark. The absorbance values were measured at 765 nm in a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. For the calibration curve, 500 ppm gallic acid solution was prepared, and the results were reported as mg/100g DW.

2.6. Analysis of the Phenolic Compounds by LC-ESI-MS/MS

An HPLC system (Agilent Technologies, model 1100) controlled by ChemStation software was utilized in the analyses of the phenolic compounds. The HPLC setup included an autosampler (G1367 E, 1260 HIP ALS), a binary pump (G1312 B, 1260 Bin pump), a degasser (G1322 A, 1260 Degasser) and a diode array detector (G1351D 1260 DAD VL). A reversed-phase C18 column (Phenomenex Luna, 4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm diameters) was used in the analyses. The mobile phase consisted of two solvents: Solvent A: a mixture of water and formic acid (99:1, v/v) and Solvent B: a mixture of solvent A and acetonitrile (60:40, v/v). Phenolic compounds were eluted under the following conditions: setting to 0.5 mL/min flow rate at 25 °C; isocratic conditions from 0 to 5 min with 0% B; gradient conditions for the following steps: from 0% to 5% B in 20 min; from 5% to 15% B in 18 min; from 15% to 25% B in 14 min; from 25 to 50% B in 31 min; from 50 to 100% B in 3 min; followed by washing and reconditioning of the column. The flow rate was set at 0.5 ml/min while the temperature was maintained at 25°C. UV-visible spectra from 200 nm to 800 nm were recorded for all peaks [19]. Each compound was identified and assigned by comparing its retention times and UV spectra to authentic standards. Confirmation of the compounds was also performed using an Agilent 6430 LC-MS/MS spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source. The electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) detection was carried out in negative ion mode under optimized conditions. Quantification of the compounds was achieved using the external standard method with authentic standards. The phenolic content was calculated based on the method available in Sonmezdag et al. [20]. The calibration curves of the standard phenolic compounds were used to quantify each phenolic compound (compounds and CAS numbers were given in the chemicals section). Since it was impossible to provide a standard substance for all compounds, calibration curves prepared with structurally comparable chemicals were used to quantify these compounds. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) under the current chromatographic conditions were determined with signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) of approximately 3 and 10, respectively. The standard curves were generated using commercial standards at concentrations typically found in microalgae samples (around 1–100 mg/L) with R2 values above 0.995. The measurements were performed with three repetitions [19,20].

2.7. Detection of the Bioaccessibility of the Bioactive Compounds by In Vitro Digestion

The in vitro digestion method described by Brodkorb et al. [21] was utilized in the study. The method consisted of several steps to simulate the human digestive process. Firstly, a simulated salivary fluid (SSF) was prepared and a sample was mixed with SSF (1:1, wt/wt). Next, salivary amylase (75 U/mL) was added and incubated at 37°C for 2 minutes to mimic the conditions in the oral phase. Then, a simulated gastric fluid (SGF) was prepared by adjusting the pH of a buffer solution to 2 using hydrochloric acid (HCl). Then, the food sample was mixed with the SGF and incubated at 37°C for a specified period of time to mimic the conditions in the stomach. After the gastric digestion step, a simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) was prepared by adjusting the pH of a buffer solution to 7.5 using sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The partially digested sample from the gastric digestion step was then mixed with the SIF and further incubated at 37°C to simulate the conditions in the small intestine. During the digestion process, enzymes such as pepsin (2.000 U/mL) and pancreatin (trypsin activity 100 U/mL) were added to the SGF and SIF, respectively to mimic the enzymatic activity in the stomach and small intestine. The concentrations of these enzymes were determined based on the physiological levels found in the human digestive system. To monitor the progress of the digestion, samples were collected at specific time intervals during the gastric and intestinal digestion steps. The total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS and CUPRAC) and total phenolic substance samples collected from the oral, gastric and intestinal phases were determined in 3 replicates.

2.8. Microbiological Analyzes

Samples were taken under aseptic conditions, and the following two analyzes were performed for the microbiological analysis of the samples.
Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB) count: Colonies formed after 48-72 hours of incubation at 30°C during storage were counted by plating onto plate count agar (PCA) with the pour plate method [22].
Yeast-mold count: Yeast and mold counts were determined by the spreading plate counting method by inoculating onto YGC (Yeast Extract Glucose Chloramphenicol) agar. At the end of 3-5 days of incubation at 30°C, the colonies were counted and the suspicious ones from the formed colonies were determined by microscope examination [22].

2.9. Statistical Data Analysis

The data obtained in the study were compared with the international literature and subjected to One-way ANOVA analysis using the SPSS statistics program (version:22, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The differences between the means were compared using Duncan's comparison tests. In addition, the correlation matrix (Pearson correlation coefficient, r) and correlation maps were prepared and examined in the XLSTAT software to evaluate multiple paired comparisons between the applied salt concentrations in the trials and the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds.

3. Results and Discussions

3.1. Antioxidant Capacity Analysis Results

3.1.1. DPPH Method Results

It is known that phycocyanin, fucoxanthin and phenolic compounds in the structure of P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples exhibit antioxidant activity. Table 1 shows the antioxidant capabilities of the samples evaluated in the current study. Statistically significant differences were determined between the DPPH capacities of the samples (p<0.05). In P.tricornutum, the highest DPPH capacity was observed in the P30-C sample with 79.40 mM Trolox/100g DW while the lowest activity was detected in the P25 sample. The highest DPPH capacity in the S.platensis samples was observed in the S20-C sample with 172.67 mM Trolox/100g DW. There was a positive and moderate correlation (r = 0.28) observed between the applied salt concentration and DPPH for the P. tricornutum samples (Figure 1) while a negative and strong correlation (r = -0.93) was found for the S. platensis samples (Figure 2). As can be seen in Table 1, increasing or decreasing salt concentrations negatively affected the biosynthesis of the phenolic compounds leading to a decrease in the amount of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity obtained by the DPPH method. German-Báez et al. [9], determined the DPPH capacity of the P.tricornutum samples as 9.54 mM Trolox /g DW, while Kuatrakul et al. [23] determined the DPPH capacity of the S.platensis samples as 69.82 mg/100g DW. Regarding the effect of salt stress on the antioxidant activity in plants, it was reported in some previous studies that higher salt concentrations increased the antioxidant activity by causing abiotic stress [24], while some other studies reported reductions in the antioxidant activity values [25]. In line with previous studies, it is believed that the salt stress induces abiotic stress leading to an imbalance between the production and inhibition mechanisms of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) ultimately reducing antioxidant activity.

3.1.2. ABTS Method Results

The highest ABTS capacity was determined as 141.89 and 655.59 mM Trolox/100g DW in the P30-C and S20-C coded samples, respectively (p<0.05) (Table 1). Antioxidant capacity potentials were found to be higher in the compounds with a higher total phenolic compound content. In a previous study examining the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of P.tricornutum, the ABTS capacity was determined as 67.93 mM Trolox/g DW [9]. A positive and moderate correlation (r=0.67) was found for the P. tricornutum samples, while a negative and strong (r=-0.86) correlation were observed for the S.platensis samples between the salt concentration and ABTS in the present study. It was reported in a previous study that the maximum antioxidant capacity of the P. tricornutum samples evaluated using the ABTS method was found as 758.28 M TE and this value was obtained through extraction for 28.36 minutes under optimal conditions of a temperature of 20°C and pH of 5.5. [26]. Goiris et al. [5] reported that the ABTS capacity of P.tricornutum ranged between 4.55 and 48.90 µmol Trolox/g DW. It was determined that the antioxidant capacity values obtained in the current study were higher when compared to the data of these previous studies.

3.1.3. CUPRAC Method Results

In the present study, the CUPRAC values of the samples exhibited significant differences (p<0.05), as indicated in Table 1. The CUPRAC values ranged from 31.14-44.00 to 48.32-104.96 mM Trolox/100g DW in the P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples, respectively (Table 1). It was observed that the highest CUPRAC values were observed in the control groups for both species. There was a positive and moderate correlation (r=0.23) for the P. tricornutum samples while a negative and strong (r=-0.83) correlation was observed for the S.platensis samples between the applied salt concentrations and CUPRAC values (Figure 1 and Figure 2). It was determined that the antioxidant capacities decreased depending on the applied salt concentrations, and S.platensis had higher antioxidant activity than P.tricornutum. Golmakani et al. [27] reported a CUPRAC value of 78.32 mg ascorbic acid/ml for S.platensis. Salt stress causes oxidative stress by disrupting the balance between stimulation and elimination of the reactive oxygen species, and excessive radical species such as H2O2, O2 and OH cause cell death by damaging algal cell components [5].

3.2. Total Phenolic Compounds (TPC) Analysis Results

Total phenolic compounds (TPC) of P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples are presented in Table 1. The highest TPC was observed in the control samples, with 82.46 and 204.80 mg GA/100g DW in the P30-C and S20-C samples, respectively (p<0.05). There was a positive moderate (r=0.66) correlation for the P.tricornutum samples and a negative strong (r=-0.94) correlation for the S.platensis samples between the applied salt concentration and TPC values (Figure 1 and Figure 2). The increase or decrease of the salt amounts in the growing media caused a decrease in the amount of TPC, similar to the antioxidant capacity. In three previous studies, the TPC content of the S.platensis samples was reported as 12.2 g/kg by Bolanho et al. [28], 146 mg GA/100g by Esquivel-Hernández et al. [29] and 318-340 mg GA/100g by Martelli et al. [30]. Elloumi et al. [31] utilized different amounts of NaCl in an MDM medium to test the influence of salinity on the development and production of Scenedesmus sp. microalgae. They determined that high salinity inhibited microalgae growth but low salinity promoted their growth. Furthermore, with a low-concentration salt stress, chlorophyll and carotenoid levels increased. BenMoussa-Dahmen et al. [32] demonstrated that the growth of Dunaliella sp. and Amphora subtropica was elevated under 3 M NaCl and 1M NaCl, respectively and decreased below and above these optimal salt concentrations implying that salinity played a significant role in microalgal growth and is even required for the growth of halophilic species such as Dunaliella sp. and A. subtropica.
In a study examining the effects of different drying processes on the physical properties of the S.platensis samples, the TPC content was found to be 371.43 mg GA/100g [23]. In general, the S.platensis species was found to have higher TPC and antioxidant capacity than P.tricornutum in the present study. In both species, the control samples had the highest TPC and antioxidant capacity. The TPC and antioxidant capacity, which were found to be low at 15‰ salt concentration (P15) in the P.tricornutum samples, increased up to 30‰ (P30-C) salt concentration and then had a decrease. In the S.platensis species, the sample grown with the 20‰ control salt amount (S20-C) had the highest TPC and antioxidant capacity, while increasing salt concentration caused this value to decrease. When the data obtained in the current study are compared with the data in the literature, variability was observed in the antioxidant capacity results. Microalgae can prevent the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by using antioxidant response mechanisms. Thus, the ROS and antioxidant response mechanism varies according to microalgae species and depend on cell size, cell shape, cell density, growth stage, light, temperature, nutrients and abiotic stress factors [33]. Other important parameters affecting the amount of phenolic compounds are the extraction conditions. Various factors such as time, temperature, and the type of solvent, can influence the quantity of the phenolic compounds. Optimizing these extraction conditions is essential to maximize the phenolic compound yield. A study identified time as the primary factor in extracting phenolic compounds from P.tricornutum cultures. The study found that the total phenolic content increased up to 16 minutes during the extraction process, after which it started to decrease [26]. These findings align with the results reported by Parniakov et al. [34] for Nannochloropsis spp., who demonstrated that the optimal extraction of TPCs using ultrasound assistance was achieved after 15 minutes.

3.3. LC-ESI-MS/MS Phenolic Compounds Analysis Results

The phenolic compounds identified and quantified in the P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples grown with varying salt concentrations are given in Table 2 and Table 3, respectively. A total of 20 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the P.tricornutum samples (Table 2, Figure 3). The amount of these compounds varied between 68 and 96 mg/100 g DW. It was found that the change in the salt concentration significantly decreased the amount of total phenolic compounds (p<0.05). There was a negative and strong correlation between the applied salt concentrations and quinic acid (r = -0.97) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (r = -0.97) of the P. tricornutum samples (Figure 1) while a positive and moderate correlation was found for the catechin (r = 0.54), caffeyl alcohol (r = 0.65) and luteolin (r = 0.64) (Figure 1. The most dominant phenolic compound was dimethoxyflavone while trans-cinnamic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, cinnamic acid, dihydroxy-dimethoxyflavone, derivative, lutein and diatoxanthin were also abundant in the P.tricornutum samples. In addition, phloroglucinol, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, catechin, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, caffeoyl alcohol and derivatives and kaempferol were determined in the P.tricornutum samples. Due to their multiple biological activities, dimethoxyflavone and its derivatives have received great attention recently. They are known to strengthen the TJ barrier (tight connection between epithelial cells) in intestinal Caco-2 cells. It was observed in the present study that the amount of this compound varied between 20.40 and 31.49 mg/100 g DW and was in the highest quantity in the control group. The change in the amount of salt in the growing medium caused a change in the dimethoxyflavone quantity. Cinnamic acid and caffeic acid are within the hydroxycinnamic acid group containing nine carbon atoms [35] and their amount was determined to vary from 6.51 to 8.83 mg/100 g in the current study. It was reported in many studies that cinnamic acid and caffeic acid have anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities [35].
Lutein, known as the carotenoid vitamin and having covalent bonds with fatty acids, is a yellow-colored organic compound available in many organisms, including plants, bacteria, algae, yeasts, plants, etc. [36].
Microalgae have become a potential alternative to the carotenoid thanks to their high lutein content and biomass productivity [37]. It was observed in the present study that the amount of lutein varied between 4.03 and 5.21 mg/100 g and was higher in the control groups and decreased depending on the salt concentration. Diatoxanthin on the other hand, is a xanthophyll species found in phytoplankton and diatoms and its amount was determined as 4.43-6.19 mg/100 g. This compound has great importance for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries due to its beneficial activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and neuroprotective [7].
In the S.platensis samples, a total of 24 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified (Table 3). Their concentrations varied between 73 and 124 mg/100 g DW and their amount decreased significantly (p<0.05) depending on the increasing salt concentration. There was a positive and moderate (r = 0.44) correlation between the applied salt concentrations and catechin derivative compounds of the S.platensis samples (Figure 2) and a negative and strong correlation was observed for the other compounds. It was observed that the dominant phenolic compound was a quercetin-derived compound in the S.platensis samples, while gallic acid, catechin-derived compound, isoferulic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, vanillic acid, epicatechin was also abundant. In addition, 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavanone, o-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, caffeic acid and derivatives, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, phloroglucinol, lutein carotenoid derivative, quercetin and kaempferol were also quantified in the S.platensis samples. It was seen that the amount of quercetin varied between 13 and 18 mg/100 g DW and was higher in the S25 and S30 coded samples. This compound is a plant flavonol from the flavonoid group of polyphenols commonly found in nature. It is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antiobesity, antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic activities [38]. The amount of gallic acid in the S.platensis samples varied between 8.44 and 11.13 mg/100g while its highest content was detected in the control sample (S20-C) and increasing salt content caused a decrease in its amount. Gallic acid or 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid is one of the most abundant phenolic acids in plants with a colorless or slightly yellow crystalline structure and has wide applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries with therapeutic activities in gastrointestinal, neuropsychological, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic properties [39]. It was also found in the present study that the amount of catechin, a flavonoid group compound, varied within 2.59-6.29 mg/100 g, and the amount of epicatechin changed from 2.53 to 8.73 mg/100g. These compounds were at the highest amounts in the S20-C coded sample and increasing salt concentration led to a significant decrease in their amounts.
Catechins are available in plants and are important secondary metabolites with high antioxidant potential [29]. It was observed in the current study that the amount of vanillic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid) was between 3.03 and 7.43 mg/100 g and decreased with increasing salt concentration. Vanillic acid is a metabolic byproduct of caffeic acid and has significant benefits with its antioxidant, anticancer, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The amount of phloroglucinol and kaempferol varied within 1.96-2.40 mg/100 g and 0.17 to 0.75 mg/100 g, respectively and increasing salt concentration caused a reduction in their amounts. The quantity of chlorogenic acid varied between 1.06 and 2.99 mg/100 g. As the phenolic compounds in the S.platensis samples, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, syringic acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, o- and p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid and chlorogenic acid were also determined [4,5,6]. It was generally observed that the S.platensis samples had a higher phenolic potential compared to the P.tricornutum samples but there were reductions in their amounts depending on the increasing salt concentration (Table 2 and 3). Regarding the correlation analysis, a strong negative (r=-0.81) correlation was observed between the salt concentration and phenolic compounds of the P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples (Figure S1 and S2 in Supplementary material).

3.4. Results of the Bioaccessibility of the Bioactive Compounds by the In Vitro Digestion

The bioaccessibility of polyphenols from freeze-dried P. tricornutum and S. platensis extract samples was assessed using a three-stage in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model [21] that mimicked oral, gastric, and intestinal digestion processes. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds (TPC) of the upper phase samples obtained from this model are presented in Table 4. Significant differences were observed between the oral, gastric and intestinal samples (p<0.05).
Regarding the P.tricornutum samples, the highest DPPH amounts were determined as 0.05, 0.31 and 0.45 mM Trolox/100g DW the highest ABTS amounts were 0.35, 0.72 and 16.96 mM Trolox/100g DW and the highest CUPRAC quantities were 64.23, 62.90 and 1151.18 mM Trolox/100g DW in the mouth, stomach and intestines in the P30-C control sample, respectively (Table 4). TPC amounts were determined as 69.22, 517.98 and 557.97 mg/100g DW, respectively. The order of the DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC and TPC amounts of the P.tricornutum samples was as “intestinal>gastric>oral”. The lowest amount of DPPH in the mouth was determined as 0.03 mM Trolox/100g DW in P15, P25 and P35 coded samples and 0.15 and 0.18 mM Trolox/100g DW in the P35 sample in the stomach and intestines, respectively. The amount of the ABTS in the mouth was determined as 0.27 mM Trolox/100g DW in the P15 sample and 0.63 and 13.89 mM Trolox/100g DW in the P35 sample in the stomach and intestines, respectively. The lowest amount of CUPRAC was calculated as 32.20, 43.50 and 649.06 mM Trolox/100g in the mouth, stomach and intestine sample, respectively, and the TPC amount was calculated as 53.93 mg/100g in the P25 coded sample in the mouth, 130.07 mg/100g in the P15 sample in the stomach and 491.14 mg/100g in the intestinal P35 sample.
For the S.platensis samples, the highest DPPH amounts were determined in the mouth, stomach and intestines as 0.09, 0.40 and 0.87 mM Trolox/100g DW in the S20-C control sample and the ABTS values were 5.26, 5.79 and 37.26 mM Trolox/100g DW while the CUPRAC quantities were 78.58, 86.83 and 7078.48 mM Trolox/100g DW and the TPC amounts were determined as 717.38, 1325.05 and 1641.55 mg/100g DW, respectively (Table 4). DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC and TPC amounts of the S.platensis samples were observed in the order of “intestinal>gastric>oral”. The lowest amounts of DPPH in the mouth, stomach and intestines were determined as 0.05, 0.23 and 0.68 mM Trolox/100g DW in the S30 and S35 samples, respectively. The amounts of the ABTS in the mouth, stomach and intestines were determined as 3.98, 4.66 and 22.95 mM Trolox/100g DW in the S30 sample, respectively. The lowest amount of the CUPRAC was calculated as 62.49, 69.70 and 4155.43 mM Trolox/100g in the S35 sample in the mouth, stomach and intestines, respectively, while the TPC was calculated as 554.70, 904.60 and 1139.18 mg/100g in the S30 sample in the mouth, stomach and intestines, respectively. The total concentration of a compound in food can significantly differ from the actual amount that is biologically accessible. Therefore, understanding the changes and the bioaccessibility occurring during digestion is considered necessary for estimating bioaccessibility and bioactivity [40].
P.tricornutum species has a ciliated cell wall while S.platensis species has a non-cellulosic and 86% digestible cell wall. Cell wall integrity can significantly limit the presence and activity of compounds such as vitamins, pigments, and fatty acids, thus, the disruption of the microalgal cell wall is required as a pretreatment to allow the release of the cellular contents [41]. It was determined in the present study that the antioxidant capacity and TPC amounts of the S.platensis samples in the mouth, stomach and intestinal phases were higher than those of the P.tricornutum samples (Table 4). This may be attributed to the fact that S.platensis has a non-cellulosic and easily degradable cell wall compared to P.tricornutum. Algal proteins and carbohydrates that are not fully digested in the small intestine can benefit the gastrointestinal system by indirectly stimulating the immune response by supporting microbial responses [42].

3.5. Microbiological Analysis Results

Microbiological analyses are applied to foods mainly to reveal the presence of unwanted microorganisms and determine the food's suitability for human consumption [43]. The total number of aerophilic and mesophilic bacteria gives information about the possible shelf life of the food and the contamination levels in the production stages [44]. If the total number of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, which is used as an indicator in the determination of general hygiene and microbial load, is high, then it is expected that the amount of other microbial groups will also be high [44].
The total amount of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and yeast/mold count of the P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples obtained in the current study are given in Table 5. The total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria in the P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples cultured by adding different salt concentrations to the growing medium was found to be 300-2.78x104cfu/g for the P.tricornutum samples and 300-1.9x104cfu/g for the S.platensis samples. In general, if the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria is over 105 cfu/g in a food sample, it is an indication that general hygiene rules are not followed during the preparation of that food. Hence, it was determined that the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria obtained in the present study was at an acceptable level. According to the European Union (EU) standards, the critical level for the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria is accepted as 105 cfu/ml, while it is 103 cfu/g-ml according to the Turkish food codex (TFC) [45].
The yeast/mold counts of the P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples were found to be 10-1.35x104cfu/g for the P.tricornutum samples and 10-1.0x104cfu/g for the S.platensis samples (Table 5). The critical acceptability level for the yeast/mold count is 104 according to the EU while it is 103 cfu/ml according to the TFC and the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The data obtained from the current study is moderately acceptable according to EU, WHO and TFC standards [45]. In a study conducted with Spirulina grown in Morocco, the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria was found to be 208 cfu/ml and the yeast and mold counts were quantified as 14 cfu/ml [6].

4. Conclusions

The effects of different salt concentrations of the growth medium on the bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities and in vitro bioaccessibility of two different microalgae (P.tricornutum and S.platensis) were investigated in this study. The highest antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenolic substance (TPC) were determined in the P30-C and S20-C control groups. A total of 20 and 24 phenolic compounds (PC) were identified and quantified by LC-ESI-MS/MS in the P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples, respectively. It was observed that the increase in the salt concentration decreased the amount of TPC. It was found that the dominant PC was dimethoxyflavone while trans-cinnamic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, cinnamic acid, dihydroxy-dimethoxyflavone derivative, lutein and diatoxanthin were abundant in the P.tricornutum samples. In the S.platensis samples, on the other hand, the dominant PC was quercetin derivative while gallic acid, catechin derivative, isoferulic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, vanillic acid and epicatechin were abundant. The changes in the AC and TPC in the upper phase samples obtained from the three-stage in vitro digestion model, including mouth, stomach and intestine, were examined and the highest values were observed in the order of “intestine>stomach>mouth” phases in P30-C and S20-C control samples, respectively. The total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria was determined to be 300-2.78x104cfu/g for the P. tricornutum samples and 300-1.9x104cfu/g for the S. platensis samples in the samples that were cultivated by adding various salt concentrations to the growing medium. Generally, if there are more than 105 cfu/g of aerobic mesophilic bacteria in a food sample, general hygiene standards were not observed during the item's preparation. Hence, it was determined that the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria obtained in the present study was at an acceptable level. In sum, both species studied in this work are rich in terms of bioactive substances, but the solubility of these compounds is not sufficient; thus, innovative extraction techniques should be included in future studies.

Author Contributions

T.U.; Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Writing - original draft. S.S.; Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing. H.K.: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing.

Acknowledgements

This study was financially supported (Project no: 120O858) by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK). We thank Dr. Muharrem Keskin of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Türkiye for his excellent editing.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests or personal relationships that could affect the work reported in this article.

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Figure 1. The correlation matrix of the antioxidant activity and phenolic profile of the P.tricornutum samples.
Figure 1. The correlation matrix of the antioxidant activity and phenolic profile of the P.tricornutum samples.
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Figure 2. The correlation matrix of the antioxidant activity and phenolic profile of the S.platensis samples.
Figure 2. The correlation matrix of the antioxidant activity and phenolic profile of the S.platensis samples.
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Figure 3. The LC-MS-TIC chromatograms of the phenolic compounds of the P.tricornutum samples (top); 1:dimethoxyflavone, 2:quinic acid, 3:cinnamic acid, 4:protocatechic acid, 5:vanillic acid, 6:epicatechin, 7:lutein, 8:diatoxanthin, and 9:kaempherol (The peaks correspond to the compounds in Table 2). The LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS chromatograms of the phenolic compounds from the S.platensis samples (bottom); 1:catechin derivative, 2:isoferulic acid, 3:o-coumaric acid, 4:caffeic acid derivative, 5:ferulic acid, 6:gallic acid, 7:protocatechic acid, 8:chlorogenic acid, 9:epicatechin, 10:quercetin derivative, 11:quercetin, and 12:kaemferol (The peaks correspond to the compounds in Table 3).
Figure 3. The LC-MS-TIC chromatograms of the phenolic compounds of the P.tricornutum samples (top); 1:dimethoxyflavone, 2:quinic acid, 3:cinnamic acid, 4:protocatechic acid, 5:vanillic acid, 6:epicatechin, 7:lutein, 8:diatoxanthin, and 9:kaempherol (The peaks correspond to the compounds in Table 2). The LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS chromatograms of the phenolic compounds from the S.platensis samples (bottom); 1:catechin derivative, 2:isoferulic acid, 3:o-coumaric acid, 4:caffeic acid derivative, 5:ferulic acid, 6:gallic acid, 7:protocatechic acid, 8:chlorogenic acid, 9:epicatechin, 10:quercetin derivative, 11:quercetin, and 12:kaemferol (The peaks correspond to the compounds in Table 3).
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Table 1. Results of the antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS and CUPRAC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) in the freeze-dried P.tricornutum and S.platensis powder samples depending on the growing medium salt concentration.
Table 1. Results of the antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS and CUPRAC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) in the freeze-dried P.tricornutum and S.platensis powder samples depending on the growing medium salt concentration.
Analysis*
Species Salt
concentration		 DPPH ABTS+ CUPRAC TPC
P. tricornutum P15 27.47±0.83Aa 97.65±3.21Aa 32.12±0.27Aa 63.51±0.43Aa
P25 56.80±2.09Bb 123.18±0.40BCbc 32.02±0.45Aa 75.95±1.37Bb
P30-C 79.40±1.71Cc 141.89±2.85Cc 44.00±0.69Bb 82.46±1.07Cc
P35 29.76±0.50Aa 119.05±2.61Bb 31.14±0.09Aa 72.63±0.30Bb
S. platensis S20-C 172.67±3.21Fc 655.59±12.05Gd 104.96±2.27Fd 204.80±0.66Fc
S25 151.65±2.65Eb 425.43±12.59Fc 48.32±0.04Ca 171.18±0.96Eb
S30 140.66±0.96Da 404.30±1.39Eb 77.03±1.61Ec 166.00±0.49Da
S35 137.18±0.50Da 373.78±3.11Da 70.77±1.76Db 163.96±2.84Da
DW: Dry weight. DPPH, ABTS and CUPRAC: mM Trolox/100g DW, TPC: mg GA/100g DW. Different superscripts in the same column indicate statistical differences at the p < 0.05. *(a-d): indicates the statistical differences within the salt concentrations separately for the P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples. *(A-F): indicates the statistical differences between the P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples.
Table 2. Phenolic compounds and their amounts in the freeze-dried P.tricornutum samples (mg/100g DW) depending on the growing medium salt concentration.
Table 2. Phenolic compounds and their amounts in the freeze-dried P.tricornutum samples (mg/100g DW) depending on the growing medium salt concentration.
No RT (min) Phenolic compounds x[M-H]-/y[M+H]+ MS2 P15 P25 P30-C P35
1 6.08 Catechin isomer 289x 267/245/172.9/154.9 7.19±0.17b 10.48±0.35d 8.09±0.07c 5.54±0.43a
2 6.31 Dimethoxyflavone 281x 267 29.90±0.49b 31.36±0.22c 31.49±0.23c 20.40±0.28a
3 8.10 Quinic acid 190.9x 85 7.75±0.12c 5.95±0.07b 5.38±0.08a 5.22±0.14a
4 10.61 Trans-cinnamic acid 147x 103 3.15±0.13c 1.72±0.05a 4.31±0.10d 2.33±0.07b
5 10.64 4-hydroxycinnamic acid 163x 145/141/119 5.00±0.02c 3.72±0.17b 5.56±0.05d 2.90±0.07a
6 10.72 Cinnamic acid 147x 103 8.44±0.26c 6.51±0a 8.83±0.14c 7.76±0.29b
7 11.88 Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside 609x 300 1.27±0a 2.10±0.10c 1.70±0.03b 1.51±0.09b
8 19.26 Phloroglucinol 127y 108* 0.42±0b 0.34±0a 0.58±0.03c 0.31±0.01a
9 20.03 Protocatechuic acid 153x 109 0.52±0.02a 0.70±0b 0.91±0.05c 0.47±0.01a
10 26.78 p-hydroxybenzoic acid 137.1x 109/93 1.12±0.03c 0.54±0.02b 0.51±0.05b 0.20±0.02a
11 27.99 Catechin 289x 245 0.20±0.02a 0.27±0.04ab 0.53±0c 0.30±0.04b
12 28.50 Dihydroxy-dimethoxyflavone derivative 607x 315 6.36±0a 8.15±0.14c 9.92±0.02d 7.09±0.14b
13 33.59 Vanillic acid 167x 122 0.30±0.05b 0.27±0.01ab 0.40±0.02c 0.20±0.02a
14 34.71 Caffeic acid 179x 135 0.29±0.01b 0.17±0.05a 0.34±0b 0.17±0.01a
15 37.16 Epicatechin 289.2x 245/2 1.11±0.03c 0.72±0b 1.72±0.01d 0.59±0.01a
16 43.95 Caffeyl alcohol 164x 145/121/103 2.16±0a 2.36±0.05b 3.24±0.05d 2.62±0.08c
17 45.01 Caffeyl alcohol derivative 164x 103 0.24±0.02a 0.58±0.07c 0.86±0.01d 0.35±0.03b
18 47.17 Lutein 569y 551/533/578/495/119/145/121 4.03±0.05a 4.39±0.23ab 5.21±0.15c 4.52±0.02b
19 50.19 Diatoxanthin 566y 331/341/360 4.92±0.14b 4.43±0.14a 6.19±0.07d 5.40±0.08c
20 62.89 Kaempferol 285x 257/229/216 0.56±0b 1.49±0.20c 0.43±0a 0.40±0.02a
Total 84.93±1.32b 86.25±1.91c 96.99±1.16d 68.28±1.54a
DW: Dry weight; RT: Retention time. Different letters (a-d) on the same row indicate statistical differences (p<0.05). x: Negative ionization mode. y: Positive ionization mode.
Table 3. Phenolic compounds and their amounts in the freeze-dried S.platensis samples (mg/100 g DW) depending on the growing medium salt concentration.
Table 3. Phenolic compounds and their amounts in the freeze-dried S.platensis samples (mg/100 g DW) depending on the growing medium salt concentration.
No RT (min) Compounds x[M-H]-/y[M+H]+ MS2 S20-C S25 S30 S35
1 5.53 Catechin derivative 289x 245 8.07±0.06b 7.22±0.20a 7.17±0.03a 9.16±0.17c
2 7.97 5,7-Dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavanone 315x 283/245/215/195 1.34±0.07c 0.84±0.02b 0.57±0.08a 0.42±0.06a
3 9.56 Isoferulic acid 195x 178/133/121 9.33±0.08d 4.90±0.04b 8.28±0.02c 3.67±0.12a
4 10.53 o-coumaric acid 165y 147/ 123 5.67±0.03c 1.17±0.03b 0.69±0.15a 0.60±0.12a
5 10.64 4-Hydroxycinnamic acid 163x 145/ 141/ 119 3.33±0.02c 2.21±0.08b 2.99±0.25c 1.57±0.17a
6 10.88 Caffeic acid derivative 179x 135 4.12±0.30b 1.74±0.62a 1.95±0.04a 1.70±0.02a
7 11.49 Ferulic acid 195y 177/145 2.35±0.06c 0.65±0.06a 0.84±0.11ab 0.92±0.02b
8 11.93 7/8-Dihydroxycoumarin 178y 117/109 6.47±0.16d 2.23±0c 0.50±0a 0.86±0b
9 14.09 Gallic acid 169x 125 11.13±0.11c 9.95±0.12b 8.44±0.03a 9.80±0.30b
10 15.2 6-Methox-7-hydroxycoumarin 191x 177/ 162/ 103 4.05±0.53b 2.14±0.14a 1.76±0.11a 3.33±0.22b
11 19.96 Phloroglucinol 127y 108 2.40±0.01b 2.22±0.07ab 1.96±0.05a 2.02±0.20a
12 20.09 Protocatechuic acid 153x 109 3.44±0.10c 2.66±0.10b 2.68±0.14b 2.00±0.03a
13 23.36 Catechin gallate 441x 291/ 245/ 220/ 195/ 160 4.59±0.72b 6.57±0.21c 1.74±0.26a 2.00±0.35a
14 26.78 p-hydroxybenzoic acid 137.1x 109/93 5.97±0.07b 1.80±0.41a 2.96±0.86a 2.68±0.12a
15 27.88 Catechin 289x 245 6.29±0.03c 3.97±0b 3.39±0.41b 2.59±0.16a
16 28.00 Chlorogenic acid 353x 191 2.99±0.04b 1.23±0.02a 1.10±0.03a 1.06±0.13a
17 34.60 Vanillic acid 167x 122 7.43±0.13c 6.19±0.40b 5.47±0.11b 3.03±0.68a
18 34.70 Caffeic acid 179x 135 1.48±0.05c 0.92±0.03a 1.31±0b 1.23±0.05b
19 36.00 Epicatechin 289x 245 8.73±0.90b 3.22±0.94ab 2.53±0.47a 5.55±0.83ab
20 47.17 Lutein 569y 551/533/578/495/119/145/121 2.18±0.05c 0.54±0.05a 0.63±0.06a 1.02±0.04b
21 47.38 Carotenoid derivative 566y 109 1.46±0.02c 1.23±0.03b 0.87±0.02a 0.84±0a
22 57.18 Quercetin derivative 303y 257/ 285 16.19±0.13b 18.08±0.18c 18.08±0.35c 13.38±0.07a
23 61.00 Quercetin 549x 463/ 301/ 161 5.11±0.05d 2.79±0a 3.32±0.03b 4.06±0.14c
24 62.89 Kaempferol 285x 257/ 229/ 216 0.75±0.04c 0.33±0b 0.66±0.04c 0.17±0a
Total 124.87±3.64d 84.8±3.75c 79.89±3.65b 73.63±4.00a
DW: Dry weight. RT: Retention time. Different letters (a-d) on the same row indicate statistical differences (p<0.05). x: Negative ionization mode. y: Positive ionization mode.
Table 4. The effect of the in vitro digestion model on the antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS and CUPRAC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) in the freeze-dried P.tricornutum and S.platensis powder samples depending on the growing medium salt concentration.
Table 4. The effect of the in vitro digestion model on the antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS and CUPRAC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) in the freeze-dried P.tricornutum and S.platensis powder samples depending on the growing medium salt concentration.
Oral Phase Gastric Phase Intestinal Phase
Species Salt
concentration		 DPPH ABTS+ CUPRAC TPC DPPH ABTS+ CUPRAC TPC DPPH ABTS+ CUPRAC TPC
P.tricornutum P15 0.03±0.00Aa 0.27±0.01Aa 42.39±1.97Bb 58.13±0.80Aa 0.21±0.01Bb 0.73±0.01Aa 50.74±0.79Bb 130.07±3.30Aa 0.31±0.00Bb 14.77±0.24Bb 698.23±10.25Aa 497.82±4.02Bb
P25 0.03±0.00Aa 0.28±0.00Aa 47.22±0.60Cc 53.93±3.58Aa 0.24±0.01Bb 0.72±0.07Aa 56.85±0.21Cc 151.94±4.29Aa 0.36±0.00Cc 15.27±0.19Cc 714.82±14.67Bb 519.28±1.31Bb
P30-C 0.05±0.00Bb 0.35±0.01Aa 64.23±0.77Dd 69.22±0.58Bb 0.31±0.00Cc 0.74±0.01Aa 62.90±1.19Dd 517.98±1.57Bb 0.45±0.00Dd 16.96±0.11Dd 1151.18±15.20Cc 557.97±0.90Cc
P35 0.03±0.00Aa 0.29±0.01Aa 32.20±2.10Aa 64.78±1.09Aa 0.15±0.00Aa 0.63±0.01Aa 43.50±1.10Aa 161.94±3.21Aa 0.18±0.00Aa 13.89±0.19Aa 649.06±4.90Aa 491.14±7.78Aa
S. platensis S20-C 0.09±0.00Cb 5.26±0.05Dc 78.58±1.34Eb 717.38±4.08Fd 0.40±0.00Db 5.79±0.11Cb 86.83±0.52Eb 1325.05±25.79Fd 0.87±0.00Fb 37.26±0.38Gc 7078.48±25.24Fc 1641.55±17.65Fc
S25 0.05±0.00Ba 3.98±0.03Ba 64.90±0.44Da 554.70±10.27Ca 0.23±0.00Ba 4.66±0.08Ba 71.72±0.40Da 904.60±9.43Ca 0.68±0.01Ea 22.95±0.38Ea 4695.91±20.58Eb 1139.18±7.40Da
S30 0.05±0.00Ba 4.09±0.06Cb 63.69±0.09Da 611.4±11.95Db 0.23±0.00Ba 4.72±0.17Ba 70.71±0.32Da 957.50±11.65Db 0.68±0.01Ea 24.09±0.65Fb 4425.67±16.25Da 1197.15±3.50Da
S35 0.05±0.00Ba 4.21±0.09Cb 62.49±1.36Da 668.10±13.48Ec 0.23±0.00Ba 4.79±0.26Ba 69.70±0.23Da 1010.41±14.56Ec 0.68±0.01Ea 25.24±0.86Fb 4155.43±11.77Da 1255.12±4.88Eb
Different superscripts in the same column indicate statistical differences at p < 0.05. *(a-d): indicates the statistical differences within the salt concentrations separately in for the P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples. *(A-G): indicates the statistical differences between the P.tricornutum and S.platensis samples.
Table 5. The total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and yeast/mold counts of the freeze-dried P.tricornutum and S.platensis powder samples depending on the growing medium salt concentration.
Table 5. The total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and yeast/mold counts of the freeze-dried P.tricornutum and S.platensis powder samples depending on the growing medium salt concentration.
Species Salt concentration Yeast/mold count (cfu/g) Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria count (cfu/g)
P.tricornutum P15 < 10 2.24x104
P25 1.15x104 1.88x104
P30-C 1.25x104 >300
P35 1.35x104 2.78x104
S. platensis S20-C < 10 >300
S25 1x104 1.7x104
S30 < 10 1.9x104
S35 < 10 1.21x104
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