ABSTRACT
Carbohydrates are a major constituent of macroalgae. However, a generally accepted protocol for the adequate determination of the content of individual carbohydrates is lacking. Here, we present a uniform method on the basis of hydrolysis and subsequent determination of the resulting monosaccharides by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detector (HPAEC–PAD). Optimum hydrolysis times have been determined for three seaweeds: (1) brown Laminaria digitata (as representative of Kelps within Phaeophycaea), (2) red Palmaria palmata (example of Rhodophyta), and (3) green Ulva lactuca (example of Chlorophyta). In addition, a gradient and elution order for HPAEC–PAD analysis is described that allows determination of the major sugar alcohols, reducing sugars, deoxy sugars, and uronic acids occurring in seaweeds in a single run.
Keywords: Carbohydrate, hydrolysis, sugar alcohol, reducing sugar, uronic acid, seaweed, HPAEC–PAD.
