Light Spectra, a Promising Tool to Modulate <i>Ulva lacinulata</i> Productivity and Composition
Helena M. Amaro,
Fernando Pagels,
Rosa Melo,
Antoine Fort,
Ronan Sulpice,
Graciliana Lopes,
Isabel Costa,
Isabel Sousa-Pinto
Affiliations
Helena M. Amaro
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Fernando Pagels
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Rosa Melo
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Antoine Fort
Department of Bioveterinary and Microbial Sciences, Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands, N37 HD68 Athlone, Ireland
Ronan Sulpice
Plant Systems Biology Lab, School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, MaREI Centre for Marine, Climate and Energy, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
Graciliana Lopes
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Isabel Costa
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Isabel Sousa-Pinto
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Light quality is a key factor affecting algal growth and biomass composition, particularly pigments such as carotenoids, known for their antioxidant properties. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming a cost-effective solution for indoor seaweed production when compared to fluorescent bulbs, allowing full control of the light spectra. However, knowledge of its effects on Ulva biomass production is still scarce. In this study, we investigated the effects of LEDs on the phenotype of an Ulva lacinulata strain, collected on the Northern Portuguese coast. Effects of white (W), green (G), red (R), and blue (B) LEDs were evaluated for growth (fresh weight and area), photosynthetic activity, sporulation, and content of pigments and antioxidant compounds. The results showed that there were no significant differences in terms of fresh weight accumulation and reduced sporulation among the tested LEDs, while W light induced the highest expansion rate. Under G, U. lacinulata attained a quicker photoacclimation, and the highest content of pigments and total antioxidant activity; but with R and W, antioxidant compounds against the specific radicals O2•− and •NO were produced in a higher content when compared to other LEDs. Altogether, this study demonstrated that it is possible to modulate the bioactive properties of U. lacinulata by using W, R, and G light, opening the path to the production of biomass tailored for specific nutraceutical applications.
