A SIMPLE AND RAPID METHOD FOR EXTRACTION AND SEPARATION OF LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT CARBOHYDRATES FROM MACROALGAE USING HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY

A method has been developed to measure the contents of low molecular weight carbohydrates in various marine macroalgae, using simple extraction procedures followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Five algal species were investigated, representing a diverse range of algal types and morphologies (Bostrychia scorpioides, Desmarestia anceps, Ectocarpus siliculosus, Palmaria decipiens, Stictosiphonia arbuscula). Hot water and various ethanol extractions of these compounds were compared. The former was shown to be sufficient for complete extraction. Two types of HPLC column were used. Although operating conditions and carbohydrate separation were different, quantitatively both gave the same results. These techniques are simple, rapid and require no harmful substances for extraction or elution. They therefore greatly simplify the study of carbohydrates used as osmolytes and storage compounds by macroalgae.