Alimentómica de microalgas: determinación de metabolitos primarios y secundarios en biomasas microalgales para la elaboración de alimentos funcionales

In recent years our research group has led projects nationally for the use of microalgae as a potential carbon-neutral food supplement for animal feed. These have shown nutritional profiles of high contents of protein, carbohydrates and functional lipids. Through the development of production systems where agroindustrial waste is used, the production costs of raw materials that can partially replace corn and soy have been reduced. However, the benefits of microalgae are not limited to their content of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, they present a series of metabolites and minerals that could contribute to improving the nutrition and health of animals and humans. At present, at the national level the information on the content of the primary and secondary metabolites in the biomass harvested with alternative culture media is very limited, it is required to understand in detail the composition of amino acids, the lipid profile, the carbohydrates present, the secondary metabolites and minerals that would allow the industrial sector to know the composition of the microalgae biomass and use them in the construction of animal or human supplements as a functional food. To do this, it is necessary to deepen the studies using tools such as omics to show the full potential of microalgae. Through the foodomic (discipline that examines the whole set of substances present in food, their nutritional properties and their impact on health) a transdisciplinary study will be carried out to determine the metabolite profile of the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, Isochrysis galbana and Arthrospira maxima as a potential source of functional foods. Cultures supplemented with micronutrients such as Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn) and Selenium (Se) will be developed for their incorporation into the microalgal biomass, in addition, tests will be carried out to determine the antioxidant power (ORAC value). The research also includes scaling tests and determination of critical points, to ensure the stable growth of microalgae in mass culture conditions when supplemented with micronutrients. The prototype of a protein mineral core for the poultry, aquaculture sector and a human Snack prototype that complies with the regulations of the RTCA bylaw and the Food Codex will be made. The results generated will impact the national food production industries and consumers due to possible nutritional improvements of products derived from eggs, fish and microalgae biomass which would contribute to public health with actions that address the different forms of malnutrition that could occur in our society.

Determinar el perfil de metabolitos primarios y secundarios en biomasas
microalgales para la elaboración de alimentos funcionales.

Áreas de Investigación de la Escuela de Biología: Biotecnología Ambiental