Effect of adding Spirulina platensis algae to small ruminant rations on productive, reproductive traits and some blood components

This experiment conducted using 20 Rahmani ewes at the last third of pregnancy in two equal groups. One group served as control, while the other group received Spirulina platensis(SP) at the rate of 0.5 gm 10 kg-1live body weight. The objective was to find out the effect of adding Spirulina platensisalgae to small ruminant rations on reproductive and productive traits and blood components of sheep. The experiments lasted for 120 days for both dams and their lambs after weaning. The findings proved that adding SP in ewes' diets had no effect on the average of live body weight change. Average milk yield was significantly (p <0.01) higher in the treatment group than the control. Lamb's birth weight and daily body gain of the treated group were significantly (p <0.01) higher than the control. Blood and serum picture profile of ewes were significantly higher when fed SP additive than the control.It could be concluded that the addition of SP to the ration of sheep positively preserved their health, productive and reproductive status as well as their lambs' growth rate. Also the additive improved the economic efficiency of treated animals by about 53.13%.(AU)

Effects of ZooBioR2 product as feed supplement in laying hens on the morphofunctional state of intestinal mucosa / Efeitos do produto ZooBioR2 como suplemento alimentar em galinhas poedeiras sobre o estado funcional da mucosa intestinal

Spirulina platensis is a microalga with biological activity used to produce nutritional supplements rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The current study aims to prove the impact of the product ZooBioR2 (obtained from Spirulina platensis) on health, and on the histology of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum in laying hens. The experiment was performed in duplicate on 5 groups of hens (14 birds/group), one control and four experimental, in which the feed was supplemented with ZooBioR2 in different doses (5.0; 10.0; 15.0; 20.0mg active substance/kg of fodder). Inclusion of the supplement in the diet have determined a significant decrease of height of intestinal villi, the depth of the crypts and the thickness of muscular layer of mucosa in the experimental groups receiving 15.0 and 20.0mg/kg. The decrease of crypts depth is an indicator of a higher rate of turn-over of epithelial tissue. The morphological changes of intestinal mucosa could be involved in a better digestibility of the fodder.

Spirulina platensis é uma microalga com atividade biológica utilizada para produzir suplementos nutricionais ricos em proteínas, ácidos graxos essenciais, vitaminas e minerais. O estudo atual visa provar o impacto do produto ZooBioR2 (obtido da Spirulina platensis) na saúde e na histologia do duodeno, jejuno, íleo e ceco em galinhas poedeiras. O experimento foi realizado em duplicata em cinco grupos de galinhas (14 aves/grupo), um controle e quatro experimentais, nos quais a ração foi suplementada com ZooBioR2 em diferentes doses (5,0; 10,0; 15,0; 20,0mg de substância ativa/kg de forragem). A inclusão do suplemento na ração determinou uma diminuição significativa da altura das vilosidades intestinais, da profundidade dos crypts e da espessura da camada muscular da mucosa nos grupos experimentais que receberam15,0 e 20,0mg/kg. A diminuição da profundidade das criptas é um indicador de maior taxa de rotação do tecido epitelial. As alterações morfológicas da mucosa intestinal podem estar envolvidas em uma melhor digestibilidade da forragem.

Phenolic compound and fatty acid properties of some microalgae species isolated from Erbil City

Abstract The total phenolic compound and fatty acid profiles of lipids from microalgae are unique. The present study was designed to investigate aqueous, ethanolic and acetone extracts of several algae (Spirogyra sp., Spirulina sp.,Chlorella sp and Chara sp.) for their antioxidant capacities of the crude extracts and fractions by radical scavenging activity against the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl DPPH as well; total phenolic content. The results showed that Spirulina sp. indicated significantly higher total phenolic compound and antioxidant activities compared to the other species (P 0.05) and acetone extracts showed higher quantity among three extracts. The fatty acids analysis using High performance liquid chromatography HPLC showed the presence of palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, palmitic acid showed high quantity than other fatty acid classes in all studied algae. This study concluded that high antioxidant capacity of microalgae could be inspected for different industrial applications.

Resumo O composto fenólico total e os perfis de ácidos graxos dos lipídios das microalgas são únicos. O presente estudo foi desenhado para investigar extratos aquosos, etanólicos e acetona de várias algas (Spirogyra sp., Spirulina sp., Chlorella sp. e Chara sp.) Quanto às suas capacidades antioxidantes dos extratos brutos e frações por atividade de eliminação de radicais contra o radical estável 1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazil DPPH também; fenólico total. Os resultados mostraram que a Spirulina sp. indicaram atividade antioxidante e compostos fenólicos totais significativamente maiores em relação às outras espécies (P 0,05), e os extratos de acetona apresentaram maior quantidade entre os três extratos. A análise de ácidos graxos por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência - HPLC mostrou a presença de ácido palmítico, ácido esteárico, ácido oleico e ácido linoleico; o ácido palmítico apresentou maior quantidade do que outras classes de ácidos graxos em todas as algas estudadas. Este estudo concluiu que a alta capacidade antioxidante pode ser inspecionada para diferentes aplicações industriais.

Spirulina ameliorates arsenic induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), has numerous health benefits including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities, works against heavy metal toxicity, and is often used as a food supplement in human, animals, birds and fishes. This study aimed to evaluate the protective ability of the dietary spirulina against the toxic effects of inorganic arsenic (iAs) on male reproductive parameters in rats. Seventy-two mature Long-Evans male rats, dividing into six groups (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) (12 rats/group) were included in this study. The T3, T4 and T5 group rats were treated with three consecutive doses (1.0 g, 1.5 g and 2.0 g/kg feed) of spirulina in feed along with 3.0 mg NaAsO2/kg body weight (BW) in drinking water (DW) daily for 90 days. Each rat of group T1 received NaAsO2 (3.0 mg/kg BW) in DW, and those of T2 group were fed with spirulina (2.0 g/kg feed) daily for 90 days. The rats of group T0 served as the control with normal feed and water. Total arsenic (tAs) contents, reproductive parameters (testicular weight, sperm motility and morphology), and histological changes in the testicles were evaluated in these rats. Arsenic dosing significantly (p=0.003, Kruskal-Wallis test) increased the tAs contents in the testicles, decreased testes weight, sperm morphology and motility compared to the controls. The effect of arsenic dosing was also evidenced by the histological changes like decreased germinal layers in the seminiferous tubules of the treated rats. Moreover, dietary spirulina (2.0 g/kg feed) supplementation significantly (p=0.011, Kruskal-Wallis test) lowered tAs contents in testicles and increases testes weights, sperm motility and morphology. Therefore, spirulina can be used as an effective dietary supplement to ameliorate the adverse effects of arsenic induced reproductive toxicities. However, further study is required to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of reduction of arsenic induced reproductive toxicity by spirulina.(AU)

Spirulina ameliorates arsenic induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Abstract Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), has numerous health benefits including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities, works against heavy metal toxicity, and is often used as a food supplement in human, animals, birds and fishes. This study aimed to evaluate the protective ability of the dietary spirulina against the toxic effects of inorganic arsenic (iAs) on male reproductive parameters in rats. Seventy-two mature Long-Evans male rats, dividing into six groups (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) (12 rats/group) were included in this study. The T3, T4 and T5 group rats were treated with three consecutive doses (1.0 g, 1.5 g and 2.0 g/kg feed) of spirulina in feed along with 3.0 mg NaAsO2/kg body weight (BW) in drinking water (DW) daily for 90 days. Each rat of group T1 received NaAsO2 (3.0 mg/kg BW) in DW, and those of T2 group were fed with spirulina (2.0 g/kg feed) daily for 90 days. The rats of group T0 served as the control with normal feed and water. Total arsenic (tAs) contents, reproductive parameters (testicular weight, sperm motility and morphology), and histological changes in the testicles were evaluated in these rats. Arsenic dosing significantly (p=0.003, Kruskal-Wallis test) increased the tAs contents in the testicles, decreased testes weight, sperm morphology and motility compared to the controls. The effect of arsenic dosing was also evidenced by the histological changes like decreased germinal layers in the seminiferous tubules of the treated rats. Moreover, dietary spirulina (2.0 g/kg feed) supplementation significantly (p=0.011, Kruskal-Wallis test) lowered tAs contents in testicles and increases testes weights, sperm motility and morphology. Therefore, spirulina can be used as an effective dietary supplement to ameliorate the adverse effects of arsenic induced reproductive toxicities. However, further study is required to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of reduction of arsenic induced reproductive toxicity by spirulina.

Spirulina platensis extract addition to semen extender enhances cryotolerance and fertilizing potentials of buffalo bull spermatozoa

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Spirulina platensis extract (SPE) addition to the freezing extender on freezability, lipid peroxidation, ultrastructure alterations and fertilizing potentials of frozen-thawed buffalo bull spermatozoa. Semen samples were collected with artificial vagina from five adult fertile bulls and diluted with Tris-base extender containing SPE (1, 5, 10 and 20 μg/mL) or without SPE (control). Diluted semen was cooled to 4 °C throughout one hour and frozen in 0.25 mL straws: prior to being stored in liquid nitrogen. Cryopresreved spermatozoa were assessed for post-thawing sperm motility, viability, acrosomal integrity, ultrastructure changes, antioxidant activities, lipid peroxidation and fertility rate. The current results clearly indicated that adding 10μg/mL SPE to the freezing extender significantly improved (P< 0.05) post-thawing motility and decrease the percentage of acrosomal damage (51.67±6.02% and 16.33±1.46%, respectively) compared with the control (28.33±4.41% and 26.33±1.77%, respectively). Moreover, addition of 10 μg/mL SPE to the semen extender significantly diminished (P< 0.05) MDA concentration (10.66±2.40 nmol/109) compared with the control (22.66±4.26 nmol/109). Therefore, the present results revealed that addition of 10μgl/mL SPE to the freezing extender might improve semen quality and reduce cryodamage of the buffalo bull spermatozoa.

Spirulina platensis extract addition to semen extender enhances cryotolerance and fertilizing potentials of buffalo bull spermatozoa

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Spirulina platensis extract (SPE) addition to the freezing extender on freezability, lipid peroxidation, ultrastructure alterations and fertilizing potentials of frozen-thawed buffalo bull spermatozoa. Semen samples were collected with artificial vagina from five adult fertile bulls and diluted with Tris-base extender containing SPE (1, 5, 10 and 20 μg/mL) or without SPE (control). Diluted semen was cooled to 4 °C throughout one hour and frozen in 0.25 mL straws: prior to being stored in liquid nitrogen. Cryopresreved spermatozoa were assessed for post-thawing sperm motility, viability, acrosomal integrity, ultrastructure changes, antioxidant activities, lipid peroxidation and fertility rate. The current results clearly indicated that adding 10μg/mL SPE to the freezing extender significantly improved (P< 0.05) post-thawing motility and decrease the percentage of acrosomal damage (51.67±6.02% and 16.33±1.46%, respectively) compared with the control (28.33±4.41% and 26.33±1.77%, respectively). Moreover, addition of 10 μg/mL SPE to the semen extender significantly diminished (P< 0.05) MDA concentration (10.66±2.40 nmol/109) compared with the control (22.66±4.26 nmol/109). Therefore, the present results revealed that addition of 10μgl/mL SPE to the freezing extender might improve semen quality and reduce cryodamage of the buffalo bull spermatozoa.(AU)

Growth and nitrogen uptake by Arthrospira platensiscultured in aquaculture wastewater from Nile tilapia reared in biofloc system

This study aimed to evaluate the growth of Arthrospira (Spirulina)platensiscultivated in Zarrouk culture medium and effluent from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in biofloc system. Four treatments were used: Control (100% Zarrouk), E50 (50% Zarrouk + 50% Tilapia effluent), E75 (25% Zarrouk + 75% Tilapia effluent), and E100 (100% Tilapia effluent), and the experiment lasted 10 days. Growth parameters such as maximum cell density (MCD), doubling time (DT), and growth rate (K) were daily evaluated, as well aspH and water temperature. In addition, the concentrations of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite-N (NO2-N), and nitrate-N (NO3-N) were analyzed in order to compare nitrogen absorption. Among treatments, E50 and E75 obtained higher maximum cell densities and presented an exponential growth rate similar to the control treatment. Regarding the concentrations of nitrogen compounds, a significant reduction was observed in all treatments, with an NO3-Nuptake of 99%, followed by 80% of TAN and 90% of NO2-N. Thus, giving the results obtained, besides being able to grow in wastewater, A. platensis can also be used in bioremediation processes, confirming the potential of this species.

Growth and nitrogen uptake by Arthrospira platensiscultured in aquaculture wastewater from Nile tilapia reared in biofloc system

This study aimed to evaluate the growth of Arthrospira (Spirulina)platensiscultivated in Zarrouk culture medium and effluent from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in biofloc system. Four treatments were used: Control (100% Zarrouk), E50 (50% Zarrouk + 50% Tilapia effluent), E75 (25% Zarrouk + 75% Tilapia effluent), and E100 (100% Tilapia effluent), and the experiment lasted 10 days. Growth parameters such as maximum cell density (MCD), doubling time (DT), and growth rate (K) were daily evaluated, as well aspH and water temperature. In addition, the concentrations of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite-N (NO2-N), and nitrate-N (NO3-N) were analyzed in order to compare nitrogen absorption. Among treatments, E50 and E75 obtained higher maximum cell densities and presented an exponential growth rate similar to the control treatment. Regarding the concentrations of nitrogen compounds, a significant reduction was observed in all treatments, with an NO3-Nuptake of 99%, followed by 80% of TAN and 90% of NO2-N. Thus, giving the results obtained, besides being able to grow in wastewater, A. platensis can also be used in bioremediation processes, confirming the potential of this species.(AU)

Arthrospira (Spirulina) Platensis Can Be Considered as a Probiotic Alternative to Reduce Heat Stress in Laying Japanese Quails

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis, SP) on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, hen day egg production, intestinal microflora, heat stress biomarkers, and HSP70 gene expression in laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) suffering heat stress condition. A total of 250 female quails were allocated to 5 treatments, 5 replicates and 10 birds in each replicate in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments included: 1) basal diet, 2) basal diet+ 0.03 % probiotic, 3) basal diet+ 0.1 % SP, 4) basal diet+ 0.3 % SP, 5) basal diet+ 0.5 % SP. During the last 6 days of the experiment, the quails were exposed to 8h of 34±1°C. The birds had free access to feed and water during the experiment. The results showed that using probiotic and different levels of Spirulina had no significant effect on laying performance of Japanese quails (p>0.05). Probiotic supplement increased Lactobacil bacteria population in laying quails ileum under heat stress (p 0.05). Different levels of SP decreased Escherichia coli population in laying quails ileum suffering heat stress (p 0.05).SP at the level of 0.5% caused the lowest blood Malondialdehyde level, heterophil, and H/L ratio (p 0.05).However, HSP70 gene expression in the heart or the liver of laying quails was not different (p>0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that SP at the level of 0.5 % has the potential to be considered as a probiotic alternative in the diet of laying quails suffering heat stress condition.

Oxidative stability of tilapia feeds containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Spirulina platensis / Estabilidade oxidativa de rações de tilápia contendo Saccharomyces cerevisiae e Spirulina platensis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of microbial biomass on the oxidative rancidity of tilapia rations stored for 12 months. Treatments included a control diet and diets supplemented with either 0.01% vitamin E, 0.25 and 0.5% of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 0.25 and 0.5% of Spirulina platensis. Experimental diets were stored in the dark inside plastic bags at room temperature (25 °C) for 12 months. The oxidative rancidity was measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). It was concluded that the inclusions of Spirulina platensis at 0.25% (1.734 ± 0.206) and 0.5% (1.629 ± 0.181) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 0.5% (1.459 ± 0.305) minimized the oxidative rancidity in comparation to control diet (2.843 ± 0.109) of Nile tilapia until 12 months of storage.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de biomassa microbiana sobre a rancidez oxidativa de rações de tilápia armazenadas por 12 meses. Os tratamentos incluíram uma dieta controle e dietas suplementadas com 0,01% de vitamina E 0,01%, com 0,25 e 0,5% de S. cerevisiae e com 0,25 e 0,5% de S. platensis. As dietas experimentais foram armazenadas em sacos plásticos escuros, em temperatura ambiente (25 °C), durante 12 meses. A rancidez oxidativa foi mensurada pelas substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). Concluiu-se que as inclusões de 0,25% (1,734 ± 0,206) e 0,5% (1.629 ± 0.181) de Spirulina platensis e 0,5% (1.459 ± 0.305) de Saccharomyces cerevisiae reduziram a rancidez das dietas em comparação a dieta controle de tilápias-do-Nilo após 12 meses de armazenamento.(AU)

Arthrospira (Spirulina) Platensis Can Be Considered as a Probiotic Alternative to Reduce Heat Stress in Laying Japanese Quails

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis, SP) on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, hen day egg production, intestinal microflora, heat stress biomarkers, and HSP70 gene expression in laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) suffering heat stress condition. A total of 250 female quails were allocated to 5 treatments, 5 replicates and 10 birds in each replicate in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments included: 1) basal diet, 2) basal diet+ 0.03 % probiotic, 3) basal diet+ 0.1 % SP, 4) basal diet+ 0.3 % SP, 5) basal diet+ 0.5 % SP. During the last 6 days of the experiment, the quails were exposed to 8h of 34±1°C. The birds had free access to feed and water during the experiment. The results showed that using probiotic and different levels of Spirulina had no significant effect on laying performance of Japanese quails (p>0.05). Probiotic supplement increased Lactobacil bacteria population in laying quails ileum under heat stress (p 0.05). Different levels of SP decreased Escherichia coli population in laying quails ileum suffering heat stress (p 0.05).SP at the level of 0.5% caused the lowest blood Malondialdehyde level, heterophil, and H/L ratio (p 0.05).However, HSP70 gene expression in the heart or the liver of laying quails was not different (p>0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that SP at the level of 0.5 % has the potential to be considered as a probiotic alternative in the diet of laying quails suffering heat stress condition.(AU)

Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation increased the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in the rumen fluid of cattle fed a low-quality tropical forage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of algae and cottonseed meal (CSM) supplementation on the fatty acid (FA) profile in the rumen fluid (RF) of steers fed a low-quality forage. Five Bos indicus crossbred steers, 187±7.5 kg liveweight (LW; mean±SD), were fed a low crude protein speargrass (Heteropogon contortus) hay as the basal diet alone or supplemented with either Spirulina platensis, Chlorella pyrenoidosa , Dunaliella salina , or CSM in Latin square design. The proportion of individual FA in the RF of steers varied in response to supplement, and these were most likely due to differences in the FA profile in supplements. Steers supplemented with Chlorella pyrenoidosa and CSM had a higher concentration of linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) in RF than unsupplemented steers or steers offered the other supplements, but there was no difference in the concentration in RF in steers supplemented with Chlorella pyrenoidosa and CSM. The concentration of linolenic acid (C18:3n-3) was higher in the RF of unsupplemented steers compared with supplemented steers. Steers receiving Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation showed an increase in total unsaturated FA in the RF compared with other supplemented and unsupplemented steers, which if transferred to meat, could have health related benefits to consumers. None of the supplements led to the formation of isomers known to inhibit fat synthesis.(AU)

Aplicação de revestimento comestível a base de amido enriquecido com biomassa de Spirulina platensis em couve minimamente processada / Application of edible coating based on enriched starch with Spirulina platensis biomass in minimally processed cabbage

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a conservação de couve minimamente processada com aplicação de revestimento comestível a base de amido de milho enriquecido com biomassa de Spirulina platensis mantida sob refrigeração. O processamento mínimo da couve constituiu-se das etapas de seleção, lavagem, fatiamento, sanitização, enxague e centrifugação, seguido do recobrimento, secagem, embalagem e armazenamento. Os tratamentos do revestimento consistiram na variação da concentração de biomassa de S. platensis entre 1 e 3%, mantendo a solução de amido com concentração de 3%. As amostras foram analisadas quanto a perda de massa, pH, acidez total e sólidos solúveis. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, conclui-se que o revestimento comestível a base de amido enriquecido com biomassa de S.platensis não se mostrou efetivo quando aplicado em couve minimamente processada.

Avaliação de estabilidade dos parâmetros de cor em couve minimamente processada revestida com amido e biomassa de Spirulina platensis / Stability evaluation of color parameters in fresh cut cabbage coated with starch ad Spirulina platensis biomass

Objetivou-se analisar a estabilidade dos parâmetros de cor em couve minimamente processada com aplicação de revestimento comestível a base de amido de milho enriquecido com biomassa de Spirulina platensis. As couves foram minimamente processadas e submetidas aos tratamentos: C1 - sem revestimento; C2 ­ amido 3%; C3: solução de amido de milho 3% e biomassa de S.platensis 1%; C4: solução de amido de milho 3% e biomassa de S.platensis 2% e C5: solução de amido de milho 3% e biomassa de S.platensis 3%, armazenadas sob refrigeração e avaliadas aos 0, 6 e 11 dias de estocagem. Avaliaram-se os parâmetros de cor utilizando colorímetro Minolta, através da medida do diagrama de cor tridimensional (L*-a*-b*). Observou-se que a cor não foi afetada pelos tratamentos com coberturas comestíveis, entretanto, os revestimentos não se mostraram eficientes para impedir as alterações ao longo do tempo de armazenamento refrigerado.

Thermal and photo-stability of the antioxidant potential of Spirulina platensis powder / Estabilidade térmica e fotoestabilidade do potencial antioxidante de Spirulina platensis em pó

This work aimed to evaluate the thermal and photo stability of the antioxidant potential (AP) of the Spirulina platensis biomass. Thermal stability was established at 25ºC, 40ºC and 50ºC for 60 days, in the dark, protected from light. Photo stability was evaluated using UV (15 W, λ = 265 nm) and fluorescent (20 W, 0.16 A, power factor FP > 0.5, 50/60 Hz, 60 lm/w, 1200 lm) light for 90 days in capsules, glass and Petri dishes, at room temperature. The AP of the biomass in these conditions was determined at intervals (every 7 and 30 days in the studies of thermal and photo stability, respectively) using the induction of the oxidation of a lipid system by heat and aeration. In this lipid system, the biomass submitted to degradation was used as an antioxidant. The kinetics of the reaction was determined by the Arrhenius method. Thermal degradation was found to follow zero order kinetics, whereas photo degradation followed first order kinetics. The AP decreased 50% after 50 days at 25°C. At 40°C and 50°C, the AP decreased more than 50% after 35 and 21 days of exposition, respectively. The decrease of the AP of Spirulina was more sensible to UV and fluorescence light. After 30 days of exposition, the AP decreased more than 50% in all storage conditions tested. The antioxidant potential of Spirulina platensis is easily degraded when the biomass is exposed to heat and light, indicating the need for care to be taken in its storage.(AU)

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a estabilidade térmica e a foto-estabilidade do potencial antioxidante (PA) da biomassa da Spirulina platensis. A estabilidade térmica foi avaliada a 25ºC, 40ºC e 50ºC por 60 dias. A foto-estabilidade foi avaliada usando luz UV (15 W, λ = 265 nm) e fluorescente (20 W, 0.16 A, fator de potência FP > 0.5, 50/60 Hz, 60 lm/w, 1200 lm) por 90 dias em cápsulas, vidro e placas de Petri. O PA da biomassa nessas condições foi determinado em intervalos de tempo (a cada 7 e 30 dias nos estudos de estabilidade térmica e foto-estabilidade, respectivamente), usando a indução da oxidação de um sistema lipídico por calor e aeração. Neste sistema lipídico, a biomassa submetida à degradação foi usada como antioxidante. A cinética da reação foi determinada pelo método de Arrhenius. A degradação térmica seguiu uma cinética de zero ordem, enquanto que a fotodegradação seguiu uma cinética de primeira ordem. O PA diminuiu 50% depois de 50 dias a 25°C. A 40°C e 50°C, o PA diminuiu mais de 50% depois de 35 e 21 dias de exposição, respectivamente. A diminuição do PA da Spirulina foi mais sensível à luz UV e fluorescente. Depois de 30 dias de exposição, o PA diminuiu mais de 50% em todas as condições de armazenamento testadas. O potencial antioxidante da Spirulina platensis é facilmente diminuído quando a biomassa é exposta ao calor e a luz, indicando a necessidade de cuidados durante seu armazenamento..(AU)

Arthrospira platensis filtrada como alimento complementario de juveniles del camarón blanco: efectos sobre crecimiento y sistema inmune / Filtered Arthrospira platensis as a food suplement for juvenile shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei: effects on growth and immune system

De forma general, las microalgas son fuente de alimento indispensable durante las primeras fases de desarrollo de los camarones marinos. Algunas microalgas, como la Arthrospira platensis, son ricas en substancias antioxidantes, y tienen la capacidad de retirar compuestos tóxicos del agua en los sistemas de producción acuícola. De este modo, constituimos un experimento con dos tratamientos triplicados, donde se evaluó la aplicación de biomasa filtrada de microalga A. platensis como suplemento alimenticio para camarón blanco del Pacífico, Litopenaeus vannamei. Se utilizó un sistema de cultivo estático de seis unidades, con volumen útil de 250 litros de agua marina (30 ppt), donde se sembraron 300 camarones m-2 con peso inicial de 0,7±0,2 g. Al final del experimento (42 días) se evaluaron parámetros inmunológicos y de desempeño zootécnico. Los camarones alimentados con A. platensis como como suplemento fueron signicativamente mayores que los camarones del tratamiento control y no presentaron diferencias en la supervivencia. Igualmente, se obtuvieron mejores resultados en los parámetros inmunológicos del tratamiento con inclusión de microalga. De esta forma, al suministrar la microalga como alimento suplementario al camarón L. vannamei, crecimiento y sistema inmunológico se vieron favorecidos.(AU)

Microalgae is an important food source during the early stages of marine shrimps. Some microalgae such as Arthrospira platensis, are rich in antioxidant substances and also have the capacity to remove toxics compounds from the water in aquaculture systems. The trial consisted in two treatements by triplicate, where the inclusion of filtered microalgae A. platensis as feed supplementation during production of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei, was assessed. The experimental desing was based on a static system with six 250-L tanks with marine wáter (30 PSU), stocked 105 shirmps (300 shrimp m-2) with an average wheight of 0,7 ±0,2 g. At the end of the fed trial (42 days), the zootechnical and immunological parameters of shrimps were evaluated. Significatives differences among the treatments were found for both parameters. Shrimps that received supplementation of microalgae A. platensis showed higher growth and better response of the immune system. Thus, these results allow to conclude that the supplementation of filtered microalgae A. platensis improve growth and immunological parameters of white shrimp L. vannamei.(AU)

Arthrospira platensis filtrada como alimento complementario de juveniles del camarón blanco: efectos sobre crecimiento y sistema inmune / Filtered Arthrospira platensis as a food suplement for juvenile shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei: effects on growth and immune system

De forma general, las microalgas son fuente de alimento indispensable durante las primeras fases de desarrollo de los camarones marinos. Algunas microalgas, como la Arthrospira platensis, son ricas en substancias antioxidantes, y tienen la capacidad de retirar compuestos tóxicos del agua en los sistemas de producción acuícola. De este modo, constituimos un experimento con dos tratamientos triplicados, donde se evaluó la aplicación de biomasa filtrada de microalga A. platensis como suplemento alimenticio para camarón blanco del Pacífico, Litopenaeus vannamei. Se utilizó un sistema de cultivo estático de seis unidades, con volumen útil de 250 litros de agua marina (30 ppt), donde se sembraron 300 camarones m-2 con peso inicial de 0,7±0,2 g. Al final del experimento (42 días) se evaluaron parámetros inmunológicos y de desempeño zootécnico. Los camarones alimentados con A. platensis como como suplemento fueron signicativamente mayores que los camarones del tratamiento control y no presentaron diferencias en la supervivencia. Igualmente, se obtuvieron mejores resultados en los parámetros inmunológicos del tratamiento con inclusión de microalga. De esta forma, al suministrar la microalga como alimento suplementario al camarón L. vannamei, crecimiento y sistema inmunológico se vieron favorecidos.

Microalgae is an important food source during the early stages of marine shrimps. Some microalgae such as Arthrospira platensis, are rich in antioxidant substances and also have the capacity to remove toxics compounds from the water in aquaculture systems. The trial consisted in two treatements by triplicate, where the inclusion of filtered microalgae A. platensis as feed supplementation during production of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei, was assessed. The experimental desing was based on a static system with six 250-L tanks with marine wáter (30 PSU), stocked 105 shirmps (300 shrimp m-2) with an average wheight of 0,7 ±0,2 g. At the end of the fed trial (42 days), the zootechnical and immunological parameters of shrimps were evaluated. Significatives differences among the treatments were found for both parameters. Shrimps that received supplementation of microalgae A. platensis showed higher growth and better response of the immune system. Thus, these results allow to conclude that the supplementation of filtered microalgae A. platensis improve growth and immunological parameters of white shrimp L. vannamei.

Role of pH on antioxidants production by Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis

Algae can tolerate a broad range of growing conditions but extreme conditions may lead to the generation of highly dangerous reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may cause the deterioration of cell metabolism and damage cellular components. The antioxidants produced by algae alleviate the harmful effects of ROS. While the enhancement of antioxidant production in blue green algae under stress has been reported, the antioxidant response to changes in pH levels requires further investigation. This study presents the effect of pH changes on the antioxidant activity and productivity of the blue green alga Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis. The algal dry weight (DW) was greatly enhanced at pH 9.0. The highest content of chlorophyll a and carotenoids (10.6 and 2.4 mg/g DW, respectively) was recorded at pH 8.5. The highest phenolic content (12.1 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW) was recorded at pH 9.5. The maximum production of total phycobiliprotein (159 mg/g DW) was obtained at pH 9.0. The antioxidant activities of radical scavenging activity, reducing power and chelating activity were highest at pH 9.0 with an increase of 567, 250 and 206% compared to the positive control, respectively. Variation in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) was also reported. While the high alkaline pH may favor the overproduction of antioxidants, normal cell metabolism and membrane function is unaffected, as shown by growth and chlorophyll content, which suggests that these conditions are suitable for further studies on the harvest of antioxidants from S. platensis.(AU)

Growth, yield, and postharvest quality in eggplant produced under different foliar fertilizer (Spirulina platensis) treatments / Crescimento, produção e qualidade pós-colheita de berinjela produzida sob adubação foliar com Spirulina platensis

This study evaluated the growth, yield, and postharvest quality of eggplant grown under different foliar fertilizer treatments with Spirufert® (Spirulina platensis). The treatments consisted of four fertilizer concentrations applied at four phenological stages: M1 (10, 15, 25, and 35 g L-¹), M2 (15, 20, 30, and 40 g L-¹), M3 (20, 25, 35, and 45 g L-¹), and M4 (control plants, water spraying only). For Postharvest experiments were conducted in a 4 x 5 factorial design corresponding to the four treatments in the field experiment and five storage times. Spirufert® applied at lower concentrations (M1) resulted in greater fruit yield without affecting the foliar concentrations of N, P, K, and Na. Higher fertilizer concentrations (M3) increased vegetative growth but reduced eggplant yield. Fruit color parameters and soluble solids contents were not affected by fertilizer application, but pulp firmness was more stable in M1 fruits stored for up to six days.

Objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento, a produção e a qualidade pós-colheita da berinjela em função de manejos (M) de aplicação foliar com Spirufert® (Spirulina platensis). Os manejos foram constituídos por quatro concentrações do produto, aplicadas em quatro fases fenológicas da cultura, sendo o M1 constituído por pulverizações nas concentrações de 10, 15, 25 e 35 g L-¹; o M2 correspondeu às concentrações de 15, 20, 30 e 40 g L-¹; o M3 por 20, 25, 35 e 45 e g L-¹ e o M4 correspondeu à testemunha. Para o ensaio de pós-colheita, os tratamentos corresponderam a um esquema fatorial 4 x 5, correspondente aos quatro tratamentos originados do experimento de campo e cinco períodos de armazenamento. O Spirufert® aplicado em concentrações mais baixas (M1) proporciona maior produção de frutos, sem influenciar os teores foliares de N, P, K e Na da cultura. Concentrações mais elevadas do produto (M3) favorecem o desenvolvimento vegetativo da berinjela em detrimento da produção. O produto não afeta a cor do fruto nem seus sólidos solúveis, porém o manejo M1 proporciona maior estabilidade na firmeza dos frutos durante o seu armazenamento de até seis dias.