The wild harvest and aquaculture of Ulva spp.has deserved growing attention in Europe.However, the impact of geographical origin on the biochemical composition of different species and/or strains is yet to be described in detail.Hence, the present study aimed to detect the variability of the lipidome of different species and/or strains of Ulva originating from different geographic locations.We hypothesized that lipidomic signatures can be used to trace the geographic origin post-harvesting of these valuable green seaweeds.
Ulva spp.was sampled from eight distinct ecosystems along the Atlantic Iberian coast Snap Plug and Ulva rigida was sourced from an aquaculture farm operating a land-based integrated production site.Results showed significant differences in the lipidomic profile displayed by Ulva spp.originating from different locations, namely, due to different levels of polyunsaturated betaine lipids and galactolipids; saturated betaine lipids and sulfolipids; and some phospholipid species.Overall, a set of 25 site-specific molecular lipid species provide a unique lipidomic signature for authentication and geographic origin certification of Ulva species.
Present findings highlight the potential of lipidome plasticity as a proxy to fight fraudulent practices, but also to ensure quality control and prospect biomass Sharpening Stone for target bioactive compounds.