Effects of light spectrum on the growth, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant properties of the red macroalga Agardhiella subulata
Journal
Aquaculture Reports
Journal Volume
48
Start Page
103639
ISSN
2352-5134
Date Issued
2026-07-15
Author(s)
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of different light wavelengths, red (654 nm), blue (457 nm), green (517 nm), and full-spectrum, on the growth, bioactive compound composition, and antioxidant capacity of Agardhiella subulata . The results demonstrated that red light significantly enhanced biomass accumulation, carbohydrate biosynthesis, carotenoid content, and several antioxidant functions, including radical scavenging and ferrous ion chelation. Analysis of bioactive compounds revealed that the green-light group exhibited the highest total sugar concentration, whereas the full-spectrum group had the highest total phenol content. In terms of antioxidant activity, the red-light group exhibited the highest DPPH radical-scavenging rate, although no significant differences were observed in superoxide anion-scavenging capacity across treatments. Green light was found to enhance reducing power, while red and blue light treatments exhibited the strongest ferrous ion chelation capacity. These findings suggest that long-wavelength light is optimal for promoting algal growth, whereas mid-wavelength light may favor the accumulation of water-soluble bioactive compounds. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing light conditions to enhance algal cultivation efficiency and improve the extraction of functional compounds, with potential applications in food, nutraceutical, and biotechnology industries.
Subjects
Agardhiella subulate
Antioxidant capacity
Light wavelength
Light-emitting diode
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Type
journal article