Physiological responses of Pterocladiella capillacea (Rhodophyta, Gelidiales) under two light intensities

Macroalgae must be able to survive in conditions of different light intensities with no damage to their physiological performance or vital processes. Irradiance can stimulate the biosynthesis of certain photoprotective compounds of biotechnological interest, such as pigments and proteins. Pterocladiella capillacea is a shade-grown alga, which play a role key in the balance of marine ecosystems. In addition, it is considered one of the best sources of bacteriological agar and agarose with a wide pharmacological potential. In order to evaluate the photosensitivity in P. capillacea under 60 (control) and moderate light intensity of 300 μmol(photon) m–2 s–1, photosynthetic performance and chemical composition were assessed. P. capillacea showed photosensitivity without evidence of photodamage. The results indicate the possibility to increase a growth rate and probably infer productivity in long-term cultivation by stimulation at moderate light intensity. Increasing photosynthetic pigment and protein contents were also observed under medium light, an interesting result for functional ingredient approaches.