STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF ZOSTERA MARINA PECTINS EXTRACTED FROM THE BIOMASS OF THE BLACK AND AEGEAN SEA AQUATORIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18372/2310-5461.69.20540Keywords:
pectin, Zostera marina, marine biomass, FTIR analysis, organic waste, seaweeds, environmental safetyAbstract
This study presents a comparative analysis of the chemical and elemental composition of Zostera marina collected from the Aegean and Black Sea regions, as well as the influence of seasonal variation on the structural characteristics of their polygalacturonates. It was established that summer biomass is characterized by a higher Ca²⁺ content, which promotes the formation of ordered “egg-box” structures and results in superior gelling capacity of the extracted pectins. Autumn samples, enriched in Fe and Br, demonstrated changes in gel density and elasticity. The effect of three extraction schemes—acidic, oxalate-based, and alcohol precipitation—was evaluated in terms of pectin yield, degree of esterification, and functional performance. Acidic extraction led to partial polymer degradation and unstable gels; oxalate extraction preserved esterification and produced more elastic structures; alcohol precipitation provided the highest yield and the lightest coloration. The findings highlight the decisive influence of marine geochemistry and extraction methodology on the structure and functionality of Zostera marina pectins and offer a basis for optimizing their production for applications in food, pharmaceutical, and biomaterials industries.
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