LAUSR

ABSTRACT Sirophysalis trinodis and Polycladia myrica, two brown seaweeds present on the southeast coast of Iran, were evaluated for their nutritional and functional properties after drying. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of crude polysaccharides revealed the characteristic absorption bands of phenol, O–H, C–H, C–O–S, C–O, C=O, C–H groups, and β-glycosidic linkages from cellulose, with the sulfate contents estimated as 4.89 ± 0.11% and 6.96 ± 0.05% of SO4−2. Results of nutritional profiles revealed all of the essential amino acids, especially methionine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, threonine, valine, phenyl alanine, and arginine. In addition, important fatty acids such as linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid were found in high amounts. The other nutritional components present in high amounts were proline and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc. The antibacterial activity was weak, but the result of antioxidant activities (hydroxyl and superoxide radicals scavenging and ferrous-ion chelating ability) of crude polysaccharides was considerable. In general, the findings of this study recommend that S. trinodis and P. myrica dried seaweeds have a potent nutritional value and might be used as a valuable source of nutrient supplements for humans and animals.