Occurrence of Free D-Alanine in Marine Macroalgae

Abstract

Occurrence of free D-alanine was verified in various marine macroalgae by reversed-phase HPLC analysis. The presence of free D-alanine was detected in 15 species (63%) out of the 24 species of algae examined. The free D-alanine content was high in Hizikia fusiformis, Heterochordaria abietina, and Sargassum nigrifolium of Phaeophyta (96, 83, and 78nmol/g wet weight, respectively). The D-alanine contents in various parts of H. fusiformis were measured and found to be highest in the blade followed by the main branch, and was lowest in the adhesive root.