Spectral characterization of bioactive compounds from microalgae: N. Oculata and C. Vulgaris

Microalgae are unicellular eukaryotic organisms that thrive in a wide variety of habitats such as fresh, salt water and marine environment. Microalgae are considered to be a good source of fatty acids, pigments and various other bioactive metabolites. Hence, the current study attempts to identify bioactive metabolites from two microalgae species: Nannochloropsis Oculata and Chlorella Vulgaris. This diverse group of autotrophic organisms can rapidly produce large biomass per surface area. These phyto-compounds were qualitatively analysed using biochemical methods. Solvent extracts of fresh samples were subjected to preliminary identification by UV spectra and thin layer chromatography. Furthermore, GC-MS and HPLC analysis were conducted to identify and characterize pharmacologically potent molecules. Major Phytochemicals such as phenolic, flavonoids, pigments, protein, and carbohydrates were present in both the samples. This was primarily subjected to UV spectral analysis and TLC chromatogram. The chemical diversity of compounds was further confirmed using GC MS and HPLC.