The Chemical Properties of Seaweed Caulerpa lentifera from Takalar, South Sulawesi

Abstract

Indonesia is known as a maritime country having many types of seaweed. The type of seaweed that is still little studied is the type of green seaweed. One of the most common types of green seaweed found in Indonesia is Caulerpa lentifera. Green seaweed is informed to contain beta-glucan. Beta glucan has widely studied because it contains bioactive compounds. The bioactive content of green seaweed, in this case, is obtained from Caulerpa type. In this study, the type of Caulerpa studied derived from cultivation (Takalar, South Sulawesi). Test of chemical properties of seaweeds parameters observed were protein quality, fat content, carbohydrate, water content, and dietary fibre. This study is a preliminary treatment to determine the primary metabolite content of Caulerpa seaweed cultivation. The methods used to include rinsing, washing with water, drying and grinding. The result of analysis for moisture content (5.4%), protein (14.4%), fat (0.85%), total ash (41.85%) and carbohydrate (32.95%). Protein and carbohydrate were the most sources in this species. This study suggests that C. lentifera could potentially be used as a nutritious and functional food item for the human diet.