Composition of lipids and biological activity of lipids and photosynthetic pigments from algae of the families Laminariaceae and Alariaceae.

The lipid compositions from four alga species of the family Laminariaceae and one species of the family Alariaceae in addition to the antimicrobial and hemolytic activity of the lipids and pigments from these algae were studied. Total lipids (TL) from the Laminariaceae algae, in contrast with those from the Alariaceae alga, were more active against microorganisms and exhibited greater hemolytic activity. Separate lipid classes and their fractions isolated from the less active Alariaceae alga suppressed the growth of microorganisms and caused hemolysis of erythrocytes. The lipid fatty acids affected the manifestation of biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]