Characterization of By-Product Composition and Pigment Profiles in Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis): Valorization of Underutilized Marine Waste

Maddie Borland
PhD Student 
Department of Biochemistry

Date: October 28, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Room: CSF 1302

Abstract:

The global aquaculture industry faces challenges due to the significant waste generated from green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis), with up to 85% of the biomass, including shells and viscera, discarded. This waste not only creates environmental concerns but also represents lost economic opportunities. Green sea urchins are rich in bioactive compounds, particularly polyhydroxylated naphthoquinones (PHNQ), such as spinochromes and echinochromes, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This research aims to optimize the use of green sea urchin by-products to enhance sustainability and economic efficiency in aquaculture. The project will conduct a meta-analysis of previous feeding trials to assess how diet influences by-product composition, examine how light exposure affects sea urchin growth and waste quality, and develop eco-friendly methods to extract and characterize PHNQ pigments from urchin waste. This study supports a circular economy by transforming waste into valuable resources.