Alpha-tocopherol and ergocalciferol contents of some macroalgae from Bulgarian Black Sea coast

The aim of the present study was to determine and compare alpha-tocopherol and ergocalciferol content in four macroalgae from Bulgarian Black sea coast. Ulva rigida, Cladophora vagabunda, Cystoseira barbata and Cystoseira crinita were used for evaluation of corresponding fat soluble vitamins content. The sample preparation procedure includes alkaline saponification, followed by liquid-liquid extraction. Ergocalciferol (vitamin D-2) and a-tocopherol (vitamin E) were analyzed simultaneously using HPLC/UV/FL system (Thermo Scientific Spectra SYSTEM) equipped with RP analytical column. The mobile phase was composed of 97:3 = MeOH:H2O. Ergocalciferol was monitored by UV detection at lambda max = 265nm, while a-tocopherol was detected by fluorescence at lambda ex=288nm and lambda em=332nm. Alpha-tocopherol content in algal tissues ranged from 1.68 +/- 0.38mg/100g d.w. in Cladophora vagabunda to 29.13 +/- 1.08mg/100g d.w. in Cystoseira barbata. Ergocalciferol was detected only in Ulva rigida samples.