METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION AND ISOLATION OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM SEA ALGAE EXTRACTS

摘要

A method is proposed for the isolation and purification of biologically active compounds from extracts obtained from seaweed. The method includes the steps of: (a) circulating the extract through an ultrafiltration membrane with a suitable molecular weight cutoff; (b) collecting the filtrate from the extract to obtain a first filtrate and retentate fraction; and (c) washing the retentate to obtain one or more additional filtrate fractions. The biological activity of the first filtrate fraction and additional filtrate fractions can then be assessed to determine their effectiveness on plant growth. Also described is one or more biologically active molecules isolated from an algal species, wherein one or more biologically active molecules have a molecular weight in the range of about 0.15 to 1.0 kDa and have the ability to enhance or improve plant growth.