Study of the enzymatic digestive profile in three species of Mediterranean sea urchins

The digestive enzymatic profile (amylase, lipase, proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin and cellulases) was studied in three species of Mediterranean regular sea urchin: Arbacia lixula, Sphaerechinus granularis and Paracentrotus lívidus collected from the natural environment. A different enzymatic profile was manifested in the three studied species. A higher amylase capacity in S. granularis would support a preferential use of feed rich in vegetable sources. The marked cellulolytic potential in P. lividus would qualify this specie to feed on cellulose rich vegetable sources. Finally A. lixula would be the species with a higher total digestive capacity (greater lipase, proteases and trypsin activity) that would enable it to feed on a wide variety of foods, including of animal origin, and to get more energy from nutrients. Further investigation related to these aspects could explain and complete the current knowledge about feeding habits of these species extrapolating results to improve feed formulation for sea urchins culture and their possible application as digestive enzymes source for biotechnological applications.

► The digestive enzymatic profile was studied in three species of sea urchin.
► S. granularis showed a higher amylase capacity.
► P. lividus displayed a marked cellulolytic potential.
► A. lixula would be the more competitive specie with higher total digestive capacity.
► Know digestive capacity will improve feed formulation for sea urchin culture.