Neutral lipase and phospholipase activities in scallop juveniles (Pecten maximus) and dietary algae

Activities of the digestive enzymes neutral lipase and phospholipase A₂ were present in 2-mm scallop juveniles, indicating an endogenous ability to digest lipids. When determined in the dietary microalgae, lipolytic activities of both enzymes differed significantly, being highest in Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis sp. and lowest in Chaetoceros mülleri. Compared with the activities found in scallop juveniles, enzyme activities from the microalgae were rather low and did not seem to contribute considerably to their digestive process. However, ingested algae seemed to have a regulating effect on the phospholipase activity in scallops, as juveniles fed I. galbana had a significantly lower activity than juveniles of the other treatments. No such effect was evident for neutral lipase, indicating different regulation mechanisms for both enzymes. Dietary effects on digestive enzymes in scallop juveniles should be considered when choosing new potential algal species as feed or for future formulation of artificial diets.