Discrimination and Characterization of Two Mediterranean Species from the Laurencia Complex (Rhodomelacea) Using an NMR ‐Based Metabolomic Approach

Generic and specific determination among the Laurencia complex is a challenging task. DNA barcoding combined with phenotypic investigations are mandatory for species differentiation. In this study, two morphologically different members of the Laurencia complex were investigated using untargeted 1 H‐ NMR ‐based metabolomics. Twenty‐one population samples were collected in order to evaluate both temporal and geographical homogeneity. Data obtained from 1 H‐ NMR analysis followed by statistical analysis allowed a clear separation of all the samples into two groups. DNA mitochondrial tests confirmed this pattern and identified the two species as Laurenciella sp. and Laurencia obtusa . In addition, metabolites responsible of this discrimination were investigated directly in crude extracts by 13 C‐ NMR using an in‐house computer‐assisted method. The combination of both untargeted ( 1 H) and targeted ( 13 C) NMR ‐based metabolomic approaches proves to be a powerful and complementary approach to discriminate species from the Laurencia complex.