Seasonal variations in free amino acid, 5′-nucleotide, and lipid profiles of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) revealed by targeted and untargeted metabolomic approaches

Scallop is popular for its delicious taste and rich nutrition value. This study investigated the metabolomic changes in free amino acid (FAA), 5'-nucleotide, and lipid composition of scallops collected in different seasons. Results showed that the content of the FAA and 5'-nucleotide in summer was significantly higher than in other seasons. Adenosine 5'-monophosphate, glycine, and alanine were dominant from June to August. A total of 176 lipids, including 50 triacylglycerols (TAG), 60 phosphatidylcholines (PC), and 30 phosphatidylethanolamines (PE), were identified in the scallop adductor muscle. PC and PE were dominant from February to June, and TAG was dominant in November. The unsaturation degree of TAG was increased from July to November, and the highest proportion of polyunsaturated phospholipids appeared in August and September. Overall, scallops have high nutritional value in summer. This study is helpful for the development of scallop products with high nutrition and high value.