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Codium tomentosum is a marine green macroalga with multiple value-added applications that is being successfully used as an extractive species in sustainable integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems. Nonetheless, growth conditions of this species at an early development phase still require optimization. The present study addresses, under controlled laboratory conditions, the effects of photoperiod (long vs. short-day) and light spectra (white, blue, and red light) on growth and pigment composition of C. tomentosum. Relative growth rate was approximately 2× higher under long-day photoperiod (average of 39.2 and 20.1% week−1 for long and short-day, respectively). Concentrations per dry weight of major pigments such as chlorophyll a (Chla) and siphonoxanthin (Siph) were significantly higher under long-day photoperiod. Relative growth rates were higher under red light, intermediate under white light, and lower under blue light. These last results were rather surprising, as Siph-Chla/Chlb light harvesting complexes of Codium have increased absorption in the blue-green region of the light spectra. Changes in carbon allocation patterns caused by the spectral composition of light and overgrowth of green microalgae in blue light cultures could explain the differences recorded for relative growth rate. Long-day photoperiod and light sources with preferential emission at the red region of the light spectra were identified as optimal for growth of C. tomentosum at early development stages. These lighting conditions can reduce the time required to reach the necessary biomass before transfer to grow-out systems. Overall, these findings can shorten production time, increase macroalgal productivity, and enhance aquaculture revenues.

The fifth basic taste—umami—is based on hydrophilic monosodium L-glutamate (L-Glu), and, to a smaller extent, on L-aspartate (L-Asp), which can be found in free form in seaweeds. The umami taste can be elicited by the synergistic effect of 5′-nucleotides, guanosine-5′-monophosphate (GMP), and inosine-5′-monophosphate (IMP). In this work, twelve edible seaweeds, two green (Codium tomentosum, Ulva rigida), six red (Chondracanthus teedei var. lusitanicus, Chondrus crispus, Gracilaria gracilis, Grateloupia turuturu, Nemalion helminthoides, Osmundea pinnatifida), and four brown (Bifurcaria bifurcata, Fucus vesiculosus, Saccorhiza polyschides, Undaria pinnatifida), from the Portuguese seashore, were selected for the analysis of umami amino acids and 5′-nucleotides. To determine the concentrations of umami free compounds, L-Glu, L-Asp, GMP, and IMP, the usual procedure for the preparation of seaweed’s broth was carried out, and the resulting extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The effect of the seaweed’s pretreatment, oven-dried and lyophilized, was also studied. Results showed that all seaweed species contained free amino acids in broad range, whereas umami 5′-nucleotides were not detected. The lyophilized C. crispus and G. gracilis contained the highest amounts of free L-Glu (627 ± 109 mg (100 g)−1 and 398 ± 67 mg (100 g)−1, respectively) and L-Asp (520 ± 102 mg (100 g)−1 and 270 ± 10 mg (100 g)−1, respectively). Two-factor PCA explained quantitatively (90%) the variance of seaweed species based on umami L-Glu content after different drying techniques applied. The results indicate that lyophilization constitutes a superior procedure for increasing the umami potential in most of the selected seaweeds.

The present study investigated the feasibility of using residual biomass of marine macroalgae (Codium tomentosum) for bioethanol production. Influence of various parameters was analyzed for optimiz...

Polysaccharides extracted from seaweeds can function as plant biostimulants. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Polysaccharide Enriched Extracts (PEEs) obtained from 17 Moroccan seaweeds, on tomato seed germination and plant growth. Three concentrations (0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 mg mL−1) of PEEs were applied to tomato seeds to evaluate their effect on 3 germination parameters: germination percentage (GP), germination speed (GS) and mean germination time (MGT). Metabolomic analysis by GC–MS was subsequently performed on seedlings. In the second experiment, four PEEs concentrations (0.02, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg mL−1) were used as foliar spray or as soil application to tomato plants. Their growth parameters (number of leaves, shoot length, fresh and dry weight of stem and roots) and biochemical parameters (chlorophyll a and b) were measured. Results indicated a significant increase of GP and GS associated with a significant reduction of MGT of tomato seeds treated with 0.02 mg mL−1 of PEEs obtained from Gigartina sp., Gigartina pistillata, Chondracanthus acicularis, Gelidium crinale, Schizymenia dubyi, Cystoseira. foeniculacea and Fucus spiralis. Similar results were also obtained by application of higher PEEs concentration (0.1 mg mL−1) extracted from Ulva rigida, Codium tomentosum, Codium decorticatum and Bifurcaria bifurcata. Metabolomic analysis on seedlings detected the presence of some metabolites which could possibly be involved in seed germination enhancement or inhibition. The results of the second experiment showed that the same PEEs cited above at the same concentrations enhanced plant dry weight and chlorophyll a content except Gigartina sp., C. foeniculacea and C. decorticatum. Furthermore, soil application of PEEs was more effective in improving plant growth parameters than foliar application. The study shows the potential of PEEs from Moroccan seaweed to be used as biostimulants for a sustainable agriculture.

Bryopsidales (Chlorophyta) are cultured and consumed in several regions of the planet and are known for their high nutritional value and bioprospection potential, due to a high content of relevant polar lipids and polysaccharides. Among other characteristic features, these marine algae are known for possessing unique photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes and for the absence (in nearly all species investigated) of a functional xanthophyll cycle, a ubiquitous photoprotection mechanism present in most algae and plants. With the aim of characterizing the photophysiology of this atypical group of algae, we investigated the changes in pigment content and polar lipidome of two Bryopsidales species (Codium tomentosum and Bryopsis plumosa) exposed for 7 days to low or high irradiance (20 vs. 1,000 μmol photons m–2 s–1). Our results show that high light has a strong effect on the pigment composition, triggering the time-dependent accumulation of all-trans-neoxanthin (t-Neo) and violaxanthin (Viola). High light-acclimated macroalgae also displayed a shift in the characteristic polar lipidome, including a trend of accumulation of lyso-glycolipids, and highly unsaturated phospholipids and betaine lipids. We hypothesize that the observed shifts on the lipid composition could promote the interaction between t-Neo and Viola with the siphonaxanthin–chlorophyll–protein complexes (SCP) of photosystem II (PSII) within the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts. Light induced changes in pigment and lipid composition could contribute to the fitness of Bryopsidales algae by reducing damages to the photosynthetic apparatus under increased irradiance.

Fouling is a result of the accumulation of bacterial growth, algae and sessile invertebrates on both natural and manmade submerged surface. To combat fouling ships must constantly undergo cleaning up and maintenance processes. This work aimed to evaluate new biocide antifouling paints produced from marine algae, and study their suppressive effect on slime film forming bacteria. In addition, the effect of the leached components from these wood coated surfaces containing algae on the characteristics of the contact seawater medium was investigated compared with two commercial marine paints. To evaluate the suppressive effect of algae containing coatings, extraction of the new biocide antifouling paints were done by mixing different ingredients % of binder, pigment, filler, stabilizer and solvent. The obtained paints were durable, long lasting with no cracking formed before their incorporation with algae. The paint formulations were applied to wood panels and immersed in sterile glass beakers filled with seawater medium collected from the Eastern Harbour, Alexandria, Egypt. The physicochemical parameters (temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and nutrient salts) of seawater samples around the tested panels’ were measured after four weeks of immersion and the microbiological examination for the panels were measured after two and four weeks of immersion.Using of algae in the dry paint film leads to highest suppressive effect (%). The tested Ulva fasciata, Corallina mediterraneaand Codium Tomentosum were having the highest suppressive effect 100, 99.6 and 99.5%, respectively. These results matched with the characterization by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

This study examined the mechanism of incorporation of the rare earth elements (REEs), La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb, into green (Codium tomentosum, Ulva rigida), red (Gracilaria gracilis, Osmundea pinnatifida, Porphyra sp), and brown seaweeds (Saccorhiza polyschides, Undaria pinnatifida) collected from a single site near the coastline of the Cape Mondego, western Portugal. The concentrations of REEs, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, Zn, and Cu in the biomasses were determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The species showed differences in their incorporation and fractionation of REEs from the same environment: the sum of REEs was higher in U. rigida, C. tomentosum, G. gracilis, and O. pinnatifida (0.7-1.7 μg g-1) than in Porphyra sp., S. polyschides, and U. pinnatifida (0.1-0.2 μg g-1). Ratios of Ce/Yb ranged from 13 (in S. polyschides) to 103 (in U. rigida), indicating different proportions of light and heavy REEs among species. Good correlations were found between Al and Fe (R2 = 0.98), and between these elements and La, Ce, Nd, Gd (R2 = 0.88-0.97) and Yb (R2 = 0.66-0.71) for all species except C. tomentosum and G. gracilis. Profiles of REE values normalised to average upper-continental crust composition indicated positive anomalies of Eu and Tb that reinforced the singularity of these elements in the REE group. Correlations between the REEs and Al or Fe suggest that detrital terrigenous particles, adhered to seaweed walls, may be an important mechanism for the incorporation of REEs by seaweeds. Different patterns for C. tomentosum and G. gracilis may also be indicative of the higher influence of cell wall composition on REE incorporation.

Mental health and active aging are two of the main concerns in the 21st century. To search for new neuroprotective compounds, extracts of Codium tomentosum Stackhouse and Fucus vesiculosus L. were obtained through multi-step (four step) subcritical water extraction using a temperature gradient. The safety assessment of the extracts was performed by screening pharmaceutical compounds and pesticides by UHPLC-MS/MS, and iodine and arsenic levels by ICP-MS. Although the extracts were free of pharmaceutical compounds and pesticides, the presence of arsenic and high iodine contents were found in the first two extraction steps. Thus, the health-benefits were only evaluated for the fractions obtained in steps 3 and 4 from the extraction process. These fractions were tested against five brain enzymes implicated in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and major depression etiology as well as against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, having been observed a strong enzyme inhibition and radical scavenging activities for the step 4 fractions from both seaweed species. Regarding the variation of the chemical composition during the extraction, step 1 fractions were the richest in phenolic compounds. With the increase in temperature, Maillard reaction, caramelization and thermo-oxidation occurred, and the resulting products positively affected the antioxidant capacity and the neuroprotective effects.

This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the strategic project UID/04292/2020 granted to MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, and UIDP/04046/2020 and UIDB/04046/2020 granted to BioISI—BioSystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, through POINT4PAC project (Oncologia de Precisão: Terapias e Tecnologias Inovadoras, SAICTPAC/0019/2015-LISBOA- 01-0145-FEDER-016405), through CROSS-ATLANTIC project (PTDC/BIA-OUT/29250/2017), co-financed by COMPETE (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029250) and through Molecules for Health project (PTDC/BIA-BQM/28355/2017). This work was also funded by the Integrated Programme of SR&TD Smart Valorization of Endogenous Marine Biological Resources Under a Changing Climate (Centro-01-0145-FEDER-000018), co-funded by Centro 2020 Programme, Portugal 2020, European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund. Parkinsons Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Without an effective treatment, it is crucial to find new therapeutic options to fight the neurodegenerative process, which may arise from marine resources. Accordingly, the goal of the present work was to evaluate the ability of the monoterpenoid lactone Loliolide, isolated from the green seaweed Codium tomentosum, to prevent neurological cell death mediated by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on SH-SY5Y cells and their anti-inflammatory effects in RAW264.7 macrophages. Loliolide was obtained from the diethyl ether extract, purified through column chromatography and identified by NMR spectroscopy. The neuroprotective effects were evaluated by the MTT method. Cells’ exposure to 6-OHDA in the presence of Loliolide led to an increase of cells’ viability in 40%, and this effect was mediated by mitochondrial protection, reduction of oxidative stress condition and apoptosis, and inhibition of the NF-KB pathway. Additionally, Loliolide also suppressed nitric oxide production and inhibited the production of TNF- and IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results suggest that Loliolide can inspire the development of new neuroprotective therapeutic agents and thus, more detailed studies should be considered to validate its pharmacological potential. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Marine edible macroalgae have functional proprieties that might improve human health and wellbeing. Lipids represent a minor fraction of macroalgae, yet with major interest as main carriers of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and intrinsic bioactive properties. In this study, we used lipid extracts from the green macroalgae Ulva rigida and Codium tomentosum, the red Gracilaria gracilis,Palmaria palmata and Porphyra dioica, and the brown Fucus vesiculosus, produced in a land-based integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) system. We determined the lipid quality indices based on their fatty acid profiles and their bioactivities as putative antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative agents. The results reveal to be species-specific, namely U. rigida displayed the lowest atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices. Palmaria palmata and F. vesiculosus lipid extracts displayed the lowest inhibitory concentration in the free radical scavenging antioxidant assays. Ulva rigida, C. tomentosum, P. palmata and P. dioica inhibited COX-2 activity by up to 80%, while P. dioica and P. palmata extracts showed the highest cytotoxic potential in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This work enhances the valorization of macroalgae as functional foods and promising ingredients for sustainable and healthy diets and fosters new applications of high-valued algal biomass, in a species-specific context.

This study aimed to investigate the total phenolic content (TPC), the identification of the common compounds by HPLC-ESI-MS and HPLC-ESI-MS-TOF and the inhibitory effects against class A-type β-lactamase (GES-22 variant, produced recombinantly) in methanolic extracts (MEs) of four Algerian seaweeds [Ulva intestinalis, Codium tomentosum, Dictyota dichotoma and Halopteris scoparia]. The TPC varied among the four species, ranging between 0.93 ± 0.65 and 2.66 ± 1.33 mg GAEs/g DW. C.tomentosum had higher total phenol content than other seaweeds while, all of them inhibited uncompetitively GES-22 activity in a dose-dependent manner. Nitrocefin was used as chromogenic substrate to evaluate the inhibitory effect on GES-22. The methanolic extract of D.dichotoma exhibited significant inhibitory effect on GES-22 (IC50 = 13.01 ± 0.046 μg/mL) more than clavulanate, sulbactam and tazobactam (classical β-lactam inhibitors) (IC50 = 68.38 ± 0.17 μg/mL, 52.68 ± 0.64 μg/mL, and 29.94 ± 0.01 μg/mL, respectively). IC50 of the other ME of U.intestinalis, C.tomentosum, and H.scoparia were 16.87 ± 0.10 μg/mL, 16.54 ± 0.048 μg/mL, and 25.72 ± 0.15 μg/mL, respectively. Except H. scoparia, other three seaweed extracts showed almost two times or more inhibition on GES-22. Furthermore, four common compounds in these MEs were identified, α-linolenic acid (C18:3ω3), linoleic acid (C18:2ω6), oleic acid (C18:1ω9), the eicosanoid precursors ‘‘arachidonic acid’’ (C20:4ω6). Baicalein (C15H10O5) was identified in U.intestinalis and D.dichotoma seaweeds. The fact that all seaweed extracts inhibited the GES-22 better than commercial samples makes these seaweeds candidate for discovering new inhibitors against β-lactamases. Besides that, they contain important components with potential health benefits.

In the last decades, the use of algae in biotechnology and food industries has experienced an exponential growth. Codium tomentosum is a green macroalgae with high biotechnological potential, due to its rich lipidome, although few studies have addressed it. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal changes in lipid and pigment profiles of C. tomentosum, as well as to screen its antioxidant activity, in order to evaluate its natural plasticity. Samples of C. tomentosum were collected in two different seasons, early-autumn (September/October) and spring (May), in the Portuguese coast (wild samples), and in a land-based integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) system (IMTA samples). Total lipid extracts were analysed by LC&ndash, MS, GC&ndash, MS, and HPLC, and antioxidant activity was screened through free radical scavenging potential against DPPH and 2,20-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals. Wild samples showed a high seasonal variability, modifying their lipidome and pigment profiles according to environmental shifts, while IMTA samples showed a relatively stable composition due to early-stage culturing in controlled conditions. The lipids that contributed the most to seasonal discrimination were glycolipids (monogalactosyl diacylglycerol - MGDG and digalactosyl diacylglycerol - DGDG) and the lyso forms of phospholipids and glycolipids. Lipid extracts showed antioxidant activity ranging from 61 &plusmn, 2 to 115 &plusmn, 35 &micro, mol Trolox g&minus, 1 of lipid extract in DPPH assay and from 532 &plusmn, 73 to 927 &plusmn, 92 &micro, 1 of lipid extract in ABTS assay, with a more intense antioxidant activity in wild spring samples. This study revealed that wild specimens of C. tomentosum presented a higher plasticity to cope with seasonal environmental changes, adjusting their lipid, pigment, and bioactivity profiles, while IMTA samples, cultured under controlled conditions, displayed more stable lipidome and pigment compositions.

Codium tomentosum seaweed structured Bi2O3 was prepared by anodization technique using thermally evaporated bismuth films. The present study concerns the development of an efficient CO2 sensor at room temperature by controlling the crystallinity, morphology, carrier concentration, and bang gap. Crystal structure variation was achieved by sequential annealing from 200 to 600 °C. During anodization, truncated polyhedral aggregates of bismuth particles get reformed into Codium tomentosum seaweed like nanostructures of Bi2O3. The nature of Bi2O3 semiconductor with carrier concentration has been identified from the Mott–Schottky plot. Lattice defects such as oxygen vacancies, Bi interstitials, recombination effect, and band gap values were analyzed through optical studies. The sensor study was performed at room temperature for the detection of CO2 gas in the concentration 10–100 ppm. Bi2O3 nanostructure annealed at 400 °C having amorphous nature offered the maximum response magnitude. The underlying, sensing mechanism was correlated with the experimental findings on the basis of optical properties and surface morphology.

In the past decade, algal waste has been used as useful natural resource for production of enormous range of products that have wide economical and commercial importance. Pectinases are group of enzymes that have wide commercial applications. Hence, current study was designed to utilize algal biomass for the production of pectinases using submerged (SmF) and solid state fermentation (SSF) techniques. Different algal sources including brown (Dictyopteris polypodioides, Sargassum wightii and Dictyopteris divaricata) and green algae (Ulva lactuca and Codium tomentosum) were used and U. lactuca was found to be the most suitable substrate. Several bacterial and fungal strains were screened and among them Bacillus licheniformis KIBGE-IB4 was selected based on maximum pectinase production. SmF and SSF were studied utilizing U. lactuca as a substrate and results revealed that enzyme production was favoured by SmF (2457 ± 3.31 U mg−1) as compared to SSF (1432 ± 1.46 U mg−1). Parametric optimization of pect...

Adsorption of Cr(VI) using native and chemically modified marine green macroalgae Codium tomentosum biomass and its adsorption kinetics were studied under specific conditions. Maximum Cr(VI) removal occurred at pH 2 for both untreated and acid-treated biomass. However, base-treated biomass exhibited maximum adsorption at pH 6 due to the hydrolysis of methyl esters present in the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin molecules resulting in carboxyl groups (COO−) on the surface. The effect of adsorbent dose revealed that untreated and acid-treated biomass follows Henry’s linear isotherm, while base-treated biomass exhibited sigmoidal curve indicating energetic heterogeneity on the adsorbing surface. The monolayer adsorption capacity of untreated, acid-treated and base-treated biomasses was 5.032 ± 0.644, 5.445 ± 0.947, 3.814 ± 0.559 mg g−1, respectively. Adsorption was found to follow Ho and McKay’s pseudo-second-order kinetic model with decreasing pseudo-second-order rate constant (K 2, g mg−1 min−1) of 0.088 ± 0.037 (acid-treated), 0.019 ± 0.003 (untreated) and 0.012 ± 0.003 (base-treated).

Funding This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through strategic project UID/MAR/04292/2020 granted to MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, through Red2Discovery project (PTDC/MAR-BIO/6149/2014), co-fnanced by COMPETE (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016791), through Oncologia de Precisão: Terapias e Tecnologias Inovadoras project (POINT4PAC) (SAICTPAC/0019/2015-LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-016405) and through CrossAtlantic project (PTDC/BIA-OUT/29250/2017), co-fnanced by COMPETE (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029250). This work was also funded by the Integrated Programme of SR&TD Smart Valorization of Endogenous Marine Biological Resources Under a Changing Climate (reference Centro-01-0145-FEDER-000018), co-funded by Centro 2020 Programme, Portugal 2020, European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund. FCT is also acknowledged for the grant attributed to J.S. (SFRH/BD/103255/2014). Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, represent a biggest challenge for medicine, imposing high social and economic impacts. As a result, it is of utmost importance to develop new therapeutic strategies. The present work evaluated the neuroprotective potential of seaweeds extracts on an in vitro dopamine (DA)-induced neurotoxicity cellular model. The neuroprotective effects on SH-SY5Y cells’ viability were estimated by the MTT assay. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspase-3 activity, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production were determined. DA (30–3000 μM; 24 h) treatment decreased SH-SY5Y cells’ viability in concentration and time-dependent manner, increasing the H2O2 production, MMP depolarization, and caspase-3 activity. On the other hand, DA (1000 μM; 24 h) toxicity was reduced (10–15%) with Sargassum muticum and Codium tomentosum extracts (1000 μg/mL; 24 h). The highest neuroprotective activity was exhibited by a methanolic extract obtained from Saccorhiza polyschides, which completely blunted DA effects. Results show that the marine seaweed S. polyschides contain substances with high neuroprotective potential against the toxicity induced by DA, exhibiting anti-apoptotic effects associated with both mitochondrial protection and caspase-3 inhibition. S. polyschides reveals, therefore, to be an excellent source of bioactive molecules, for new drugs development aiming PD therapeutics. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Parkinson&rsquo, s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, and is characterized by a progressive degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantianigra. Although not completely understood, several abnormal cellular events are known to be related with PD progression, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Codium tomentosum enriched fractions in a neurotoxicity model mediated by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on SH-SY5Y human cells, and the disclosure of their mechanisms of action. Additionally, a preliminary chemical screening of the most promising bioactive fractions of C. tomentosum was carried out by GC-MS analysis. Among the tested fractions, four samples exhibited the capacity to revert the neurotoxicity induced by 6-OHDA to values higher or similar to the vitamin E (90.11 &plusmn, 3.74% of viable cells). The neuroprotective effects were mediated by the mitigation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial dysfunctions and DNA damage, together with the reduction of Caspase-3 activity. Compounds belonging to different chemical classes, such as terpenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, esters, ketones, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons were tentatively identified by GC-MS. The results show that C. tomentosum is a relevant source of neuroprotective agents, with particular interest for preventive therapeutics.

This project has the financial support of Operational Programme MAR2020 through the project 16‐02‐01‐FMP‐0004: Ouriceira Aqua: Aquaculture and Enhancement of Gonad Production in the Sea Urchin (Paracentrotus lividus). Also, this study had the support of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), through the strate‐ gic project UID/MAR/04292/2019 granted to MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre and UID/AGR/04129/2013 granted to LEAF. In this study, the effects of three diets were investigated to enhance Paracentrotus lividus production for commercial purposes. P. lividus were fed ad libitum for 80 days with: diet A—fresh Codium tomentosum Stackhouse, 1797; diet B—formulated using a jellified mix of macroalgae and vegetables, including C. tomentosum (20%), Coralina sp. Linnaeus, 1758 (17%), cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata Linnaeus, 1753 (30%), carrot Daucus carota Linnaeus, 1753 (30%) and agar (3%) as a gelling agent. Diet C consisted of maize Zea mays Linnaeus, 1753 (56%) and New Zealand spinach Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pallas, 1781) Kuntze, 1891 (44%). Their effects on the gonadal and somatic growths, gonadosomatic index (GI) and gametogenesis were evaluated, as well as on the total lipid content and fatty acid composition of sea urchin's gonads. Diet A provided high values of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Gonads of sea urchins fed with diet A were found mostly in growth and maturation stages of ametogenesis and showed the lowest lipid content. Sea urchins fed with diet B presented their gonads in the reabsorption stage and had the highest values of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Sea urchins fed with diet C were in the early stages of gametogenesis and had the highest values of lipid content, plus omega‐6 PUFAs. Once as an ingredient in a balanced mix with vegetables, C. tomentosum can be a key factor to the development of new promising high‐quality and low‐cost feed for P. lividus roe enhancement. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

THE CURRENT study was conducted to assess the influence of different harvesting site (habitat) on the chemical constituents of Codium tomentosum Stack collected from two different sites on the coast of Egypt (Mediterranean [M] and Red [R] Seas). The current results showed that, salinity and temperature of the Red Sea is relatively higher than those of the Mediterranean one. Additionally, results indicated significant differences in the biochemical profiles of Codium between the two sampling sites. The total carbohydrate, proline, glycerol content together with total antioxidant capacity, reducing power as well as mineral content (Na+, K+ and Ca++) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (PPO, POX, ASO, APX and CAT) of Codium collected from site R were significantly higher than of those collected from site M. In contrast, total protein, total amino acids, flavonoids contents were predominated in Codium harvested from the Mediterranean Sea. No significant differences in ascorbic acid, glutathione, chlorophyll a content and total phenols collected from the two sites. The electrophoretic analysis of protein pattern revealed the appearance of of 7 and 8 polypeptide bands in Codium from the two sites (M and R, respectively). However polypeptides with molecular weights 93, 72 and 42kDa were recorded only for Codium of site (M), while that of 17 kDa was specific for Codium of site (R). In conclusion, this study shows that the different sampling sites influences on biochemical profiles of Codium. However, Codium in response to extreme temperatures and salinity, may alter its metabolism, building a strong protection system and producing compatible solutes in various ways to overcome these stress. This result is a step towards to study the algal diverse biochemical integrations involved in cellular adaptation of algae to different environmental factors and habitats.

The potential application of Fucus spiralis, Bifurcaria bifurcata, Codium tomentosum and Codium vermilara extracts as post-harvest treatments in minimally processed (MP) Fuji apple was investigated. 0.5% solutions of each extract were applied to MP Fuji apple and its effect on product quality was assessed over 20 days of storage at 4 ± 2 °C in terms of moisture content, soluble solids concentration (SSC), firmness, browning index (BI) and POD and PPO activities. Application of Codium tomentosum extract resulted in a significant reduction in BI in comparison to all other tested treatments. POD and PPO activities were also significantly lower in MP apple treated with Codium tomentosum extract. These results identify Codium tomentosum extract functionality of reducing enzymatic browning, suggesting the potential application of this extract as a natural additive in MP fruit. Industrial relevance This study shows the advantages of using a novel post-harvest treatment based in edible seaweed extracts to preserve fresh-cut fruits, in particular Fuji apple. The results show clearly that this type of dipping treatment decreases browning index and inhibits enzymatic activities when compared with citric acid and control treatment (water). Codium tomentosum extract solution showed the highest efficacy, suggesting the potential application of this extract as a natural additive to be a substitute of chemicals used in food industry and its use has been restricted. This process is efficient, versatile and of simple implementation at the industrial level once the only change in the industrial process consists in the type of post-harvest solution treatment. Associated to the easy adaptation in the industrial process, the exponential development in aquaculture sector allows the obtention of this raw material in a sustained way. Extract functionality was attributed to its demarked inhibitory action on enzymatic activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, two major enzymes involved in enzymatic browning processes.

This study had the support of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), through the strategic project UID/MAR/04292/2013 granted to MARE, and was partially supported by the projects CENTRO-07-0402-FEDER-23496 from the National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN), POCI-01- 0247-FEDER-006392 through the COMPETE-Operational Competitiveness Programme and the project EASME/EMFF/2016/1.2.1.4/03/SI2.750419 by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, Action 1.2.1.4–Blue Labs: innovative solutions for maritime challenge. Ana Augusto wish to acknowledge the financial support given by FCT (SFRH/BD/131465/2017). The growing search for natural alternatives to synthetic food packaging materials and additives has increased, and seaweed extracts’ bioactivity has made them suitable candidates for incorporation in novel edible films. This study aims to investigate the effect of Codium tomentosum seaweed extract (SE) incorporation in alginate and chitosan edible films. Alginate- and chitosan-based films with and without the incorporation of 0.5% SE were characterized according to their physical, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Seaweed extract incorporation in chitosan films resulted in an increase of film solubility (50%), elasticity (18%), and decrease of puncture strength (27%) and energy at break (39%). In alginate films, the extract incorporation significantly decreased film solubility (6%), water vapour permeability (46%), and elasticity (24%), and had no effect on thermal properties. Depending on the type of application, the addition of SE in edible films can bring advantages for food conservation. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Some sacoglossan sea slugs are capable of retaining functional chloroplasts stolen' from macroalgae (kleptoplasts). The present study surveyed the pigment composition of the sea slug Elysia viridis (Montagu, 1804) and its food source Codium tomentosum from three different locations along the Portuguese coast. The pigments siphonaxanthin, trans and cis-neoxanthin, violaxanthin, siphonaxanthin dodecenoate, chlorophyll (Chl) a and Chl b, {varepsilon},{varepsilon}- and {beta},{varepsilon}-carotenes and an unidentified carotenoid were observed in all E. viridis analysed. With the exception of the unidentified carotenoid, the same pigment profile was recorded for the macroalga C. tomentosum. Pigments characteristic of other macroalgae present in the sampling locations (Ulva sp. or the epiphyte Ceramium sp. present on C. tomentosum) were not detected in the slugs (Chl c, fucoxanthin, lutein, {beta},{beta}-carotene). These results suggest that E. viridis retained chloroplasts exclusively from C. tomentosum. The differentiation between sea slugs and respective food source from different locations indicated that the site of collection was less relevant to the separation of groups than differences between the macroalgae and the sea slugs. In general, the carotenoids to Chl a ratios were significantly higher in E. viridis than in C. tomentosum. Further analysis using starved individuals suggests carotenoid retention over Chls during the digestion of kleptoplasts. Finally, despite a loss of 80% of Chl a in E. viridis starved for 2 weeks, measurements of maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) using variable Chl a fluorescence indicated a decrease of only 5% of the photosynthetic capacity of kleptoplasts.

Several sacoglossan sea slug species feed on macroalgae and incorporate chloroplasts into tubular cells of their digestive diverticula. We investigated the role of the “stolen” chloroplasts (kleptoplasts) in the nutrition of the sea slug Elysia viridis and assessed how their abundance, distribution and photosynthetic activity were affected by light and starvation. Elysia viridis individuals feeding on the macroalga Codium tomentosum were compared with starved specimens kept in dark and low light conditions. A combination of variable Chl a fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging, and HPLC pigment analysis was used to evaluate the spatial and temporal variability of photopigments and of the photosynthetic capacity of kleptoplasts. We show increased loss of weight and body length in dark-starved E. viridis as compared to low light-starved sea slugs. A more pronounced decrease in kleptoplast abundance and lower photosynthetic electron transport rates were observed in dark-starved sea slugs than in low light-starved animals. This study presents strong evidence of the importance of kleptoplast photosynthesis for the nutrition of E. viridis in periods of food scarcity. Deprived of photosynthates, E. viridis could accelerate the breakdown of kleptoplasts in the dark to satisfy its’ energy requirements.

Seaweeds are considered as one of the largest biomass producers in marine environment that is rich in bioactive metabolites and a source of natural ingredients for functional foods. The potential antioxidant activity and the potential inhibition of Caco2 cell proliferation, of crude extracts of: Chlorophyta (Ulva lactuca, and Codium tomentosum), Phaeophyta (Cystoseira crinita, Cystoseira stricta, and Sargassum vulgare), and Rhodophyta (Gelidium latifolium, Hypnea musciformis, and Jania rubens) collected from western Libyan coast were evaluated in vitro. The antioxidant activity was determined by reducing power and DPPH assays while cell proliferation, morphological changes and the cell cycle arrest were assessed by MTT, inverted light microscope and flow cytometry methods respectively. The polyphenols and flavonoids rich extracts showed remarkable reducing power and antiradical properties. After exposure of Caco2 cells to; various concentrations of extracts (50, 100,150 and 200 µg/mL) especially from brown algae for 72 h, significantly reduced cell proliferation. The antiproliferative effect of algae extracts was correlated with their polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Cell cycle analysis further showed that cells were arrested in G phases along with an increment in sub-diploidal cell population (sub-G) after extract application. These results imply that seaweeds which are rich in bioactive compounds may be in anticancer drug research programs. However, further investigations are essential to reveal the molecular mechanisms of the anticancer activities of these algae.

In this article, a study of the Al(+3) interactions in acidic waters with biomass of different edible seaweeds: brown (Fucus vesiculosus, Saccorhiza polyschides), red (Mastocarpus stellatus, Gelidium sesquipedale, Chondrus crispus), and green (Ulva rigida, Codium tomentosum), has been performed. The influence of both, the initial concentration of metal and the solution pH, on the Al-uptake capacity of the biomass has been analyzed. From preliminary tests, species Fucus vesiculosus and Gelidium sesquipedale have been selected for a more exhaustive analysis. Sorption kinetic studies demonstrated that 60 min are enough to reach equilibrium. The intraparticle diffusion model has been used to describe kinetic data. Equilibrium studies have been carried out at pH values of 1, 2.5, and 4. Langmuir isotherms showed that the best uptake values, obtained at pH 4, were 33 mg/g for F. vesiculosus and 9.2 mg/g for G. sesquipedale. These edible seaweeds have been found particularly effective in binding aluminum metal ions for most of the conditions tested. Physicochemical data reported at these low pH values could be of interest, not only in modeling aluminum-containing antacids-food pharmacokinetic processes produced in the stomach (pH values 1 to 3) but in remediation studies in acidic waters.Aluminum is thought to be linked to neurological disruptions such as Alzheimer's disease. In this article, the adsorption ability of different types of edible seaweeds toward aluminum has been studied. The choice of low pH values is due to the fact that stomach region is acidic with a pH value between 1 and 3 as a consequence of hydrochloric secretion; so physicochemical data reported in this study could be of interest in modeling drug-food interactions, in particular those referring to aluminum-containing antacids-food pharmacokinetic processes produced in the gastrointestinal tract.

Anaerobic digestion is a biochemical process that occurs naturally in the absence of oxygen. It is used commonly in developing countries to produce both energy and biofertilizers. Objective : The purpose of this work was to study the anaerobic digestion of green macroalgae ( Ulva lactuca and Codium tomentosum ), which cause severe environmental problems in Dakar-Senegal, and elsewhere along Africa's Atlantic coast. Methodology and Results : These green macroalgae were characterized in terms of physicochemical properties and biochemical methane potential (BMP). Their characteristics were compared to those of other locally available feedstock, such as cow manure and Jatropha curcas cake. The results showed that volatile solids of macroalgae were about 500 g VS/kg and twice that of cow manure. Furthermore, the methane potential of macroalgae was twice (216.4 L CH4/kg VS) that of cow manure (100.3 L CH4/kg VS). The green macroalgae achieved a heating value potential of 2151 kWh/t VS. The methane potential of Jatropha cake as a substrate for anaerobic digestion was intermediate (133.6 L CH4/kg VS) but contained a large quantity of lignin (34%), a slowly biodegradable organic substance. Conclusions and application of findings : This study results showed that green macroalgae could be used as a substrate for the production of renewable energy the biogas in Senegal. Keywords : Biogas, renewable energy, biochemical methane potential, macroalgae, Jatropha curcas.

The chemical composition of green Codium tomentosum Stackhouse and red Plocamium cartilagineum (Linnaeus) P.S. Dixon seaweeds from the Atlantic Ocean surrounding Portugal was studied. For the first time, the profile of organic acids was analysed in these matrices: seven and four organic acids were detected in green and red species, respectively. In P. cartilagineum these compounds were present in vestigial amounts, whilst C. tomentosum exhibited a higher content, with oxalic acid being the main compound. Phenolics, UV-absorbing compounds, were absent in both species. Volatiles profile was also determined for the first time and a total of 41 compounds were identified, which included alcohols, aldehydes, esters, halogenated compounds, ketones, monoterpenes (namely terrestrial ones), norisoprenoid derivatives, amongst others. Norisoprenoid derivatives and aldehydes were predominant. The main volatiles in green and red seaweeds were limonene and benzophenone, respectively. Additionally, both species revealed considerable antioxidant activity against both reactive oxygen (superoxide radical) and reactive nitrogen (nitric oxide) species, in a concentration-dependent manner. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Some sea slugs are capable of retaining functional sequestered chloroplasts (kleptoplasts) for variable periods of time. The mechanisms supporting the maintenance of these organelles in animal hosts are still largely unknown. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and the occurrence of a xanthophyll cycle were investigated in the sea slugs Elysia viridis and E. chlorotica using chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and pigment analysis. The photoprotective capacity of kleptoplasts was compared to that observed in their respective algal source, Codium tomentosum and Vaucheria litorea. A functional xanthophyll cycle and a rapidly reversible NPQ component were found in V. litorea and E. chlorotica but not in C. tomentosum and E. viridis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the absence of a functional xanthophyll cycle in a green macroalgae. The absence of a functional xanthophyll cycle in C. tomentosum could contribute to the premature loss of photosynthetic activity and relatively short-term retention of kleptoplasts in E. viridis. On the contrary, E. chlorotica displays one of the longest functional examples of kleptoplasty known so far. We speculate that different efficiencies of photoprotection and repair mechanisms of algal food sources play a role in the longevity of photosynthetic activity in kleptoplasts retained by sea slugs.

A detailed study of the lipophilic composition of Codium tomentosum, Ulva lactuca, Gracilaria vermiculophylla and Chondrus crispus macroalgae cultivated in the Portuguese coast was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry before and after alkaline hydrolysis. Their long-chain aliphatic alcohols and monoglycerides compositions are reported for the first time. Additionally, other new compounds were also identified: phytol and neophytadiene in C. tomentosum, U. lactuca and G. vermiculophylla and stigmasterol, alpha-tocopherol and 24-methylenecholesterol in C tomentosum. The lipophilic fraction of the studied macroalgae are mainly constituted by fatty acids (110.1-1030.5 mg kg(-1) of dry material) and sterols (14.8-1309.1 mg kg(-1) of dry material). C. tomentosum showed to be a valuable source of stigmasterol (1229.0 mg kg(-1) of dry material) and alpha-tocopherol (21.8 mg kg(-1) of dry material). These results are a relevant contribution for the valorisation of these macroalgae species as sources of valuable phytochemicals. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Seaweeds are an excellent source of bioactive compounds, and therefore the use of sustainable and food compatible extraction methods such as enzyme-assisted (EAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction were applied on Sargassum muticum, Osmundea pinnatifida, and Codium tomentosum. Extracts were evaluated for proximate characterization and biological properties. Higher extraction yields were observed for C. tomentosum EAE (48-62%; p < 0.05 for Cellulase and Viscozyme), followed by O. pinnatifida (49-55%; p < 0.05 except Alcalase) and S. muticum (26-31%; p < 0.05). S. muticum extracts presented the highest nitrogen (25 +/- 2 mg/g(lyoph) (extract)) and total phenolics (261 +/- 37 mu g(catechol) (equiv)/gl(yoph) (extract)) contents, whereas higher sugars (78 +/- 14 mg(glucose) (equiv)/g(lyoph) (extract)) including sulfated polysaccharide (44 +/- 8 mg(Na2SO4) (acid)/g(lyoph) (extract)) contents characterized O. pinnatifida extracts. A higher effect on hydroxyl-radical scavenging activity (35-50%) was observed for all extracts, whereas S. muticum Alcalase and C. tomentosum Cellulase extracts exhibited higher prebiotic activity than fructooligosaccharides. O. pinnatifida and C. tomentosum EAE showed inhibitory potential against alpha-glucosidase (38-49%).

Biotechnological applications of marine macroalgae have gained new interest due the added-value of their chemical constituents. This is the case of glycerolipids, phospholipids and glycolipids that display several commercial applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This study is the first report on the isolation and characterization of the polar lipids of Codium tomentosum originating from a land-based integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) using a lipidomic-based approach employing hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HILIC–ESI-MS). The polar lipid profile of C. tomentosum revealed the presence of over two hundred species, corresponding to glycolipids (sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols, sulfoquinovosylmonoacylglycerols, di- and monogalactosyldiacylglycerols), glycerophospholipids (lyso- and phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylinositols, phosphatidic acids, lyso- and phosphatidylglycerols), and di- and monoacyl betaine lipids. Phosphatidylinositols, sulfoquinovosylmonoacylglycerols and some species of monoacyl betaine lipids were reported for the first time in green algae. Some of these polar lipids contain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely 20:5 and 22:6 species, revealing the ability of C. tomentosum to synthesize larger PUFAs. Also hydroxy-PUFAs of DGDG species were identified, inferring the occurrence of oxylipins. As several of the lipids identified have been reported to have nutritional and health benefits, the present study unravels the potential of C. tomentosum from IMTA to a range of new applications.

The article reports the application of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) for the assessment of macroalgae communities of estuarine intertidal areas. The method was applied for the characterisation of fifteen intertidal macroalgae species of the Tagus estuary, Portugal, and adjacent coastal area. Three bands characterised the LIF spectra of red macroalgae with emission maxima in the ranges 577–583 nm, 621–642 nm and 705–731 nm. Green and brown macroalgae showed one emission maximum in the red region (687–690 nm) and/or one in the far-red region (726–732 nm). Characteristics of LIF emission spectra were determined by differences in the main fluorescing pigments: phycoerythrin, phycocyanin and chlorophyll a (Chl a). In the green and brown macroalgae groups, the relative significance of the two emission maxima seems to be related to the thickness of the photosynthetic layer. In thick macroalgae, like Codium tomentosum or Fucus vesiculosus, the contribution of the far-red emission fluorescence peak was more significant, most probably due to re-absorption of the emitted red Chl a fluorescence within the dense photosynthetic layer. Similarly, an increase in the number of layers of the thin-blade green macroalgae Ulva rigida caused a shift to longer wavelengths of the red emission maximum and the development of a fluorescence peak at the far-red region. Water loss from Ulva's algal tissue also led to a decrease in the red/far-red Chl fluorescence ratio (F685/F735), indicating an increase in the density of chloroplasts in the shrinking macroalgal tissue during low tide exposure.

Parkinson Disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic cell bodies in the substantia nigra and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of different algae extracts on the cell death induced by by 6-OH-dopamine on a neuronal human cell model (SH- SY5Y). The neuroprotective effect of methanolic and dichloromethane algae extract (Padina pavonica, Sargassum muticum, Saccorhiza polyschides, Codium tomentosum, Ulva compressa) in the presence of 6-OH-DA was assessed using the MTT method. The activity of caspase-3 and the quantification of hydrogen peroxide (extracellular environment and real time production) production were studied in the presence and in the absence of the macroalgae extracts. The highest neuroprotective effect was exhibited by methanolic fractions (1000 µg/ml; 24 hours) of S. muticum (115.80 ± 8.53% of viable cells), S. polyschides (106.51 ± 4.26 of viable cells), P. pavonica (95.98 ± 3.95 of viable cells) and dichloromethane (1000 µg/ml; 24 hours) fraction of C. tomentosum alga (102.22 ± 4.24 of viable cells), when compared with 6-OH-DA condition (100μM; 24 hours) (67.40 ± 3.56 of viable cells). For the extracts that exhibited the highest neuroprotective effect was studied the possible alterations induced in the mechanisms of action previous selected. The dichloromethane fraction of Codium tomentosum alga (1000 µg/ml) highly reduced the 6-OH-DA induced increase of caspase-3 activity, the less quantity of H2O2 in the extracellular environment and less production of H2O2 on real time (2.58 ± 1.77 UAF mg of protein-1 min-1; 0.0 ± 0.005 µM of H2O2, 54.07 ± 6.66 UAF min-1, respectively) when compared with the 6-OH-DA condition at 100μM (4.5 ± 1:35 UAF mg of protein-1 min-1; ± 0.4 0.0019 µM of H2O2; 214.26 ± 8:46 UAF min-1, respectively). These results suggest that Codium tomentosum extracts has capacity to increase the SH-SY5Y viability in the presence of 6-OH-DA by the inhibition of caspase-3 activity and H2O2 production. In conclusion, Codium tomentosum could be a promising source of novel molecules with antioxidant activity.

Over the last years, algae have been increasingly used in Human food due their rich chemical and nutritional composition, particularly the high supply of essential nutrients to the human body such as protein and dietary fiber. Dietary fiber can be divided into two different types: soluble and insoluble. The characteristics of soluble dietary fiber are related to some physical and chemical properties such as rehydration ratio and water holding capacity and are important in assigning the functional and organoleptic properties and in preventing some human pathologies such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of different drying conditions on the rehydration ratio and water holding capacity of three green algae, Codium vermilara, Codium tomentosum and Ulva lactuca. The methods used for the determination of water retention capacity and rehydration ratio were similar to those used in previous studies (Susuki, T. et al., 1996). The algae were processed in a tray dryer and the drying conditions were: Temperature: 30ºC and 40ºC; Relative Humidity: 28%-47%; air velocity 1,9 m/s. In this work, it was concluded that higher drying temperature conditions originate lower rehydration ratio and consequent lower water holding capacity possibly due to a higher physical damage in the algae tissues. It was also observed that both Codium species have higher values for these two parameters than Ulva lactuca, under the same rehydration conditions.

Cell surface carbohydrates from four clinical isolates of Cryptosporidium parvum were analyzed by agglutination assays using a battery of 20 highly purified lectins with affinity for receptor molecules containing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, galactose, mannose, glucose, fucose, and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid. Tomentine, a lectin from the green seaweed Codium tomentosum, and UEA-II lectin, from Ulex europeus, both of them GlcNAc-specific lectins, agglutinated the oocysts. Subsequent inhibition assay confirmed the presence of this sugar on the surface of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Codium fragile lectin, from another green seaweed, also exhibited agglutination activity against the oocysts. This is the first published demonstration of such an interaction between a human coccidian and lectins from seaweeds.

Three seaweed suspensions obtained from green algae Codium tomentosum Stackhouse, red algae Gracilaria gracilis (Stackhouse) Steentoft, Irvine and Farnham and brown algae Cystoseira barbata (Stackhouse) C. Agardh were tested for their effects on the seed germination of tomato, pepper and aubergine at optimum (25°C) and low temperatures (15°C). Results showed that brown and green algal suspensions increased germination significantly (p

One- and two-dimensional1H- and13C-NMR spectra of lipid extracts fromUlva rigida, Gracilaria longa, Fucus virsoides andCodium tomentosum collected in the northern Adriatic Sea allowed screening of the content of fatty acid chains, carotenoids, free and acylated cholesterol and chlorophylls. The carotenoid-to-polyunsaturated fatty acid molar ratio was taken as a comparison parameter in samples ofUlva rigida collected in differentloci and seasons; the value was markedly higher in samples from the Lagoon of Venice than from marine coastal waters. The total cholesterol concentration was evaluated by1H-NMR spectroscopy and similar values were found for all species. Two-dimensional heterocorrelated NMR spectroscopy was shown to give characteristic fingerprints of the lipid extracts from algal samples as regards the content in chlorophylls, unsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids.

The hypoglycemic activity of several seaweed extracts on rabbits was studied. Ethanol extracts of Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccorhiza polyschides and Fucus vesiculosus were administered orally to normal animals and their effects on glycemia and triglyceridemia evaluated. Crude polysaccharides and protein solutions from Himanthalia elongata and Codium tomentosum were also assayed. Polysaccharides and proteins from H. elongata caused a significant reduction in blood glucose 8 h after intravenous administration. A case of 5 mg/kg of crude polysaccharide lowered glycemia about 18% in normal rabbits and by about 50% in alloxan-diabetic animals, while the protein solution lowered glycemia in diabetic rabbits by about 30%.