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Two genera of the Rhodymeniales, Halopeltis and Leptofauchea, are here reported for the first time from the Hawaiian Islands and represent the deepest records for both genera. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), rbcL, and large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU) sequences for Hawaiian specimens of Leptofauchea revealed one well-supported clade of Hawaiian specimens and three additional lineages. One of these clades is described here as Leptofauchea huawelau sp. nov., and is thus far known only from mesophotic depths at Penguin Bank in the Main Hawaiian Islands. L. huawelau sp. nov. is up to 21 cm, and is the largest known species. An additional lineage identified in the LSU and rbcL analyses corresponds to the recently described L. lucida from Western Australia, and is a new record for Hawai'i. Hawaiian Halopeltis formed a well-supported clade along with H. adnata from Korea, the recently described H. tanakae from mesophotic depths in Japan, and H. willisii from North Carolina, and is here described as Halopeltis nuahilihilia sp. nov. H. nuahilihilia sp. nov. has a distinctive morphology of narrow vegetative axes that harbor constrictions along their length. The current distribution of H. nuahilihilia includes mesophotic depths around W. Maui, W. Moloka'i, and the island of Hawai'i in the Main Hawaiian Islands. Few reproductive characters were observed because of the small number of specimens available; however, both species are distinct based on phylogeny and morphology. These descriptions further emphasize the Hawaiian mesophotic zone as a location harboring many undescribed species of marine macroalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the last few decades, coastal eutrophication with the associated mass development of opportunistic macroalgae has increased on a global scale. Since the end of the 2000's, the number of studies of macroalgal blooms also increased many times. Mass occurrences of such species as Cladophora spp., Ulva spp., and Spirogyra spp. caused a necessity to improve existing methods of ecological assessment and develop new ones. There are many indices based on macroalgae and developed for marine and estuarine ecosystems. However, for correct evaluation, they demand a presence of a number of species, including perennial species from the order Fucales. This requirement cannot be satisfied in fresh or brackish waters, including some estuaries, because often, the freshwater communities are dominated by only one or two opportunistic species. The present paper defines the most relevant topics in studies of macroalgal blooms and reviews indices and metrics which can be recommended for the ecological assessment in diverse habitats influenced or dominated by opportunistic macroalgae species. For ecological assessment of opportunistic communities, according to their seasonal peculiarities, the author recommends, besides biomass, involving evaluation of algal mats (thickness, coverage) and signs of hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, nearly 36.5 million people live with Alzheimer’s disease worldwide, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition is considered the main treatment strategy against it. Seaweeds (or macroalgae) are a natural source of high-value bioactive compounds and have great potential in the production of health foods/foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, animal feeds, biofertilizers, and biofuels. The most studied and applied seaweed species include red seaweed (Rhodophyta), green seaweed (Chlorophyta) and brown seaweed (Phaeophyta). This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of extracts/substances isolated with solvents including ethanol 75° and 96°, water, n-hexane, ethyl acetate under normal and ultrasonic conditions (power 80W, frequency 4.7 kHz and for 1 hour) from 5 economically important seaweed species belonging to genera Caulerpa, Sargassum, Gracilaria, Ulva and Kappaphycus collected in Ninh Thuan and Khanh Hoa provinces, Vietnam. The results have shown that 05/30 extracts and substances (including SaE96S, SaH, SaHW, SaEA and fucosterol) isolated from five seaweed species exhibited high antioxidant activity through the free radical screening method using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (with EC50 values < 5 mg/mL for extracts and EC50 value < 2 mM for substance) in comparison with positive control ascorbic acid (EC50 = 0.015 mg/mL); acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity using acetylcholinesterase inhibitor screening KIT (with IC50 values of < 200 μg/mL for both extracts and substances), compared with positive control galantamine (with IC50 value of 52,8 μg/mL). The extracts/substances were able to protect the cell against cytotoxity in the C6 alzheimer’s disease cell model induced by amyloid beta-protein fragment (Aβ25-35). The results achieved from this research have proven that the extracts/substances isolated from seaweed species were a potential source of medicinal agents for the prevention and treatment of alzheimer’s disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imperative to replace conventional plastic food packaging has led to the development of edible and biodegradable alternatives. This study has formulated an effective packaging solution for the preservation of frozen salmon. Alginate films were prepared by integrating ethanolic extracts from two edible seaweeds, Sargassum muticum and Grateloupia turuturu. The optical and mechanical properties of the films, as well as their effectiveness in preserving frozen salmon over a 6-month period at −18 °C, were assessed and compared to other alginate and synthetic plastic films. The quality parameters of the final product were also assessed. Films incorporating Grateloupia extract exhibited a 34% reduction in thickness and 51% lower moisture content when compared to alginate. Meanwhile, those containing Sargassum extract demonstrated improved water resistance, with a 11% decrease in solubility. The seaweed-incorporated films demonstrated gradual biodegradation over time. Samples packaged with these films displayed a substantial decrease in colour changes, ranging from 58% to 64%, compared to commercial plastic film packaging. This enhanced protection against freezer burn is likely due to the presence of lipid-derivate compounds in the Grateloupia extract. The findings of this study suggest the potential use of alginate-based films incorporated with Grateloupia and Sargassum extracts as edible and biodegradable packaging for frozen fish, offering a sustainable and improved alternative to synthetic plastic films. [Display omitted] • New seaweed-based films enhance seafood preservation. • Innovative packaging reduces environmental impact. • Seaweed extracts meet FAO guidelines for sustainability. • Improved film properties prolong frozen seafood shelf-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide known for its anticancer, immunomodulant, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity is abundant in brown seaweeds. Sargassum ilicifolium , a brown alga, was not extensively explored for fucoidan extraction using different methods and assessments of their impact on its structural and therapeutic characteristics. This study aimed to compare the structural features, biological activity, solubility, and emulsification characteristics of fucoidan extracted from Sargassum ilicifolium using conventional and ultrasonic bath extraction. The ultrasonic bath extraction method was 2.5 times higher than the conventional method to extract fucoidan. The structural integrity of fucoidan obtained by both methods was compared using FTIR, 1HNMR, XRD, FESEM, EDX, and DSC. The monosaccharide composition of fucoidan was determined by TLC. The IC 50 values for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects on oral cancer cells were found to be significantly lesser for crude fucoidan of S. ilicifolium obtained by ultrasonic bath method than for conventional extraction. Furthermore, fucoidan from the alga has emulsifying and water-holding characteristics which supports its potential use in the food processing industries. [Display omitted] • Fucoidan of Sargassum ilicifolium was extracted conventionally and by ultrasonication. • Impact of extraction methods on the structural integrity of fucoidan was assessed. • Fucoidan exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor characteristics. • Emulsification, thermal stability, and water solubility of fucoidan were compared. • Ultrasonic bath enhanced the yield and activity of fucoidan without degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper aims at contributing to the knowledge of rhodolith beds by describing the associated macroalgal assemblages of two beds in the western Mediterranean Sea: Gorgona Island in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area in the southern Sardinia. Patterns of biodiversity and spatial variability were investigated through a multifactorial sampling design. A total of 84 macroalgal species was identified, 17 Heterokontophyta, 7 Chlorophyta, 1 Prasinodermatophyta and 59 Rhodophyta. Significant differences between beds were detected and the main species characterizing the two beds were highlighted. The mean number of species per sample was quite low and beta diversity high compared to most Mediterranean macroalgal assemblages. • The associated macroalgae of two Mediterranean rhodolith beds were described. • Patterns of biodiversity and spatial variability were investigated. • Eight Chlorophyta, 17 Heterokontophyta, and 59 Rhodophyta were identified. • Significant differences between beds were detected. • The beta diversity was higher than in most Mediterranean macroalgal assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweed is a popular edible source and is associated with many foods and pharmaceutical industries around the world. The current research aims to provide information on the chemical composition of 15 seaweed species, consisted of Chlorophyta, Ochrophyta/Phaeophyceae, and Rhodophyta macroalgae, collected from coastal areas of Sri Lanka. Seaweed samples were subjected to the analysis of lipids, proteins, ash and macro, micro, trace and ultra-trace elements. The highest protein content was recorded in the brown algae. Maximum dietary fiber and ash contents were recorded from green algae. The highest predominant fatty acids were observed from green seaweeds (Caulerparacemosa); however, linoleic acid (C18:2n6) is the dominant fatty acid of all macroalgae. Mineral contents were highest in the red macroalga; however, copper, zinc and magnesium were also comparatively higher in green alga Ulvalactuca. In conclusion, 15 seaweed species belonging to the three different classes of seaweeds are investigated in details to obtain their biochemical, mineral and fatty acid compositions for the synthesis of novel therapeutic agents. In order to explore biorefinery processes for these seaweeds, as well as how they can potentially be cultivated, more extensive studies are required. Studying and determining the nutritional values of seaweeds will be beneficial with the potentials for future industrial uses and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• South African Chamberlainium , an exemplar for the study of coralline algal systematics • Description of Chamberlainium tenue, a new cryptic/pseudocryptic species of coralline algae • Integrated taxonomic approach using DNA sequences from historical and field specimens • Keys to all Chamberlainium species in South Africa • Biogeographic considerations Based on plastid encoded DNA sequences from psb A and rbc L markers, a new non-geniculate coralline algal species, Chamberlainium tenue , is described from South Africa that was previously passing under the misapplied name, Spongites yendoi. DNA sequences, supported by the morpho-anatomical character of tetrasporangial conceptacle roof development, placed C. tenue in Chamberlainium , subfamily Chamberlainoideae. Instead of one species, Spongites yendoi , widely distributed across the entire coastline of South Africa, seven molecularly distinct species were present under that name and all belong in Chamberlainium. Three occur in the cooler water Benguela Marine Province, C. capense, C. glebosum , and C. occidentale, the last extending into the Benguela-Agulhas Transition Zone; three occur in the warmer water Agulhas Marine Province, C. tenue, C. cochleare and C. natalense , with the latter two extending into the Benguela-Agulhas Transition Zone; two occur only in the Benguela-Agulhas Transition Zone, C. agulhense and the historically recognized, C. impar. Both the rbc L and psb A phylograms indicate that ancestral taxa gave rise to species found in both warmer and cooler water habitats. Keys to species of South African Chamberlainium are provided for use in both the field and the laboratory. The methodology used to study these Chamberlainium species, that included: 1) DNA sequencing of type specimens to correctly apply names; 2) DNA sequencing of numerous field-collected specimens; and 3) morpho-anatomical observations on these same DNA sequenced specimens, can be an exemplar for resolving the systematics and biogeography of the many unresolved and unstudied species of South African coralline algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

World-wide antimicrobial resistant is biggest threat in global health. It requires the urgent need of multisectoral action for the scientific community to achieve the sustainable development Goals. Due to their antimicrobial properties, silver nanoparticles are potential activates to pathogens, which explains their potential for multiple applications in various fields. In the present studies, we evaluate the antimicrobial properties of a Sargassum polycystum algal extract, an unrivaled green synthetic method for producing -defined shaped seaweed silver nanoparticles. To confirm their structure and size, some characterization techniques are used, such as Absorption spectrophotometer (UV–VIS), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). Evaluate the antibacterial and anti-mycobacterial activity using silver nanoparticles. The toxicity study of this silver nanoparticle has been done with the help of zebrafish larva. The biological nanoparticle having good antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Candida albicans and also it shows potent activity against MTB H37Rv, SHRE sensitive MTB Rifampicin resistant MTB around 98%. Seaweed nanoparticles had lower toxicity for the survival of the fish larvae. In comparison, other dosages will arrest the cell cycle and leads to death. The present finding revealed that these seaweeds nanoparticles have potential anti-mycobacterial activity against pathogens at low concentrations. This makes them a potent source of antibacterial and anti-TB agents [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the eight species of Yonagunia described in the Indo-Pacific region, five species have been reported from Taiwan. In this study, we re-examined additional herbarium specimens which were morphologically similar to the other Taiwanese species of Yonagunia. Two new species of Yonagunia (Y. robusta sp. nov. and Y. stipitata sp. nov.) were identified based on rbcL sequence analyses, and their vegetative and reproductive structures were documented in detail. Yonagunia robusta is the largest species (up to 13 cm high) found in Taiwan and superficially resembles a previously described species, Y. palmata from northern Taiwan, but the thallus size is much larger and the branches are coarser in Y. robusta. Young plants of Y. stipitata may be confused with Y. maillardii, a species widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific, but the thallus branches are much thinner and numerous reproductive branchlets are formed in clusters in fertile Y. stipitata. Yonagunia robusta is widely distributed from northern to south-eastern Taiwan, whereas Y. stipitata is restricted to Orchid Island, a remote small island off the south-east of Taiwan. The species diversity (seven out of 10 described species) of Yonagunia is high in Taiwan and it is speculated that some more cryptic species will be found from the Indo-Pacific by using a combination of DNA sequence data and morphological observations. HIGHLIGHTS Ten species of Yonagunia have been described from the Indo-Pacific. Seven out of 10 species of Yonagunia are found in Taiwan. Cryptic species of Yonagunia will be found in the Indo-Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-geniculate coralline alga Lithophyllum okamurae includes two infraspecific taxa, L. okamurae f. trincomaliense and L. okamurae f. validum (currently regarded as an independent species, L. validum), which were described from Sri Lanka solely on the basis of morpho-anatomical features. We investigated the taxonomic status of these two taxa using comparable DNA sequence data (psbA, rbcL, partial LSU rDNA, and COI) and complementary morpho-anatomical features from type material and from specimens whose sequences were linked to type material. Our molecular analyses showed that both taxa are well-defined and are adequately treated as independent species, and that they are distantly related to L. okamurae. Morpho-anatomically, L. trincomaliense and L. validum were nearly indistinguishable, both possessing well-developed fruticose thalli and lacking trichocytes, the only distinguishable features being the shapes of the branch tips (round for L. trincomaliense vs flattened for L. validum). The present study confirmed two Lithophyllum species from the Indian Ocean. Seven infraspecific taxa have been ascribed to L. okamurae; one was shown to be conspecific and four are now confirmed to be distinct species, including the two infraspecific taxa investigated in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In our ongoing effort to search for the novel secondary metabolites from the marine algae, chemical investigation of a methanolic extract of Sargassum micracanthum led to the isolation of a novel butenolide (1) and a known compound (2). Methods: The methanolic extract of S. micracanthum was partitioned and subjected to medium pressure column chromatography and preparative-HPLC to yield two compounds (1 and 2). Their structures were established based on comprehensive spectroscopic data (1D NMR, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS). These compounds (1 and 2) were evaluated for the production of the NO in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1 β, TNF- α, and IL-10. Results: A new compound (1) was determined to be a new butenolide derivative, and a known compound (2) were identified as 2-hydroxy-(5 E,9 E)-6,10,14-trimethylpentadeca-5,9-dien-12-one. Compounds 1 and 2 showed inhibitory activities in a dose-dependent manner on LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: A new butenolide, sargassumin C (1), and 2-hydroxy-(5 E,9 E)-6,10,14-trimethylpentadeca-5,9-dien-12-one (2) were isolated from the brown alga, S. micracanthum. Compound 2 was more effective than 1 on NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blooms of various types of seaweeds have been reported worldwide, with recent expansions in surface waters. While most of the expansions have been attributed to eutrophication due mainly to human activities, any potential role of climate change is unclear. Here we show that, in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea, increased biomass of Sargassum horneri (S. horneri, brown seaweed) from 2000 to 2021 appears to be caused primarily by ocean warming, as S. horneri prefers a certain temperature range to grow. In contrast, while increases of Ulva prolifera (U. prolifera, green seaweed) in the same regions might also be related to ocean warming, during the same period, human activities such as coastal aquaculture or seaweed mitigation may muddle such effects. With the projected ocean warming in the next decades, we hypothesize that S. horneri blooms may occur earlier during the year and may continue to expand in the future. Plain Language Summary: Seaweed macroalgae blooms have been reported around the world in the last two decades, yet the exact reasons are often unclear. This paper attempts to solve this puzzle for the Sargassum and Ulva seaweeds in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea using long‐term observations and laboratory‐based seaweed physiology measurements. The paper shows not only how seaweeds have expanded in the two marginal seas in the past four decades, but also how a warming ocean (due to climate variability) and nutrient enrichment (due mainly to human activities) controlled such expansions. Among 63 large marine ecosystems (LMEs) in the world, the East China Sea (where seaweeds expanded) is one of the three LMEs that experienced "super‐fast" warming. Given the IPCC‐projected seawater temperature rise of 1.6°C by 2050, will these seaweeds continue to expand? Key Points: Multi‐sensor satellite data show significant and near‐synchronized expansions of Sargassum horneri and Ulva prolifera in the past 38 yearsOcean warming appears to be a main factor behind the recent expansions of S. horneri because of its physiological requirementOcean warming may also play a role in U. prolifera expansions, but the effect appears confounded by human mitigation efforts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweeds are well known for having a wealth of nutritional benefits and providing ecological support to associated fauna. Seasonality influences the biochemical characteristics, affecting their ecological and economic values. In the present study, we evaluated pigments, primary and secondary metabolites, minerals, and antioxidant properties of green seaweed Chaetomorpha antennina growing on the intertidal rocks along the Covelong coast, India, in different seasons (from June 2019 to March 2020). Significant variations were found in the levels of antioxidants, minerals, and metabolites in different seasons, e.g., amino acid levels were the highest in post-monsoon and the lowest in summer. In monsoon, we found the highest concentration of fatty acids in the thalli. Lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant activity were at their maximum levels during post-monsoon, which indicated oxidative damage responses. No significant variations were found in the levels of photosynthetic pigments. The outcomes indeed suggested seasonal variations in the biochemical and nutrient profile of C. antennina. We suggest that the harvesting/collection of C. antennina for different nutrients and metabolites should be performed in the respective seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the archipelagos of the Russian Arctic are still extremely poorly studied. New data have been obtained using SCUBA diving and on-shore sampling during the"Open Ocean: Arctic Archipelagos – 2019. Severnaya Zemlya" expedition, which provided a significant update to scarce information on the seaweeds of the Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago. The list of macroalgae of the archipelago includes 48 species to date, belonging to Chlorophyta (17 species), Rhodophyta (18), and Phaeophyceae (13). Twenty-eight species are recorded for the first time in the study area; three species are new for the entire Russian Arctic. The taxonomic status of some observed species is discussed. For the first time, a wide distribution of kelps is described in the sub-tidal zone in the high-Arctic areas of the Siberian shelf, which is severely affected by ice disturbance and glacial processes. The highest population densities of the kelp communities have been observed near the Krasnoflotskie Islands (the Kara Sea) and in the Akhmatov and Mikoyan bays (the Laptev Sea). Further studies of the flora and vegetation of both the Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago shelf and other Arctic archipelagos are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: A new filamentous marine red alga, Kuwaitiella rubra gen. et sp. nov. (Bangiales, Rhodophyta), is described from Kuwait in the north‐western Arabian Gulf (also referred to as the Persian Gulf). It was found on a submerged fishing line. The intensively red upright thallus of up to 1 cm in length consists of cells containing a single stellate plastid. The thallus is initially uniseriate but becomes biseriate in its distal part upon transformation into globular reproductive cells, possibly archaeospores. The biseriate fertile part is the only morphological difference from other filamentous species of the Bangiales, in which this region is parenchymatous. In culture, bipolar asymmetric germination of the spores of Kuwaitiella led to a new generation of identical erect thalli, fixed to the substratum by colourless rhizoids. According to phylogenetic analyses of partial small subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA (18S) and of the plastid‐encoded ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL), the new species forms an additional lineage of the Bangiales, genetic similarity with other taxa being limited (maximum 91% in SSU and 90% in rbcL). It was no clear member of any known lineage of the Bangiales but was weakly associated with the filamentous species Minerva and Dione from New Zealand. In a SSU phylogeny, it formed a basal branch in the Bangiales and clustered with M. aenigmata and D. arcuata as sister clade to all other species of the order. In a rbcL phylogeny, it was part of a large polytomy of lineages, its closest relative being D. arcuata. Kuwaitiella forms the 8th lineage of filamentous Bangiales detected so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red algal genus Vertebrata (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) comprises 30 species of rather small filamentous algae, differing in morphology, distribution, and ecological preferences. In this review we focus on the two most studied Vertebrata species, V. lanosa and V. fucoides. These occur predominantly in cold and temperate waters on the North Atlantic coasts. Both species have recently gained attention due to their specific secondary metabolites, having considerable pharmaceutical potential and also due to their high capacity to accumulate heavy metals and radionuclides. The review summarizes the data on taxonomy, anatomy, cytology, genetics, ecology, distribution, and potential practical application of Vertebrata species. Special emphasis is on the biochemical composition of V. lanosa and V. fucoides, including their specific metabolites, such as bromophenols, organosulfur compounds, and mycosporine-like amino acids. In addition, the biochemistry and ecology of V. lanosa is discussed in the context of its increasing popularity as a spice ("sea truffle") in several world cuisines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the effect of macroalgae blooms on dissimilatory nitrate reduction pathways (denitrification, anammox, and DNRA) in sediments of the hypereutrophic Yatsu tidal flat, eastern Japan, sediment denitrification, anammox, and DNRA rates were measured using a 15N tracer technique at two sites affected and unaffected by macroalgae (Ulva) blooms and in incubation experiments with and without Ulva. Anammox was insignificant at both sites and in both experiments. The denitrification rate was consistently higher than the DNRA rate, and its contributions to the total dissimilatory nitrate reduction were 82% and 85% at sites affected and unaffected by Ulva, respectively. In a sediment incubation experiment with Ulva, the contribution of DNRA had increased to approximately 30% on day 7, which is when the sulfide concentration was the highest. Sulfide produced by sulfate reduction during macroalgae blooms inhibited denitrification and did not change the DNRA, and consequently increased the DNRA contribution. On day 21, after reaching the peak sulfide concentration during the late macroalgae collapse, the DNRA contribution decreased to 15%. These results indicated that the DNRA contribution was greater during the macroalgae blooms than at the collapse, although denitrification dominated DNRA regardless of the macroalgal status. Therefore, vigorous macroalgae cover and sulfide production under the macroalgae cover had an important impact on the nitrogen dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The fitness of the endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) may be strongly affected by its gut microbiome, as microbes play important roles in host nutrition and health. This study aimed at establishing environmental microbial baselines that can be used to assess turtle health under altered future conditions. We characterized the microbiome associated with the gastrointestinal tract of green turtles from Guinea Bissau in different life stages and associated with their food items, using 16S rRNA metabarcoding. We found that the most abundant (% relative abundance) bacterial phyla across the gastrointestinal sections were Proteobacteria (68.1 ± 13.9% "amplicon sequence variants", ASVs), Bacteroidetes (15.1 ± 10.1%) and Firmicutes (14.7 ± 21.7%). Additionally, we found the presence of two red algae bacterial indicator ASVs (the Alphaproteobacteria Brucella pinnipedialis with 75 ± 0% and a Gammaproteobacteria identified as methanotrophic endosymbiont of Bathymodiolus, with <1%) in cloacal compartments, along with six bacterial ASVs shared only between cloacal and local environmental red algae samples. We corroborate previous results demonstrating that green turtles fed on red algae (but, to a lower extent, also seagrass and brown algae), thus, acquiring microbial components that potentially aid them digest these food items. This study is a foundation for better understanding the microbial composition of sea turtle digestive tracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgae provide food and habitat to a diversity of organisms in marine systems, so structural damage and breakage of thallus tissue can have important ecological consequences for the composition and dynamics of marine communities. Common sources of macroalgal damage include breakage by hydrodynamic forces imposed by ambient water currents and waves, tissue consumption by herbivores, and injuries due to epibionts. Many macroalgal species have biomechanical designs that minimize damage by these sources, such as flexibly reconfiguring into streamlined shapes in flow, having either strong or extensible tissues that are tough, and having chemical and morphological defenses against herbivores and epibionts. If damage occurs, some macroalgae have tissue properties that prevent cracks from propagating or that facilitate tissue breakage in certain places, allowing the remainder of the thallus to survive. In contrast to these mechanisms of damage control, some macroalgae use breakage to aid dispersal, while others simply complete their reproduction prior to seasonally-predictable periods of damage (e.g., storm seasons). Once damage occurs, macroalgae have a variety of biomechanical responses, including increasing tissue strength, thickening support structures, or altering thallus shape. Thus, macroalgae have myriad biomechanical strategies for preventing, controlling, and responding to structural damage that can occur throughout their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) are the causative agents of acute and highly contagious diseases of juvenile salmonids, resulting in severe economic losses to these cold-water fish globally. There is an urgent need to explore antiviral agents against IHNV and IPNV due to the lack of commercially available vaccines and antiviral drugs. More importantly, the co-infection of IHNV and IPNV is prevalent in nature, which not only aggravates extensive damage to the salmonids but also poses challenges to its prevention and control. The antiviral effects of a crude polysaccharide derived from seaweed (CSP) on IHNV and IPNV were evaluated in this study separately. Furthermore, the underlying antiviral mechanisms of CSP to IHNV and IPNV were analyzed, respectively. The results showed that CSP possessed excellent safety and good ability to inhibit IHNV, IPNV, and their co-infection. CSP preferred to act at the early stage of viral infection. The antiviral mechanism of CSP on IHNV is possibly involved in preventing viral attachment and release, while in IPNV, it is involved in suppressing viral attachment, entry, and release. Taken together, the results of this study shed new light on developing novel agents against viral infection in salmonid fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUD: In recent years, research on the bioactive properties of macroalgae has increased, due to the great interest in exploring new products that can contribute to improve human health and wellbeing. In the present study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of six different brown algae of the Fucales order were evaluated, namely Ericaria selaginoides, Ericaria amentacea, Gongolaria baccata, Gongolaria usneoides, Cystoseira compressa and Sargassum vulgare (collected along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts). The antioxidant capacity was measured by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, the oxygen radical absorbent capacity (ORAC) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and were related to the total phenolic content (TPC). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated measuring the growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. RESULTS: The highest antioxidant capacity was obtained for Ericaria selaginoides revealing the highest capacity to scavenge DPPH radical [half maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 27.02 μg mL−1], highest FRAP (1761.19 μmol FeSO4 equivalents g−1 extract), high ORAC (138.92 μmol TE g−1 extract), alongside to its high TPC (121.5 GAE g−1 extract). This species also reported the highest antimicrobial capacity against Staphylococcus aureus [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 268 μg mL−1]. CONCLUSIONS: Among all studied seaweed, Ericaria selaginoides reveals the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and thus should be explored as a natural food additive and/or functional ingredient. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular phylogenetic analyses of Hawaiian members of the red algal family Dumontiaceae were used to clarify the species diversity of Dudresnaya and Gibsmithia from Hawaiʻi. Although no new species of Dudresnaya were detected in the analyses, D. babbittiana is newly recorded by Lalo, Manawai, and Oʻahu; however, this record remains tentative until the type material is sequenced. A new species of Gibsmithia, G. punonomaewa A.R. Sherwood, is described here and reported from the mesophotic depths (79–104 m) of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawaiʻi. This new species differs from all others in the genus based on the following combination of characters: moderate thallus size (up to 11 cm), smooth and terete gelatinous lobes, presence of a stipe (which is often branched), globose carposporangia, and a non-isodiametric shaped cell subtending the tetrasporangia. This new taxon increases the number of Gibsmithia species recorded from Hawaiʻi to three. Phylogenetically, G. punonomaewa is most closely related to G. dotyi (type locality, Lord Howe Island, Australia) and G. larkumii (type locality, One Tree Island, Queensland, Australia), which are both reportedly widespread in distribution. The relatively dark habitat of the mesophotic in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument contrasts with the surface waters of tropical and subtropical habitats where most Gibsmithia species are found, further highlighting the uniqueness of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been frequent reports in several macroalgae of fusions between algal structures. However, most of these reports have documented the (intraspecific) adhesion of portions of the same thallus. The different adhesion structures have been termed anastomoses, and include ring-shaped cells, adherent discs, tentacle cells and pseudo-laterals. Hypnea pannosa and H. spinella are seasonally highly persistent and abundant species in the Mexican Tropical Pacific, with a wide distribution in the region. When the species grow together in the rocky intertidal zone, they produce contact points between their thalli, which hold them together. The fusions between the branches and axes of these species result in a fastening tissue that is distinct from all those previously described. Here we describe the anatomical changes that occur at the contact points between the branches and axes of the two species using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The adhesion structures resulted in significant morphological and anatomical changes to the superficial cortical cells, with a new type of interspecific fastening tissue growing outside of the contact points. We characterize this new type of interspecific fastening tissue, consider its origin and structural complexity, and compare it to other connecting structures reported. Additionally, we discuss the consequences of this new type of tissue and its possible ecological significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term 'eucheumatoids' designates a group of genera in the family Solieriaceae that are the source of some of the most valuable algal products in cultivation. While economically important in the tropics, much of its taxonomy is yet to be fully resolved. The eucheumatoid species Mimica arnoldii is a Batesian mimic of corals that was recently transferred to its own genus from Eucheuma based primarily on peculiarities of habit and a lack of medullary rhizoids, in contrast to the generitype Eucheuma denticulatum that has the latter. We studied the diversity of Mimica arnoldii from samples collected in the Philippines to determine their genetic variation, relationships to other eucheumatoids, and whether its two distinct morphological expressions, which have been named as varieties, are genetically different. We produced a phylogeny using a three-gene concatenated dataset, and used the variable mitochondrial cox2-3 spacer to determine intraspecific variation and the degree of correlation between sequence-variation and varietal status. Our results showed that Mimica is a distinct genus, and that intra-specific molecular data did not correspond to the morphology-based varieties, although it did correlate with geographical distribution. Our results also indicate that Kappaphycus, as presently circumscribed, contains species with (Kappahycus alvarezii, K. striatus and K. malesianus) and without (Kapppahycus cottonii) internal medullary hyphal core, and that K. cottonii is sister to the remaining Kappaphycus species. We thus propose Kappaphycopsis gen. nov. for K. cottonii for the species of Kappaphycus without internal medullary rhizoids (anaxiferous). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA sequence analyses have demonstrated that Gelidium as currently circumscribed is not monophyletic and has three distinctive lineages: Gelidium sensu stricto that includes the generitype Gelidium corneum, the Capreolia group, and another lineage that includes two distinct clades formed by species from the eastern Pacific and western Atlantic Oceans. A new genus of small gelidioid algae, Gelidiorariphycus, is described to accommodate one of the clades in this latter lineage. Four species (Gelidiorariphycus loratus, G. gahunbooi, G. stipitatus and G. sungminbooi) segregated into this genus in single- and multi-gene phylogenies. Gelidiorariphycus is sister to a clade formed by an unidentified eastern Pacific species and Gelidium lingulatum. These clades are closely related to a clade formed by Gelidiophycus and the Capreolia group. All four Gelidiorariphycus species were morphologically similar with small thalli that have simple and distally flattened erect axes. Fertile tetrasporophytes were found to have sori with sterile margins that are acutely tapered, which may be morphologically distinctive, but determining this requires additional study. These species were rare, with only one or two samples of each collected despite Gelidiales surveys having been done in the areas where they are known. They were mainly found growing on shallow subtidal rocky shores, but a G. gahunbooi specimen was also collected at more than 30 m depth. Their small size and preference for subtidal habitats may explain the small number of specimens collected. The recognition of this new genus is a further step in the establishment of a natural classification system for genera within the Gelidiaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Treatment of biofilm-associated infections has become a major challenge in biomedical and clinical fields due to the failure of conventional treatments in controlling this highly complex and tolerant structure. Therefore, the search for novel antibiofilm agents with increased efficacy as those provided by natural products, presents an urgent need. The aim of this study was to explore extracts derived from three algae (green Ulva lactuca, brown Stypocaulon scoparium, red Pterocladiella capillacea) for their potential antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus, bacterium responsible for several acute and chronic infections. Seaweed extracts were prepared by successive maceration in various solvents (cyclohexane (CH), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), and methanol (MeOH)). The ability of the different extracts to inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation was assessed using colony-forming unit (CFU) counts method supported by epifluorescence microscopic analysis. Effects of active extracts on the biofilm growth cycle, as well as on S. aureus surface hydrophobicity were evaluated. Results revealed the ability of four extracts to significantly inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation. These findings were supported by microscopy analyses. The gradual increase in the number of adherent bacteria when the selected extracts were added at various times (t0, t2h, t4h, t6h, and t24h) revealed their potential effect on the initial adhesion and proliferation stages of S. aureus biofilm development. Interestingly, a significant reduction in the surface hydrophobicity of S. aureus treated with dichloromethane (DCM) extract derived from U. lactuca was demonstrated. These findings present new insights into the exploration of seaweeds as a valuable source of antibiofilm agents with preventive effect by inhibiting and/or delaying biofilm formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper ion (Cu2+) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticle (NP) ecotoxicity are of increasing concern as they are considered to be a potential risk to marine systems. This study represents the first attempt to evaluate CuO NP impacts on the seaweeds and Cu2+ on the chlorophyte Ulva rigida. Effects on oxidative stress, antioxidant defence markers, photosystem II function, thalli growth, and cell viability in U. rigida exposed for 4 up 72 h to1 and 5 mg L−1 Cu2+ and CuO NPs were examined. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and growth inhibition seemed to be reliable and early warning markers of toxicity. The most important variables of the principal component analysis (PCA): H2O2 generation, antioxidant stress markers, and growth-based toxicity index, were higher at 1 mg L−1 CuO NPs compared to CuSO4 and at 5 mg L−1 CuSO4 compared to CuO NPs. Intracellular uptake kinetics fit well to the Michaelis–Menten equation. The higher toxicity at 5 mg L−1 CuSO4 compared to 1 mg L−1 was due to the higher Cu uptake with increasing concentration, suggesting and higher accumulation ability. On the contrary, 1 mg L−1 CuO NPs induced more strongly toxicity effects than 5 mg L−1. The relatively stronger effect of CuO NPs at 1 mg L−1 than the respective CuSO4 concentration could be attributed to the higher rate of initial uptake (Vc) and the mean rate of Cu uptake [Cmax/(2 × Km)] at CuO NP treatment. The intracellular seaweed experimental threshold of Cu, which coincided with the onset of oxidative stress, was within the Cu concentration range recorded in Mediterranean Ulva spp., indicating that it may pose a substantial risk to marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Video surveillance on the offshore booster station and around the coast is a effective way to monitor floating macroalgae. Previous studies on floating algae detection are mainly based on traditional image segmentation methods. However, these algorithms cannot effectively solve the problem of extracting Ulva prolifra and Sargassum at different sizes and views. Recently, instance segmentation methods have achieved great success in computer vision applications. In this paper, based on the CenterMask network, a novel instance segmentation architecture named AlgaeMask is proposed for floating algae detection from the surveillance videos. To address the feature extraction ability of the network in the inter-dependencies for position and channel, we introduce a new OSA-V3 module with the dual-attention block, which consists of a position attention mechanism and channel attention mechanism. Meanwhile, scale-equalizing pyramid convolution is introduced to solve the problem of scale difference. Finally, we introduce the feature decoder module based on FCOS head and segmentation head to obtain the segmentation area of floating algae in each bounding box. The extensive experiment results show that the average precision of our AlgaeMask in the tasks of mask segmentation and box detection can reach 44.22% and 48.13%, respectively, which has 15.09% and 8.24% improvement over CenterMask. In addition, the AlgaeMask can meet the real-time requirements of floating algae detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living specimens of the macroalga Palmaria decipiens were collected from 100 m depth, representing a new confirmed depth record, considerably exceeding the previous record of 42 m depth. Previous deeper collections (below conventional SCUBA depths) have relied on dredge/grab samples or drop camera surveys. Remote techniques cannot conclusively prove that macroalgae are living at these depths, as algae detach from shallower substrata, e.g., through ice scouring, and drift to depths below their growth limit. This, combined with a low rate of decay of macroalgae around Antarctica, requires validation that algal samples from depth have grown in situ. Estimates of macroalgal biomass, energy fluxes, and the potential energy fixation may need adjusting to consider the deeper growing depths particularly with glacial retreat along the Antarctic Peninsula revealing areas of rocky substrata for macroalgal colonisation. The confirmed extension of depth where macroalgae can grow will have implications for assessments of benthic productivity and food webs in Antarctica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The macroalgae of the Balleny Islands (66°15′S–67°35′S and 162°30′E–165°00′E) have been infrequently collected and the flora remains poorly known. This chain of islands is located on the edge of the Antarctic Circle in the northern Ross Sea, ~250 km north of the coast of northern Victoria Land, and it represents the most northerly land in the Ross Sea region. As well as being very remote, access to these islands is difficult given the highly variable prevailing ice conditions. We summarize the macroalgal floras of the Balleny Islands and the Ross Sea, including reporting new records, extending the known distribution of other taxa and highlighting the need for further taxonomic research on some of the most common and widespread species. Many of the taxa reported have been collected on few occasions and, as a consequence, there is insufficient material available, including reproductively mature samples, for some species to be fully documented. While these collections are providing intriguing insights into the relationships between the macroalgae found around the Antarctic continent, the full biodiversity of the Balleny Islands remains to be investigated, and further collections are required to enable detailed comparisons with other parts of the Antarctic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgal surface constitutes a peculiar ecological niche and an advantageous substratum for microorganisms able to degrade the wide diversity of algal glycans. The degrading enzymatic activities of macroalgal epiphytes are of paramount interest for the industrial by-product sector and biomass resource applications. We characterized the polysaccharide hydrolytic profile of bacterial isolates obtained from three macroalgal species: the red macroalgae Asparagopsis taxiformis and Sphaerococcus coronopifolius (Rhodophyceae) and the brown Halopteris scoparia (Phaeophyceae), sampled in South Portugal. Bacterial enrichment cultures supplemented with chlorinated aliphatic compounds, typically released by marine algae, were established using as inoculum the decaying biomass of the three macroalgae, obtaining a collection of 634 bacterial strains. Although collected from the same site and exposed to the same seawater seeding microbiota, macroalgal cultivable bacterial communities in terms of functional and phylogenetic diversity showed host specificity. Isolates were tested for the hydrolysis of starch, pectin, alginate and agar, exhibiting a different hydrolytic potential according to their host: A. taxiformis showed the highest percentage of active isolates (91%), followed by S. coronopifolius (54%) and H. scoparia (46%). Only 30% of the isolates were able to degrade starch, while the other polymers were degraded by 55–58% of the isolates. Interestingly, several isolates showed promiscuous capacities to hydrolyze more than one polysaccharide. The isolate functional fingerprint was statistically correlated to bacterial phylogeny, host species and enrichment medium. In conclusion, this work depicts macroalgae as holobionts with an associated microbiota of interest for blue biotechnologies, suggesting isolation strategies and bacterial targets for polysaccharidases' discovery. Keypoints: Macroalgae are source of bacterial polysaccharidases for blue biotechnologies. Amilases, pectinases, alginate lyases and agarases were widespread among isolates. Hydrolytic profile correlates to strain phylogeny, host species, isolation medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of lignins in the coralline red alga Calliarthron tuberculosum raised new questions about the deep evolution of lignin biosynthesis. Here we present the transcriptome of C. tuberculosum supported with newly generated genomic data to identify gene candidates from the monolignol biosynthetic pathway using a combination of sequence similarity-based methods. We identified candidates in the monolignol biosynthesis pathway for the genes 4CL, CCR, CAD, CCoAOMT, and CSE but did not identify candidates for PAL, CYP450 (F5H, C3H, C4H), HCT, and COMT. In gene tree analysis, we present evidence that these gene candidates evolved independently from their land plant counterparts, suggesting convergent evolution of a complex multistep lignin biosynthetic pathway in this red algal lineage. Additionally, we provide tools to extract metabolic pathways and genes from the newly generated transcriptomic and genomic datasets. Using these methods, we extracted genes related to sucrose metabolism and calcification. Ultimately, this transcriptome will provide a foundation for further genetic and experimental studies of calcifying red algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probing the coverage and biomass of seaweed is necessary for achieving the sustainable utilization of nearshore seaweed resources. Remote sensing can realize dynamic monitoring on a large scale and the spectral characteristics of objects are the basis of remote sensing applications. In this paper, we measured the spectral data of six dominant seaweed species in different dry and wet conditions from the intertidal zone of Gouqi Island: Ulva pertusa, Sargassum thunbergii, Chondrus ocellatus, Chondria crassiaulis Harv., Grateloupia filicina C. Ag., and Sargassum fusifarme. The different seaweed spectra were identified and analyzed using a combination of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), support vector machines (SVM), and a fusion model comprising extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and SVM. In total, 14 common spectral variables were used as input variables, and the input variables were filtered by one-way ANOVA. The samples were divided into a training set (266 samples) and a test set (116 samples) at a ratio of 3:1 for input into the SVM and fusion model. The results showed that when the input variables were the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), ratio vegetation index (RVI), Vre, Abe, Rg, Lre, Lg, and Lr and the model parameters were g = 1.30 and c = 2.85, the maximum discrimination rate of the six different wet and dry states of seaweed was 74.99%, and the highest accuracy was 93.94% when distinguishing between the different seaweed phyla (g = 6.85 and c = 2.55). The classification of the fusion model also shows similar results: The overall accuracy is 73.98%, and the mean score of the different seaweed phyla is 97.211%. In this study, the spectral data of intertidal seaweed with different dry and wet states were classified to provide technical support for the monitoring of coastal zones via remote sensing and seaweed resource statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: A new species of the southern hemisphere genus Clymene, C. sutherlandiae, is described based on collections from the Otago coast, south east South Island of New Zealand, and from a site in western Tasmania. Found on mid‐upper intertidal rocks on open coasts, and frequently adjacent to sandy shores, this is a second species for the genus, previously known solely from the type species C. coleana found in the North Island, northern South Island and Chatham Islands of New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: In this study, we applied a chemostat culture method, for the first time, to measure the nutrient uptake rate of macroalgae. We examined two methods of measuring the nutrient uptake rate of two macroalgae, Saccharina japonica var. religiosa and Ulva australis, by comparing nutrient uptake kinetics between the chemostat culture and batch culture. In the chemostat culture, the nutrient concentration was kept constant by monitoring the change in nutrient concentration using an Auto Analyzer in real time and adding nutrients to compensate for the macroalgae's nutrient consumption. The nutrient uptake in the chemostat culture could be best fitted to the Michaelis–Menten saturation kinetics. In the batch culture, the nutrient concentration decreased with time, either constantly or exponentially due to a rapid uptake of nutrients by the macroalgae. The nutrient uptake rate in the batch culture generally showed a scattered relationship with nutrient concentration, with a weak fitting to the Michaelis–Menten saturation kinetics. This discrepancy seemed to be partly because the change in nutrient concentration was large between the sampling intervals in the batch culture. Determining an appropriate sampling interval for detectable concentration change is difficult unless the nutrient concentration is measured in real time. Therefore, the application of the chemostat culture method to the measurement of the uptake rate by macroalgae could greatly improve our understanding of nutrient uptake kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lack of less-volatile compounds composition data of macroalgal supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) extracts, the main goal of this study was to investigate their chemical profiles. SC-CO2 extraction (40 °C and 300 bar) was performed on seven macroalgal species including five brown (Halopteris filicina, Fucus virsoides, Dictyopteris polypodioides, Gongolaria barbata and Ericaria amentacea), one green (Codium bursa) and one red (Amphiroa rigida), that were collected from the Adriatic Sea. After the analysis by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, the results revealed that fatty acids were the main components of the extracts. Hexadecanoic acid was found as dominant fatty acid in most of the species, while 3-hexyl-4,5-dithiacycloheptanone was dominant in D. polypodioides. Performed phytochemical study contributes to the knowledge of less-volatile composition of analyzed species indicating that the “species biodiversity“ factor was the most influent regardless of classification to brown, green or red macroalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweed is known as a rich source of mineral composition and a huge number of nutritive elements. The mineral composition of seaweed is variable because of many exogenous and endogenous aspects besides the large significant differences within the same species. The mineral content of some selected species, belonging to classes, viz. Chlorophyta: Ulva clathrate, Ulva rigida, Chamaedoris auriculata, Rhodophyta: Gracilaria friifern, Griffithsia opuntioides, and Jania rubens Phaeophyta: Padina tetrastomatica, Cystoseria trinodis were investigated. They were obtained from Veraval coastal region of Junagadh district, India. The aim of the study was to evaluate the watersoluble mineral composition, such as (Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, K+, Cl-) and bioactive components; namely, protein and carbohydrate of different marine seaweeds (red, green, and brown) with respect to water mineral composition and other water physical parameters. Biological data intertwisted with several inclusive analytical methods such as secondary data analysis, combining several data measurements are required for the investigation of entering coalition within and among species. This study described a method of data pre-processing that can be widely integrated, based on a variety of multi measurements of the mineral composition of different seaweed species and the water parameter of the coastal area. This analytical tactic using a variety of statistical tools and graphical representation, such as correlation network analysis, principal component analysis, and piper diagram revealed multiple relationships between mineral composition and different seaweed species and water analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intertidal macroalgal habitats are major components of temperate coastal ecosystems. Their distribution was studied using field sampling and hyperspectral remote mapping on a rocky shore of Porspoder (western Brittany, France). Covers of both dominating macroalgae and the sessile fauna were characterized in situ at low tide in 24 sampling spots, according to four bathymetric levels. A zone of ca. 17,000 m2 was characterized using a drone equipped with a hyperspectral camera. Macroalgae were identified by image processing using two classification methods to assess the representativeness of spectral classes. Finally, a comparison of the remote imaging data to the field sampling data was conducted. Seven seaweed classes were distinguished by hyperspectral pictures, including five different species of Fucales. The maximum likelihood (MLC) and spectral angle mapper (SAM) were both trained using image-derived spectra. MLC was more accurate to classify the main dominating species (Overall Accuracy (OA) 95.1%) than SAM (OA 87.9%) at a site scale. However, at sampling points scale, the results depend on the bathymetric level. This study evidenced the efficiency and accuracy of hyperspectral remote sensing to evaluate the distribution of dominating intertidal seaweed species and the potential for a combined field/remote approach to assess the ecological state of macroalgal communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study develops a formulation of face cream which is made by the ethanol extract of Sargassum spp. (Phaeophyceae) from the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba. A different type of formulations (from F1 to F8), such as oil in water were discovered to obtain the best formula of a cosmetic cream of marine herbal origin. The evaluation of all formulations (F1 to F6) has been done by the analysis of different parameters like viscosity, spread ability and stability. An ethanol fraction analyzed from a sample of Sargassum spp. showed that F2, F3, F6 and F7 were of the best homogeneity. These formulas were the subject of further evaluation tests. By implementing the dye test to formulas F2, F3, F6 and F7, all were showed a O/W feature of emulsion. The evaluation of formulations of F3, F4, F6 and F7 was conducted by using an accelerated test. Parameters including homogeneity, appearance, type of smear and removal were tested and showed acceptable stability. Among the eight formulations (F1-F8), only F2 and F6 showed the best results in terms of stability, texture and evaluation test. F2 and F6 are held intact with good appearance and consistency that continues until day 15 after preparation. Hence, the study suggests that the composition of extract and the base of the cream F2 and F6 are more stable and safer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sargassum polycystum is a low-sodium salt raw material that meets the dietary salt criteria, i.e., low Na: K ratio and NaCl content < 60%. This study aims to produce seaweed salt with high yield, dietary fiber content, and antioxidant activity according to the quality standard of dietary salt through a combination of the filtrate and salt extraction residue. The results showed that the produced S. polycystum brown seaweed salt had a mineral Na 96.97 mg/g and mineral K 247.59 mg/g. Na: K ratio of 0.39, NaCl content of 49.05%, and heavy metal residue below the Indonesian National Standard maximum standard for dietary salt. The levels of dietary fiber produced in salt samples 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 was 34.41%, 40.16%, and 23.83%, respectively, and the iodine content (KIO3) of the control salt was 125.95 mg/kg. The antioxidant activity of seaweed salt 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) on salt K (seaweed salt without residue), residue, S1 (1:1), S2 (1:2), and S3 (2:1) was 26.41 ppm, 59.06 ppm, 12.29 ppm, 67.30 ppm, and 87.50 ppm. Meanwhile, the antioxidant capacity of seaweed salt Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) on K salt, residue, S1, S2, and S3 were 12.36, 19, 7.86, 8.52 and 12.27 μmol ascorbic acid/g extract, respectively. Therefore, it was concluded that increasing the yield and dietary fiber content in the seaweed salt production process is achievable by adding residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Macroalgal habitats are believed to be the most extensive and productive of all coastal vegetated ecosystems. In stark contrast to the growing attention on their contribution to carbon export and sequestration, understanding of their global extent and production is limited and these have remained poorly assessed for decades. Here we report a first data‐driven assessment of the global extent and production of macroalgal habitats based on modelled and observed distributions and net primary production (NPP) across habitat types. Location: Global coastal ocean. Time period: Contemporary. Major taxa studied: Macroalgae. Methods: Here we apply a comprehensive niche model to generate an improved global map of potential macroalgal distribution, constrained by incident light on the seafloor and substrate type. We compiled areal net primary production (NPP) rates across macroalgal habitats from the literature and combined this with our estimates of the global extent of these habitats to calculate global macroalgal NPP. Results: We show that macroalgal forests are a major biome with a global area of 6.06–7.22 million km2, dominated by red algae, and NPP of 1.32 Pg C/year, dominated by brown algae. Main conclusions: The global macroalgal biome is comparable, in area and NPP, to the Amazon forest, but is globally distributed as a thin strip around shorelines. Macroalgae are expanding in polar, subpolar and tropical areas, where their potential extent is also largest, likely increasing the overall contribution of algal forests to global carbon sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Codium tomentosum hydroethanolic extract was obtained using a pilot solid–liquid extractor to validate the anti‐browning functionality of the extract under industrial conditions. Fresh‐cut apple slices were coated by immersion in: (1) a seaweed extract solution (0.5% w/v) and (2) a commercial coating, and the two sets of samples were compared with a control (immersion in water). Packaged samples were stored, under ambient and modified atmosphere conditions at 4°C. After 30 days of storage, the samples that were coated with the seaweed extract and packaged under modified atmosphere, demonstrated lower peroxidase activity and polyphenol oxidation when compared with the samples treated with the commercial additive. These results confirm, at pilot scale and under industrial production conditions, the efficacy of the seaweed extract as a bio‐based substitute for the synthetic coatings, which are currently used to prevent browning in fresh‐cut apples. Novelty impact statement: Fresh‐cut fruits are subjected to processing operations leading to a decrease in nutritional and organoleptic properties. It is therefore necessary to adopt strategies to delay the degradative processes. In this study, the efficacy of a pilot‐scale production and industrial application of a coating formulated with Codium tomentosum seaweed extract has been established for the first time. This seaweed extract possesses the potential to prevent browning development in fresh‐cut apples under industrial operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of the freshwater red algal genus Kumanoa, K. periyarensis, from the Western Ghats, southern peninsular India, based on morphology, and rbcL and COI-5P DNA sequence data. The new species is distinguished from other species of Kumanoa by having the following combination of characters: reduced obconical or elongate-obconical whorls, carpogonial branches with compact helices bearing long, sessile ellipsoidal, elliptical, or elongate cylindrical trichogynes, monosporangia, and exerted carposporophytes. These morphological characters are shared with other species, but the combination is unique to K. periyarensis. The new species is genetically distinct and sister to K. tabagatenensis in the phylogenetic analyses. Kumanoa periyarensis was discovered in stagnant water bodies as well as shallow streams in the midlands and hilly regions of the southern part of the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]