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Ecklonia maxima is an endemic South African seaweed with numerous commercially valuable compounds, including sodium alginate. This polysaccharide contains 1,4-linked β-d-mannuronic (M) and α-l-guluronic acid (G) residues, and has enormous health and food applications and benefits for biomedicine. In this study, acid extraction of sodium alginate from Ecklonia maxima was performed, and its chemical and physical properties were compared with commercial sodium alginate. A yield of 58.7 % (w/w of dry alga) sodium alginate was recovered from the seaweed. As expected, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analyses of sodium alginate revealed the presence of M and G residues in the polysaccharide. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy revealed an M/G ratio of 1.86 from the extracted sodium alginate. The viscosity average molecular weight of sodium alginate was 429 kDa using the Mark–Houwink–Sakurada equation. Three-dimensional conformational analysis by Congo red and CD spectroscopy suggested that sodium alginate exhibits a triple-helix conformation in solution. Furthermore, X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed that the alginate has an amorphous structure. Sodium alginate extracted from E. maxima found on the coasts of Southern Africa exhibits a high mannuronic content and high viscosity, potentially beneficial for drug delivery and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seaweeds are macroalgae containing bioactive compounds that have positively impacted the biomedical field due to polysaccharides, sterols and glycolipids, showing a diverse range of pharmacological and biological properties. Eating a diet high in marine items will lessen the risk of developing diabetes, cancer and obesity. Purpose: The exploration of medically useful seaweeds is required to identify drugs and drug targets and reduce the risk of developing diseases. Methodology: The PubMed search was done with the MESH terms such as seaweed and Marine algae pharmacological activity results were obtained as 748 results. We filtered out the articles and entered key terms related to our area of interest to find the results. The seaweed species in India are listed with Tamil Nadu contributing the most and Orissa the least. The type of algae is also mentioned. Results: Marine algae have been employed in industry and medicine as a novel food with possible nutritional benefits. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that marine algae are a rich source of naturally occurring bioactive substances with activities such as anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypercholesterolemia and hypolipidemia. Conclusion: The current review focuses on the bioactivities and potential pharmaceutical activity of marine algae discovered in India. The present review article showed that there are many seaweeds of medical importance, and it is necessary to explore them to minimize disease progression and prolong the individual's survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid found in brown seaweed. Its potential anti-cancer, anti-obesity, antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties have recently attracted interest. This interest is driven by the growing awareness of natural compounds promoting well-being, ongoing research into their health impacts and their appeal to the food and supplement industries. Brown seaweed is a major source of fucoxanthin and its global cultivation is on the rise. Fucoxanthin's structural characteristics contribute to its bioactivity. Isomerization, influenced by factors like light and heat, can alter its biological activity. Recent studies highlight the importance of the cis/trans isomer ratio in determining fucoxanthin's biological effects. This review uses narrative approaches to explore fucoxanthin's potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, emphasizing its source from brown seaweed and considerations for maximizing bioavailability and stability. The dynamic landscape of fucoxanthin research underscores its promising role in human health, encapsulating its multifaceted benefits within a concise framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global obesity epidemic, exacerbated by the sedentary lifestyle fostered by the COVID-19 pandemic, presents a growing socioeconomic burden due to decreased physical activity and increased morbidity. Current obesity treatments show promise, but they often come with expensive medications, frequent injections, and potential side effects, with limited success in improving obesity through increased energy expenditure. This study explores the potential of a refined sulfated polysaccharide (SPSL), derived from the brown seaweed Scytosiphon lomentaria (SL), as a safe and effective anti-obesity treatment by promoting energy expenditure. Chemical characterization revealed that SPSL, rich in sulfate and L-fucose content, comprises nine distinct sulfated glycan structures. In vitro analysis demonstrated potent anti-lipogenic properties in adipocytes, mediated by the downregulation of key adipogenic modulators, including 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) pathways. Inhibiting AMPK attenuated the anti-adipogenic effects of SPSL, confirming its involvement in the mechanism of action. Furthermore, in vivo studies using zebrafish models showed that SPSL increased energy expenditure and reduced lipid accumulation. These findings collectively highlight the therapeutic potential of SPSL as a functional food ingredient for mitigating obesity-related metabolic dysregulation by promoting energy expenditure. Further mechanistic and preclinical investigations are warranted to fully elucidate its mode of action and evaluate its efficacy in obesity management, potentially offering a novel, natural therapeutic avenue for this global health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low-level laser light suppresses oxidative stress and enhances antioxidant defenses. • Sargassum latifolium showed antiatherosclerotic effects in combination with low-level laser irradiation in rats. • The synergistic effect of each algal dry biomass concentration with low-level laser irradiation on rats. • Sargassum latifolium showed 74.8 % of FRAB scavenging power and, 76.08 % Cox1 inhibition. Atherosclerosis is considered the most common underlying cause of most cardiovascular diseases. Most conventional therapies focus on lipid levels but fail to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. In contrast, seaweeds can solve such problems, with their antihypercholesterolemic properties. The current study aims to evaluate the antiatherosclerotic effects of the brown alga Sargassum latifolium and low-level laser irradiation in rats fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet, individually or in combination. Two doses of S. latifolium dry biomass (5 and 10 %) were orally gavaged to rats with and without low-level laser irradiation (650 nm laser 100 mW) compared with Atorvastatine Ca (Lipitor). The alga phytochemical contents were estimated with (GC–MS) analysis, evaluating its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihypercholesterolemic activities. S. latifolium showed 74.8 % of FRAP scavenging power and 76.08 % Cox1 inhibition. In addition to suppressing weight gain and blood viscosity in hypercholesterolemic rats, the algal laser treatment demonstrated a significant improvement in serum HDL-cholesterol and a reduction in serum total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in serum HDL-cholesterol and a significant reduction in elevated atherogenic index, risk factor, inflammatory marker (CRP), creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase activities, and serum liver and kidney function biomarkers. The best results were achieved by treatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with a high dose of S. latifolium with laser irradiation. In conclusion, the synergistic effect of S. latifolium seaweed (especially high dose) and low-level laser has great potential, which exceeds that of anticholesterol drugs for preventing and/or therapy of hypercholesterolemia and maintaining overall health. Thus, this synergistic effect is a potential source of a new therapy that provides antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effects similar to, or better than, those of more traditional pharmaceutical drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweed provides macro-, micro-nutrients, and biological bioactive components that may improve broiler production. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of various levels of brown seaweed (BS) and green seaweed (GS) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and hepatic growth and nutrient transporter gene expressions. The study followed a completely randomized design (CRD) (twelve treatments, six replicates, and seven birds per replicate). The dietary treatments contained: basal diet [negative control (NC)], basal diet + vitamin E (100 mg/kg feed) [positive control (PC)], basal diet + 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, and 1.25% BS and GS, respectively. The data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) of the statistical analysis system (SAS 9.4) by one-way ANOVA. Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used to assess the significant differences between treatment groups at p<0.05. Various levels of BS and GS (p<0.05) improved body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed intake (FI) at the starter phase. No significant effects were observed in the carcass characteristics. The AID of crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), and dry matter (DM) during the starter phase were significantly improved. The hepatic growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene had increased expression in birds fed 0.50% and 0.75% of GS-contained diets. Similarly, birds fed 0.50% of BS and 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% of GS had higher (p<0.05) expression of the hepatic Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene. Furthermore, there were no significant effects on the intestinal nutrient transporters genes, including aminopeptidase (APN), glucose transporter (SGLT5), and oligopeptide transporter (PepT1) at the jejunum tissue. It was therefore concluded that different levels of BS and GS in the broiler chickens' diet improved the starter period growth performance and nutrient digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valorization of massive strandings of holopelagic Sargassum spp. is strongly limited by high levels of inorganic arsenic (Asi) that are potentially above the limit of current regulations. Monitoring Asi in algal biomass is currently achieved using standard chromatographic separation followed by spectroscopic detection. Here, we propose an alternative simpler procedure based on the extraction of Asi from the freeze-dried algal powder in deionized water and the electroanalytical detection of the diluted extract at a gold-microwire electrode. The protocol was optimized both in terms of extraction (powder/water ratio, extraction time, temperature) and electrolyte used for the voltammetric detection. Two electrolytes were tested: one composed of citric acid, sulfamic acid and KCl (pH 2.0) and another composed of an acetate buffer (pH 4.7) and NaCl. We demonstrate here that Asi determination is possible with the first electrolyte but it is necessary to deal with a relative unstable signal. Measurement of Asi was best achieved with the second electrolyte (acetate buffer and NaCl) with the following optimized electrochemical conditions: deposition potential of −1.2 V, deposition time of 30 seconds and linear scan voltammetry. Voltammetric results were then compared to a reference method (HPLC-ICP-MS) using different morphotypes of holopelagic Sargassum spp. (S. natans VIII, S. natans I and S. fluitans III), using commercial extracts of brown seaweeds and using a Hijiki certified reference material. Very good agreement was obtained between our novel method and HPLC-ICP-MS. Both methods show that inorganic arsenic is almost entirely present as As(V) in Sargassum spp. extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of oxidative stress in health and homeostasis has generated interest in the scientific community due to its association with cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and other diseases. Therefore, extensive research seeks to identify new exogenous antioxidant compounds for supplementation. Polysaccharides are recognized for their antioxidant properties. However, polysaccharide chemical modifications are often necessary to enhance these properties. Therefore, dextran was conjugated with gallic acid (Dex-Gal) and later combined with fucoidan A (FucA) to formulate blends aimed at achieving superior antioxidant activity compared to individual polysaccharides. A factorial design was employed to combine FucA and Dex-Gal in different proportions, resulting in five blends (BLD1, BLD2, BLD3, BLD4, and BLD5). An analysis of surface graphs from in vitro antioxidant tests, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging, guided the selection of BLD4 as the optimal formulation. Tests on 3T3 fibroblasts under various conditions of oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide revealed that BLD4 provided enhanced protection compared to its isolated components. The BLD4 formulation, resulting from the combination of Dex-Gal and FucA, showed promise as an antioxidant strategy, outperforming its individual components and suggesting its potential as a supplement to mitigate oxidative stress in adverse health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweeds are regarded as one of the greatest sources of biologically active substances with potent biological activities among the innumerable marine organisms. It finds numerous industrial applications in areas such as food and dairy, pharmaceuticals, medicine, cosmeceuticals, and nutraceuticals because it is a significant source of bioactive ingredients. It has been reported that the brown seaweed Padina boergesenii, also known as the leafy rolled-blade alga, has anti-venom activity against the Naja nigricollis. However, it is still unclear how these actions are prompted by it. Using in vitro and in vivo animal models, the current work seeks to evaluate the mechanistic anti-venom activity of Padina boergesenii methanolic extract (PBME) against Naja naja (N. naja) venom. The total antioxidant activity, deoxyribose radical scavenging activity, DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylhydrate), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay were used to measure the in vitro antioxidant activity. In vivo (venom neutralization, suppression of hemorrhagic, necrotic, myotoxic, and paw edema) and in vitro (inhibiting phospholipase A2 and procoagulant effects) anti-venom properties of PBME were studied against N. naja venoms. In every anti-oxidant test, the extracts demonstrated potency. Naja naja venom's median lethal dose was 0.5943 mg/kg of body weight. The N. naja venom–induced phospholipase A2, hemorrhagic, necrotic, myotoxic, and paw edema in mice were all considerably reduced by PBME. Animals exposed to PBME substantially and dose-dependently neutralized the N. naja venom by various mechanisms. Therefore, additional research into PBME's anti-venom characteristics as a neutralizing agent for snake venoms is a possibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Searching for natural products with anti-tumor activity is an important aspect of cancer research. Seaweed polysaccharides from brown seaweed have shown promising anti-tumor activity; however, their structure, composition, and biological activity vary considerably, depending on many factors. In this study, 16 polysaccharide fractions were extracted and purified from three large brown seaweed species (Sargassum horneri, Scytosiphon lomentaria, and Undaria pinnatifida). The chemical composition analysis revealed that the polysaccharide fractions have varying molecular weights ranging from 8.889 to 729.67 kDa, and sulfate contents ranging from 0.50% to 10.77%. Additionally, they exhibit different monosaccharide compositions and secondary structures. Subsequently, their anti-tumor activity was compared against five tumor cell lines (A549, B16, HeLa, HepG2, and SH-SY5Y). The results showed that different fractions exhibited distinct anti-tumor properties against tumor cells. Flow cytometry and cytoplasmic fluorescence staining (Hoechst/AO staining) further confirmed that these effective fractions significantly induce tumor cell apoptosis without cytotoxicity. qRT-RCR results demonstrated that the polysaccharide fractions up-regulated the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Bax while down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and CDK-2. This study comprehensively compared the anti-tumor activity of polysaccharide fractions from large brown seaweed, providing valuable insights into the potent combinations of brown seaweed polysaccharides as anti-tumor agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in fermentation technology, genetic engineering, and enzyme application technology have increased the use of enzymes. Enzymes can be produced by utilizing a source of microorganisms such as bacteria. Proteolytic bacteria or protease enzyme-producing bacteria are found in foods or plants that contain protein such as the brown seaweed Hydroclathrus sp. This study aimed to obtain protease-producing bacterium associated with marine algae Hydroclathrus sp. from waters around Hoga Island of Wakatobi District and identify the organism based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence. Isolation of bacteria from algae samples was carried out with nutrient agar (NA) media, while proteolytic bacteria selection was carried out on skim milk agar (SMA) media. The bacterial isolates producing proteolytic-clear zone on SMA media were then identified targeting the 16S rRNA gene using the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method with 27F-1492R primers. Based on the isolation results, there were 3 unique colonies of bacteria that could be cultured from algae samples and coded HIHA-1 to HIHA-3 (HIHA stands for Hoga Island Hydrolathrus macroalgae). The selection process for protease-producing bacteria on SMA media resulted in 1 isolate of proteolytic bacteria, namely HIHA-1. Molecular identification by PCR on HIHA-1 isolate resulted in a single DNA band on the electrophoresis gel sized ~1500bp. The sequencing results showed a DNA sequence with the size of 1421bp sharing the highest similarity with the bacterium Exiguobacterium aestuarii strain TF-16 (homology level of 99,93%). In conclusion, the proteolytic bacterial isolate HIHA-1 associated with marine brown algae Hydroclathrus sp. was obtained and identified as Exiguobacterium aestuarii strain HIHA-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alginate is derived from brown algae, which can be cultivated in large quantities. It can be broken down by alginate lyase into alginate oligosaccharides (AOSs), which exhibit a higher added value and better bioactivity than alginate. In this study, metagenomic technology was used to screen for genes that code for high-efficiency alginate lyases. The candidate alginate lyase gene alg169 was detected from Psychromonas sp. SP041, the most abundant species among alginate lyase bacteria on selected rotten kelps. The alginate lyase Alg169 was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), Ni-IDA-purified, and characterized. The optimum temperature and pH of Alg169 were 25 °C and 7.0, respectively. Metal ions including Mn2+, Co2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Ni2+, and Ba2+ led to significantly increased enzyme activity. Alg169 exhibited a pronounced dependence on Na+, and upon treatment with Mn2+, its activity surged by 687.57%, resulting in the highest observed enzyme activity of 117,081 U/mg. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that Alg169 would be a double-domain lyase with a molecular weight of 65.58 kDa. It is a bifunctional enzyme with substrate specificity to polyguluronic acid (polyG) and polymannuronic acid (polyM). These results suggest that Alg169 is a promising candidate for the efficient manufacturing of AOSs from brown seaweed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Gongolaria barbata is a canopy-forming brown macroalga that thrives in the intertidal and subtidal habitats of the warm-temperate Mediterranean Sea, which is particularly exposed to environmental changes due to its peculiar geographical location and exposure to both global and local stressors. Testing whether this species is featured by specific functional, eco-physiological and biochemical traits allowing an efficient use of habitat resources and adaptation to environmental stress, and whether this potential might change with population growth, is essential for predicting the performance of the algae under different environmental abiotic variables (e.g., temperature, nutrient availability, light) and biotic interactions (such as grazing). Methods Young (juveniles) and adult thalli of G. barbata were sampled in the winter season from the Venice Lagoon, Italy, featured by high environmental changes (temperature, salinity) and analyzed for thallus dry matter content (TDMC), photosynthetic activity, photosynthetic pigment and protein content, and antioxidant capacity to assess if thallus age may be considered a significant driver in determining the ecological responses of this species to environmental changes. Results Our results showed that TDMC was higher in adults than juveniles. At the functional level, rapid light curves indicated an elevated photosynthetic efficiency in juveniles compared to adults highlighted by the higher quantum yield of PSII electron transport, electron transport rate, and Rubisco content observed in juveniles. On the contrary, adults exhibited a higher non-photochemical quenching and total pigment concentration. No difference in maximum PSII photochemical efficiency and D1 protein content between the two thalli groups was found. Along with better photosynthesis, juveniles also displayed a higher amount of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, and a stronger antioxidant capacity compared to adults. Conclusions Our findings revealed significant differences in the eco-physiological characteristics of G. barbata at different growth stages. It was observed that young thalli, allocate more energy to photosynthesis and chemical defenses by increasing the production of antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. With growth, thalli likely adopt a more conservative strategy, reducing photosynthesis and promoting structural biomass accumulation to mitigate the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to environmental stressors, such as the wavy way. Although our study focused on a single phase of G. barbata life cycle under winter settings, it offers preliminary insights into this species eco-physiological traits and auto-ecology. Future research could explore the potential implications of these findings, evaluating the species’ resilience to environmental changes at the population level.

The consumption of seaweed products has gained the public's attention due to various bioactive compounds therein, which are known to have health benefits in obesity-associated metabolic disturbances, cardiovascular diseases, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. This review discusses the biological functions of bioactive compounds, such as peptides, polyphenols (phlorotannins and bromophenols), polysaccharides (alginate, fucoidans, laminarin), carotenoids (fucoxanthin), and phytosterols, abundant in Undaria pinnatifida (Sea Mustard, Miyeok, Wakame), Saccharina japonica (formerly Laminaria japonica; Kelp, Dasima, Kombu), and Saccharina latissima (Sugar kelp). Although seaweed products show promising preventive and therapeutic effects of seaweed products, it is crucial to consider potential health risks. Therefore, this review addresses health concerns related to heavy metal contamination and high iodine contents, particularly associated with the consumption of brown seaweed.

Seaweed provides macro-, micro-nutrients, and biological bioactive components that may improve broiler production. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of various levels of brown seaweed (BS) and green seaweed (GS) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and hepatic growth and nutrient transporter gene expressions. The study followed a completely randomized design (CRD) (twelve treatments, six replicates, and seven birds per replicate). The dietary treatments contained: basal diet [negative control (NC)], basal diet + vitamin E (100 mg/kg feed) [positive control (PC)], basal diet + 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, and 1.25% BS and GS, respectively. The data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) of the statistical analysis system (SAS 9.4) by one-way ANOVA. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used to assess the significant differences between treatment groups at p

Brown seaweed polysaccharides (BSPs) are potential alternative sources of bioactive compounds. The food and pharmaceutical industries have a great interest in BSPs because of their various bioactivities, such as anticancer, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. Studies have demonstrated that the bioactivities of BSPs are significantly influenced by their structural characteristics and chemical constitution; but, their specific conformational relationships are complex and required further study. However, systematic reviews of the biological activities and mechanisms of action of BSPs are currently inadequate. Thus, this paper summarizes recent studies on the physicochemical and structural features, characterization methods, biological activities, and related action mechanisms of BSPs from different sources. Based on these findings, future prospects include the following three aspects. More advanced research techniques need to be developed to identify the exact main and branch structure of BSPs; in-depth studies of the detailed structure of BSPs are needed to elucidate the conformational relationships between polysaccharides and their activities, and clinical trials should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of BSPs in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. The information provided here aims to offer a theoretical foundation for further research on the structural properties, mechanism of action, and potential applications of BSPs in food and pharmaceutical industries as well as, to increase the economic value of BSPs and extend their application range.

Seaweed has a unique chemical composition with an abundance of bioactive substances. In Russia, brown seaweed grows in the coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean (Far East) and the seas of the Arctic Ocean. This review focuses on the therapeutic and nutritional potential of functional components of brown seaweed. It was based on a systematic analysis of research and review articles published from 2010 to 2023 and indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and eLIBRARY.RU. Our particular interest was in seaweed’s bioactive components such as polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, vitamins, lipids and fatty acids, proteins, peptides, and amino acids. Compounds extracted from brown seaweed exhibit antioxidant, antiglycemic, antitumoral, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antibacterial, and immunostimulating properties. Brown seaweed and its derivatives are used as structural modifiers, antioxidants, preservatives, moisture-retaining agents, and sources of vitamins and minerals in the development of functional and preventive food products. They are also used as ingredients in meat, dairy, bakery and flour products, as well as in food additives and beverages, to provide potential health benefits and essential nutrients. Studies have proven the functional effectiveness of food products containing brown seaweed and its derivatives. The incorporation of seaweed components into functional foods could contribute to global food security. More research is needed to develop new competitive products based on seaweed and to investigate them for the presence of substances hazardous to humans and the environment.

To assess the effects of algae supplementation on lipid profiles and blood pressure in adults, we conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A total of 77 RCTs with 3686 participants were included. Algae supplementation significantly reduced triglycerides (TG) (WMD: −7.99 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −12.71, −3.26), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −11.01 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −14.26, −7.76), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD: −10.17 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −13.12, −7.22) levels, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (WMD: 1.66 mg/dL, 95 % CI: 0.73, 2.59). No significant changes were observed in the LDL/HDL ratio and systolic blood pressure (SBP), but diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly decreased (WMD: −1.71 mmHg, 95 % CI: −2.72, −0.71). These findings suggest that algae supplementation can improve cardiovascular health markers, although further research is needed to address the observed variability.

As the body's largest organ, the skin is located at the internal and external environment interface, serving as a line of defense against various harmful stressors. Recently, marine-derived physiologically active ingredients have attracted considerable attention in the cosmeceutical industry due to their beneficial effects on skin health. Sargassum, a genus of brown macroalgae, has traditionally been consumed as food and medicine in several countries and is rich in bioactive compounds such as meroterpenoids, sulfated polysaccharides, fucoidan, fucoxanthin, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Sargassum spp. have various beneficial effects on skin disorders. They help with atopic dermatitis by improving skin barrier protection and reducing inflammation. Several species show potential in treating acne by inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing inflammation. Some species, such as Sargassum horneri, demonstrate antiallergic effects by modulating mast cell activity. Certain Sargassum species exhibit anticancer activity by inhibiting tumor growth and promoting apoptosis, and some species help with wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and reducing oxidative stress. Overall, Sargassum spp. demonstrate potential for treating and managing various skin conditions. Therefore, the bioactive compounds of Sargassum spp. may be natural ingredients with a wide range of functional properties for preventing and treating skin disorders. The present review focused on the various biological effects of Sargassum extracts and derived compounds on skin disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Snakebite envenomation (SBE) causes diverse toxic effects in humans, including disability and death. Current antivenom therapies effectively prevent death but fail to block local tissue damage, leading to an increase in the severity of envenomation; thus, seeking alternative treatments is crucial. Methods: This study analyzed the potential of two fucoidan sulfated polysaccharides extracted from brown seaweeds Fucus vesiculosus (FVF) and Undaria pinnatifida (UPF) against the fibrinogen or plasma coagulation, proteolytic, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities of Bothrops jararaca, B. jararacussu, and B. neuwiedi venom. The toxicity of FVF and UPF was assessed by the hemocompatibility test. Results: FVF and UPF did not lyse human red blood cells. FVF and UPF inhibited the proteolytic activity of Bothrops jararaca, B. jararacussu, and B. neuwiedi venom by approximately 25%, 50%, and 75%, respectively, while all venoms led to a 20% inhibition of PLA2 activity. UPF and FVF delayed plasma coagulation caused by the venoms of B. jararaca and B. neuwiedi but did not affect the activity of B. jararacussu venom. FVF and UPF blocked the coagulation of fibrinogen induced by all these Bothropic venoms. Conclusion: FVF and UPF may be of importance as adjuvants for SBE caused by species of Bothrops, which are the most medically relevant snakebite incidents in South America, especially Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly synthesized cerium oxide was successfully obtained by the hard templating route. The optimal As(III) and As(V) adsorption onto the studied adsorbent was reached for the initial pH of 4.0 and a contact time of 10 h. The highest static adsorption capacities for As(III) and As(V) were 92 mg g−1 and 66 mg g−1, respectively. The pseudo-second-order model was well fitted to the As(III) and As(V) experimental kinetics data. The Langmuir model described the As(III) and As(V) adsorption isotherms on synthesized material. The adsorption mechanism of the studied ions onto the synthesized cerium oxide was complex and should be further investigated. The optimal solid–liquid ratio during the proposed aqueous extraction of inorganic As from the Fucus vesiculosus algae was 1:50. The optimal dosage of the synthesized cerium oxide (0.06 g L−1) was successfully applied for the first time for inorganic As removal from the aqueous algal extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method using GC–MS/MS combined with quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction was developed to determine 57 pesticides in fishery products. The limits of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ, respectively) of the analytical method ranged between 0.91 and 2.12 ng/g wet mass and 3 and 7 ng/g wet mass, respectively. Moreover, the linearity of the calibration curves was acceptable (R2 > 0.99). The relative pesticide recoveries ranged between 53.87 and 127.2%, and reproducibility ranged between 0.25 and 10.87%. The pesticide residues in brown seaweed, eel, flatfish, shrimp, and abalone samples were analyzed using the developed analytical method, and the results indicate that most samples were not contaminated by the 57 target pesticides, except low levels (< 10 ng/g) of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethene, alachlor, ametryn, isoprothiolane, and prometryn in several samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweeds possess considerable potential for developing and enhancing pharmaceutical drugs because of their wide variety as abundant sources of numerous bioactive secondary metabolites, making them well-suited for developing and enhancing pharmaceutical drugs. This study evaluated the antioxidant, secondary metabolites, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content of various crude extracts (methanol, ethanol) and their fractions (50 % and 70 %) of Sargassum polycystum. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis was also performed to identify the active chemical composition of the crude extracts. The results showed that various extracts contained varying concentrations of terpenoid, saponin, phlobatannin, cardiac glycosides, phenolic, and flavonoid. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of phenols, carboxylic acid, ketones, ethers, aromatics, amides, and sulfonates. 100 % methanolic extract contained the maximum concentrations of total phenols (80.13 mg of GAE/g) and total flavonoids (38.33 mg of quercetin/g). 100 % methanol extracts exhibited higher antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay (78.32 %, IC50 = 1.59 mg/ml) and ABTS assay (69.82 %, IC50 = 2.39 mg/ml). The bio-functional activity of crude extracts depended on their extract and concentration. The present study demonstrates that the macroalgae S. polycystum contains noteworthy secondary metabolites and natural antioxidants, indicating their potential utilization in various pharmacological and functional food applications.

This study aims to investigate the influence of three different dichromatic LED light sources and varying photoperiod durations on the mineral content and trace element compositions in cultivated Gongolaria barbata under controlled culture conditions. During the experiment, red-blue (RB), blue-green (BG), red-green (RG) and fluorescent lights were examined at 16:16, 12:12, and 8:16 Light: Dark (L:D) photoperiods, and at 150 μmol photon m-2 s-1 intensity of light in all treatments. The elemental compositions of the thallus samples were analyzed for Mg, Ca, K, Na, P, Zn, Mo, Cu, Mn, Cr, Co, Cd, Fe, and As.. Our results showed that macro element and trace element compositions significantly varied among different experimental groups. Regarding the order of abundance, macroelements were ranked as follows: K > Na > Ca > Mg > P. Meanwhile, trace elements followed this order: As > Zn > Mn > Cr > Co > Cu > Cd > Mo > Fe. Among the experiment groups, the highest value of the macro elements was recorded as 1041.3±22.2 mg kg-1 for K, and the lowest value was 26.61±0.02 mg kg-1 for the P. Among the trace elements, for As, the highest value was recorded as 1339.86±5.27 µg kg -1, and the lowest was determined at 1.93±0.04 mg kg-1 for the Fe. The findings highlight that LED lighting conditions can significantly influence the elemental composition of G. barbata.

The role of oxidative stress in health and homeostasis has generated interest in the scientific community due to its association with cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and other diseases. Therefore, extensive research seeks to identify new exogenous antioxidant compounds for supplementation. Polysaccharides are recognized for their antioxidant properties. However, polysaccharide chemical modifications are often necessary to enhance these properties. Therefore, dextran was conjugated with gallic acid (Dex-Gal) and later combined with fucoidan A (FucA) to formulate blends aimed at achieving superior antioxidant activity compared to individual polysaccharides. A factorial design was employed to combine FucA and Dex-Gal in different proportions, resulting in five blends (BLD1, BLD2, BLD3, BLD4, and BLD5). An analysis of surface graphs from in vitro antioxidant tests, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging, guided the selection of BLD4 as the optimal formulation. Tests on 3T3 fibroblasts under various conditions of oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide revealed that BLD4 provided enhanced protection compared to its isolated components. The BLD4 formulation, resulting from the combination of Dex-Gal and FucA, showed promise as an antioxidant strategy, outperforming its individual components and suggesting its potential as a supplement to mitigate oxidative stress in adverse health conditions.

The global obesity epidemic, exacerbated by the sedentary lifestyle fostered by the COVID-19 pandemic, presents a growing socioeconomic burden due to decreased physical activity and increased morbidity. Current obesity treatments show promise, but they often come with expensive medications, frequent injections, and potential side effects, with limited success in improving obesity through increased energy expenditure. This study explores the potential of a refined sulfated polysaccharide (SPSL), derived from the brown seaweed Scytosiphon lomentaria (SL), as a safe and effective anti-obesity treatment by promoting energy expenditure. Chemical characterization revealed that SPSL, rich in sulfate and L-fucose content, comprises nine distinct sulfated glycan structures. In vitro analysis demonstrated potent anti-lipogenic properties in adipocytes, mediated by the downregulation of key adipogenic modulators, including 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) pathways. Inhibiting AMPK attenuated the anti-adipogenic effects of SPSL, confirming its involvement in the mechanism of action. Furthermore, in vivo studies using zebrafish models showed that SPSL increased energy expenditure and reduced lipid accumulation. These findings collectively highlight the therapeutic potential of SPSL as a functional food ingredient for mitigating obesity-related metabolic dysregulation by promoting energy expenditure. Further mechanistic and preclinical investigations are warranted to fully elucidate its mode of action and evaluate its efficacy in obesity management, potentially offering a novel, natural therapeutic avenue for this global health concern.

Seaweeds are currently being extensively researched for the presence of a variety of valuable bioactive metabolites. This study examines the phytochemical components, quantification of flavonoid compounds, antioxidant, and anticancer effects of the methanol extract of marine brown alga Sargassum myriocystum from the Rameswaram coastal region of Tamilnadu, India. The seaweed was extracted using 80% methanol, and then a preliminary qualitative analysis was conducted. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content of the extract was calculated. Using column chromatography, a class of phenolic compounds known as flavonoids was separated from the crude methanol extract. Mass spectrometry, FTIR—Fourier transform infrared, GC–MS-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and UV–Vis (ultra violet-visible) spectroscopy were used to confirm the bioactive compound fractionated from the extract. Since antioxidants are essential in preventing many diseases, particularly cancer, the free radical scavenging activity of the isolated flavonoid compound, flavone was assessed using antioxidant assays. Anti-proliferation was evaluated using MTT-bromide test in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) and morphological assessment of apoptosis was evaluated. The findings of the current investigation demonstrated that seaweed extracts effectively inhibited free radicals and cell proliferation. Hence, the flavonoid extracted from Sargassum myriocystum is a capable antioxidant and anticancer agent with applications in pharmacological sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2011, the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coasts have been receiving massive influxes of holopelagic sargasso algae composed of Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans. This phenomenon has been causing several negative local impacts, such as ecological disturbances and socioeconomic and health concerns of communities in impacted areas. This work aimed to assess the status of scientific knowledge related to pelagic sargasso, including trends, emphases, and gaps. A literature review was conducted on publications and reports from 2011 to 2022, of which 251 articles were collected based on an inclusion–exclusion criteria. Aspects of each article were quantified, including location, description of sargasso, the type of study, and research theme. A region-wide research emphasis on ecology, remote sensing, and valorization was observed. Areas first affected by the inundations composed a higher percentage of sargasso studies than other locations, and the distribution of studies varied among subregions. Topics requiring further investigation include sargasso's growth and mortality rates and drivers, taxonomic and physiologic differences among morphotypes, and real-time forecasting resolution at local scales both on and offshore. This research emphasized efforts from the scientific community on research and mitigation initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to various complications; therefore, there is a need to emphasize prevention and management. Dietary interventions, such as the Mediterranean diet or calorie-restricted regimens, coupled with exercise-induced weight reduction, have been recommended for enhancing diabetes management. Seaweeds contain various functional components, such as polyphenols and fucoidan, which have been reported to exert multiple benefits, including blood glucose regulation, improved intestinal health, and enhanced of lipid profiles. The association between blood glucose and seaweed consumption has been established in previous research. We searched the PubMed, RISS, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies after applying the selection/exclusion criteria, and 23 studies were ultimately included in this analysis. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software version 4.0 was used to assess statistical significance and heterogeneity. In this meta-analysis, postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) levels demonstrated significant improvements in the seaweed group compared to the control group. Conversely, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels did not show significant associations with seaweed consumption. Subgroup analysis revealed that a high dose (1000 mg or more) was more beneficial than a low dose, and seaweeds such as Laminaria digitata, Undaria pinnatifida, Acophyllum nodosum, and Fucus vesiculosus were found to be more effective at improving blood glucose levels than control treatments. Therefore, based on our research, seaweed supplementation appears to be a promising strategy for reducing postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR levels, thereby enabling better blood glucose management and leading to a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work deals with the formulation of natural cosmetics enriched with antioxidant fractions from the ultrasound treatment (US) of the brown seaweed Saccharina latissima. The challenge was the development of a cosmetic matrix without jeopardizing the thermorheological features of the creams, adding microparticles containing the antioxidant fractions using two different carriers, mannitol and alginate. The fundamental chemical characteristics of seaweed and the extracts obtained via sonication, as well as the antioxidant properties of the latter, were analyzed. The highest TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) value was identified for the extracts subjected to the longest processing time using ultrasound-assisted extraction (240 min). A similar yield of microparticle formulation (around 60%) and load capacity (about 85%) were identified with mannitol and alginate as carriers. Color testing of the creams exhibited small total color differences. The rheological results indicated that the testing temperature, from 5 to 45 °C, notably influenced the apparent viscosity of the matrices. All creams were adequately fitted with the two parameters of the Ostwald–de Waele model, with the flow consistency index following an Arrhenius dependency with the testing temperature. Neither hysteresis nor water syneresis was observed in the proposed cosmetics during 6 months of cold storage at 4–6 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition where epidermal barrier dysfunction and cytokine production by infiltrating immune cells exacerbate skin inflammation and damage. A total lipid extract from Macrocystis pyrifera, a brown seaweed, was previously reported to suppress inflammatory responses in monocytes. Here, treatment of human HaCaT keratinocytes with M. pyrifera lipids inhibited tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced TNF receptor-associated factor 2 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 protein production. HaCaT cells stimulated with TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-13 showed loss of claudin-1 tight junctions, but little improvement was observed following lipid pre-treatment. Three-dimensional cultures of HaCaT cells differentiated at the air–liquid interface showed increased MCP-1 production, loss of claudin-1 tight junctions, and trans-epidermal leakage with TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-13 stimulation, with all parameters reduced by lipid pre-treatment. These findings suggest that M. pyrifera lipids have anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective effects on keratinocytes, which may be beneficial for the treatment of atopic dermatitis or other skin conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, anti-leishmanial activities were performed on silver oxide nanoparticles green synthesized from hexane, ethereal, chloroform, and methanolic extracts of the Ericaria amentacea seaweed. The extracts were obtained using a soxhlet extraction system, and the silver oxide nanoparticles were synthesized through a simple and environmentally friendly method. Physicochemical characterizations, including UV spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential analysis (ZPA), were conducted to confirm the formation of silver oxide particles. The anti-leishmanial activity was evaluated in vitro using the MTT assay against the Leishmania infantum, Leishmania tropica, and Leishmania major strains. Additionally, a brine shrimp cytotoxicity test was performed on Artemia salina larvae to assess the toxicity of the products. The results showed that the anti-leishmanial activity of the synthesized silver oxide nanoparticles was significant, with inhibitory concentration values ranging from 27.16 μg/mL to 38.18 μg/mL. The lethal doses in the cytotoxicity activities were higher than 17.08 μg/mL, indicating low toxicity. These findings suggest that silver oxide nanoparticles derived from Ericaria amentacea seaweed have potential applications in the treatment of leishmaniasis. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action and assess the in vivo efficacy of these nanoparticles. Moreover, comprehensive toxicity studies are necessary before considering their clinical use in leishmaniasis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) is known for its prebiotic roles and can improve animal intestinal health by enhancing the growth of beneficial microbes and inhibiting pathogenic ones. However, the gut health-modulatory roles of brown seaweed on chickens challenged with heat stress (HS) are rarely studied. The current study examined the effects of brown seaweed meal (SWM) and extract (SWE) on the ceca microbiota and small intestinal morphology of chickens challenged or unchallenged with HS. Three hundred and thirty-six 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to either a thermoneutral (TN; 24 ± 1°C); or HS room (HS; 32–34°C, 8 h/d from d 21 to 27). All birds in each room were randomly allotted to 4 treatments – control (CON), CON + 1 mL/L seaweed extract (SWE) in drinking water, CON + 2 mL/L SWE in drinking water, and CON + 2% seaweed meal (SWM) in feed and raised for 28 d. On d 14 and 28, 12 and 24 birds per treatment group, respectively, were euthanized to collect the ceca content for gut microbiota analysis and small intestinal tissues for morphological examination. On d 14, 2% SWM increased (P = 0.047) the relative abundance of cecal Fecalibacterium and all brown seaweed treatments improved jejunal villus height (VH) and VH:CD compared to the CON diet. On d 28, HS significantly reduced (P < 0.05) ileal VH, VW, and VH:CD, and duodenal VH and VH:CD. Among the HS group, 2% SWM and 2 mL/L SWE significantly increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Sellimonas, and Fournierella, compared to the CON diet. HS birds fed with 2% SWM had higher ileal VH and VH:CD compared to other treatments. In summary, SWM and SWE enhanced the abundance of beneficial microbes and improved small intestinal morphology among HS chickens. This implies that seaweed could potentially alleviate HS-induced intestinal impairment in chickens.

Since 2011, the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coasts have been receiving massive influxes of holopelagic sargasso algae composed of Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans. This phenomenon has been causing several negative local impacts, such as ecological disturbances and socioeconomic and health concerns of communities in impacted areas. This work aimed to assess the status of scientific knowledge related to pelagic sargasso, including trends, emphases, and gaps. A literature review was conducted on publications and reports from 2011 to 2022, of which 251 articles were collected based on an inclusion–exclusion criteria. Aspects of each article were quantified, including location, description of sargasso, the type of study, and research theme. A region-wide research emphasis on ecology, remote sensing, and valorization was observed. Areas first affected by the inundations composed a higher percentage of sargasso studies than other locations, and the distribution of studies varied among subregions. Topics requiring further investigation include sargasso’s growth and mortality rates and drivers, taxonomic and physiologic differences among morphotypes, and real-time forecasting resolution at local scales both on and offshore. This research emphasized efforts from the scientific community on research and mitigation initiatives.

Searching for natural products with anti-tumor activity is an important aspect of cancer research. Seaweed polysaccharides from brown seaweed have shown promising anti-tumor activity; however, their structure, composition, and biological activity vary considerably, depending on many factors. In this study, 16 polysaccharide fractions were extracted and purified from three large brown seaweed species (Sargassum horneri, Scytosiphon lomentaria, and Undaria pinnatifida). The chemical composition analysis revealed that the polysaccharide fractions have varying molecular weights ranging from 8.889 to 729.67 kDa, and sulfate contents ranging from 0.50% to 10.77%. Additionally, they exhibit different monosaccharide compositions and secondary structures. Subsequently, their anti-tumor activity was compared against five tumor cell lines (A549, B16, HeLa, HepG2, and SH-SY5Y). The results showed that different fractions exhibited distinct anti-tumor properties against tumor cells. Flow cytometry and cytoplasmic fluorescence staining (Hoechst/AO staining) further confirmed that these effective fractions significantly induce tumor cell apoptosis without cytotoxicity. qRT-RCR results demonstrated that the polysaccharide fractions up-regulated the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Bax while down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and CDK-2. This study comprehensively compared the anti-tumor activity of polysaccharide fractions from large brown seaweed, providing valuable insights into the potent combinations of brown seaweed polysaccharides as anti-tumor agents.

The incorporation of bioactive additives such as natural pigments in food products offers many nutritional advantages, associated with functional properties in particular antioxidant effects. The aim of this work was to study the effect of adding natural pigments extracted from the brown seaweed Phyllaria reniformis on the oxidative stability of commercially available soybean and sunflower oils. Phyllaria reniformis pigment extract (200 and 1000 ppm) was dissolved in the two edible oils, and in comparison, a synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was added. Experimental results showed that the addition of pigment extract had no significant effect on the quality parameters of vegetable oils: Free acidity (FA) and peroxide value (PV). Carotenoids were improved 2 and 1.5 times when adding 200 ppm of pigment extract to soybean and sunflower oils, respectively. While, when adding 1000 ppm, carotenoids were improved 3 times in comparison to the virgin oils. Similarly, chlorophylls contents in enriched sunflower oil with 200 or 1000 ppm of pigment extract increased 2 and 3 times in comparison to the control sample, however, in enriched soybean oil, this increase was interestedly higher achieving 10 and 33 times. Moreover, colour coordinates (a*, b* and L*) in enriched oils changed to become greener and yellower. Antioxidant activities were improved compared to the control oils. The addition of pigment extract or BHA to soybean oil increased significantly (p≤0.05) its oxidative stability. Thus, these pigment extracts could be recommended as a potent source of natural antioxidants replacing synthetic ones for the protection of edible oils against oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The β-glucan laminarin is a high-value compound well suited for the food and nutraceutical industries because of its multiple bioactivities. Enzyme-assisted-extraction (EAE) is a proposed laminarin extraction technology that may retain the laminarin bioactivity due to mild extraction conditions relative to conventional methods. The aim of the study was to optimise the extraction of laminarin from the South African kelp, Ecklonia maxima, using response surface methodology. The commercial cellulase Celluclast® was used to hydrolyse the seaweed material in the range of 0 to 4.0% (v/dw) enzyme–substrate ratio (ES), pH 3.0 to 6.0, and temperatures of 40 to 60 °C. Samples were taken at 1.5 h intervals over 6 h of hydrolysis and hydrolysate supernatant samples were analysed for solubilised yield (SY), and concentration of reducing sugars (RS) and laminarin (L). It was found that L was significantly influenced by linear and quadratic effects of pH and temperature, but not by ES over the experimental range. However, RS and SY showed a significant linear effect of the ES term. Comparisons to alternative carbohydrase extraction (Accellerase®) showed Celluclast® to perform similarly to Accellerase® in all responses. When compared to conventional dilute-acid thermal hydrolysis (DATH: pH 1.0 and 70 °C), enzymatic extraction methods were superior in releasing RS and increasing SY at 4.5 h of hydrolysis. However, conventional DATH was shown to be superior to enzymatic extraction methods in selective extraction of laminarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals (HMs) and detergents in aquatic ecosystems which is the result of untreated wastewater being discharged both through the sewage systems and non-regulated industries were accumulated. Some pollutants such CAPB and HEDP as detergents (at D1 and D2 levels) and Mn2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ as HMs (at M1 and M2 levels) can affect photosynthetic activity of brown algae. Brown algae Polycladia myrica is a major source of Fx, a photosynthetic component and a very valuable aquatic carotenoid with strong antioxidant properties. The impact of different concentrations of CAPB and HEDP as detergents and Mn2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ on Fx yield and phycoremediation potential of P. myrica was determined under controlled laboratory conditions after 60 days. The results showed that the Fx yield of P. myrica at different levels of binary mixture of HEDP and CAPB (7.5–15 ppm), increased by 64% and decreased by 1.26% compared to the control, respectively. With increasing of HMs in aqueous environs, an incredible decline in Fx yield was observed at M1 (−32%) and M2 (−66%) levels, but at M1–D1, M1–D2, M2–D1 and M2–D2 with presence of CAPB and HEDP harness HMs toxicity, so that Fx depletion was 11%, 12%, 40% and 51% relative to the control, respectively. Also, the phycoremediation potential of P. myrica against Mn2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ suggest that planting P. myrica as brown seaweed in marine and ocean ecosystems can be as an efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective biological method for removing household and industrial pollutants from seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Snakebite envenomation (SBE) causes diverse toxic effects in humans, including disability and death. Current antivenom therapies effectively prevent death but fail to block local tissue damage, leading to an increase in the severity of envenomation; thus, seeking alternative treatments is crucial. Methods: This study analyzed the potential of two fucoidan sulfated polysaccharides extracted from brown seaweeds Fucus vesiculosus (FVF) and Undaria pinnatifida (UPF) against the fibrinogen or plasma coagulation, proteolytic, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities of Bothrops jararaca, B. jararacussu, and B. neuwiedi venom. The toxicity of FVF and UPF was assessed by the hemocompatibility test. Results: FVF and UPF did not lyse human red blood cells. FVF and UPF inhibited the proteolytic activity of Bothrops jararaca, B. jararacussu, and B. neuwiedi venom by approximately 25%, 50%, and 75%, respectively, while all venoms led to a 20% inhibition of PLA2 activity. UPF and FVF delayed plasma coagulation caused by the venoms of B. jararaca and B. neuwiedi but did not affect the activity of B. jararacussu venom. FVF and UPF blocked the coagulation of fibrinogen induced by all these Bothropic venoms. Conclusion: FVF and UPF may be of importance as adjuvants for SBE caused by species of Bothrops, which are the most medically relevant snakebite incidents in South America, especially Brazil.

Newly synthesized cerium oxide was successfully obtained by the hard templating route. The optimal As(III) and As(V) adsorption onto the studied adsorbent was reached for the initial pH of 4.0 and a contact time of 10 h. The highest static adsorption capacities for As(III) and As(V) were 92 mg g−1 and 66 mg g−1, respectively. The pseudo-second-order model was well fitted to the As(III) and As(V) experimental kinetics data. The Langmuir model described the As(III) and As(V) adsorption isotherms on synthesized material. The adsorption mechanism of the studied ions onto the synthesized cerium oxide was complex and should be further investigated. The optimal solid–liquid ratio during the proposed aqueous extraction of inorganic As from the Fucus vesiculosus algae was 1:50. The optimal dosage of the synthesized cerium oxide (0.06 g L−1) was successfully applied for the first time for inorganic As removal from the aqueous algal extract.

Nutritional and bioactive compounds present in seaweeds make them suitable supplements or feed ingredients in livestock diets. This study assessed the effect of blanched seaweed (Saccharina latissima) as a supplement in finishing bulls’ diets on carcass traits and the quality of the longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles. A concentration of 0.8% dry matter of blanched S. latissima in bulls’ diets was the maximum amount allowed, owing to iodine and arsenic thresholds in animal feed. Nineteen Limousin crossbreed bulls were randomly assigned to two groups, fed a control (CD, n = 9) diet or a test diet supplemented with blanched seaweed (SW, n = 10), and fed for 48 days pre slaughter. The carcasses from the bulls finished on a seaweed-supplemented diet were heavier (p 0.05). The pH was lower (p 0.05) were found in the ultimate pH. The meat from the bulls fed both diets had a similar (p > 0.05) drip loss and shear force at days 7 and 14. The cooking loss at day 7 was not affected (p > 0.05) by diet, whereas on day 14 the cooking loss was greater (p

Seaweed biomass has been proposed as a promising alternative carbon source for fermentation processes using microbial factories. However, the high salinity content of seaweed biomass is a limiting factor in large scale fermentation processes. To address this shortcoming, three bacterial species (Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Enterococcus faecium) were isolated from seaweed biomass and evolved to increasing concentrations of NaCl. Following the evolution period, P. pentosaceus reached a plateau at the initial NaCl concentration, whereas L. plantarum , and E. faecium showed a 1.29 and 1.75-fold increase in their salt tolerance, respectively. The impact that salt evolution had on lactic acid production using hypersaline seaweed hydrolysate was investigated. Salinity evolved L. plantarum produced 1.18-fold more lactic acid than the wild type, and salinity evolved E. faecium was able to produce lactic acid, while the wild type could not. No differences in lactic acid production were observed between the P. pentosaceus salinity evolved and wild type strains. Evolved lineages were analyzed for the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypes. Mutations were observed in genes affecting the ion balance in the cell, the composition of the cell membrane and proteins acting as regulators. This study demonstrates that bacterial isolates from saline niches are promising microbial factories for the fermentation of saline substrates, without the requirement of previous desalination steps, while preserving high final product yields. • Seaweed isolated lactic acid bacteria resisted 71 g/L NaCl. • Equal lactic acid concentration in natural seaweed- and hypersaline media. • Increased salt affected cell metabolism, cell membrane and strain-specific proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article describes a one-pot and cascade mode process using biocompatible/biodegradable reagents, for simply obtaining surfactant compositions comprising mixtures of d-mannuronic acid and l-guluronic acid directly from oligoalginates or semi-refined alginates (mixtures of alginate, cellulose, hemicellulose, laminaran, and fucan). Simple treatments of partial purification of the reaction crudes (elimination of the salts and/or the residual fatty alcohols) or isolation of the surfactant compositions result in sugar-based compounds having performance levels appropriate to applications in detergency. In addition, the challenging extension of this cascading one-pot synthesis technology to crude milled brown seaweeds was successfully carried out to provide promising surface-active compositions made up of alkyl uronate and alkyl glycoside monosaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]