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The development of serum-free media (SFM) is critical to advance cell culture techniques used in viral vaccine production and address the ethical concerns and contamination risks associated with fetal bovine serum (FBS). This study evaluated the effects of marine microalgal extracts and growth factor cocktails on the activity of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and Vero cells. Five marine microalgal species were used: Spirulina platensis (SP), Dunaliella salina (DS), Haematococcus pluvialis (HP), Nannochloropsis salina (NS), and Tetraselmis sp. (TS). DS and SP extracts significantly increased the proliferation rate of both MDCK and Vero cells. DS had a proliferation rate of 149.56% and 195.50% in MDCK and Vero cells, respectively, compared with that in serum-free medium (SFM). Notably, DS and SP extracts significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, which was 118.61% in MDCK cells and 130.08% in Vero cells for DS, and 108.72% in MDCK cells and 125.63% in Vero cells for SP, indicating a reduction in intracellular oxidative stress. Marine microalgal extracts, especially DS and SP, are feasible alternatives to FBS in cell culture as they promote cell proliferation, ensure safety, and supply essential nutrients while reducing oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments are increasingly performed in vitro; therefore, cell culture technology is essential for scientific progress. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a key cell culture supplement providing growth factors, amino acids, and hormones. However, FBS is not readily available on the market, has contamination risks, and has ethical concerns. This study aimed to investigate Haematococcus pluvialis extracts (HE) as a potential substitute for FBS. Therefore, we assessed the effects of HE on cell maintenance, growth, and cycle progression in human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). Cell progression and monosaccharide, fatty acid, and free amino acid compositions were analyzed using cell cycle analysis, bio-liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results of nutritional profiles showed that the extracts contained essential amino acids required for synthesizing non-essential amino acids and other metabolic intermediates. Furthermore, most of the components present in HE were consistent with those found in FBS. HE enhanced cell viability and regulated cell cycle phases. Additionally, the interaction between growth factor cocktails and HE significantly improved cell viability, promoted cell cycle progression, and activated key cell cycle regulators, such as cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinases 1 (CDK1). Our findings suggest that HE have considerable potential to substitute FBS in MRC-5 cell cultures and have functional and ethical advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abalone, a marine edible gastropod with nutritional value, is a popular seafood delicacy worldwide, especially in Asia; however, viscera by-products are generally discarded during processing. Therefore, we investigated the skin health benefits of abalone viscera ultrasonic extract (AVU) in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. AVU showed valuable protein contents, indicating that it is a worthy and safe material for industrial application. AVU increased collagen synthesis production and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Collagen Type I Alpha 1, 2, and 3 chains through the transforming growth factor beta/suppressor of mother against the decapentaplegic pathway in HDF cells. AVU also increased hyaluronic acid production, upregulated Hyaluronan Synthases 1, 2, and 3, filaggrin and aquaporin3 mRNA levels, and downregulated hyaluronidase mRNA levels in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, mechanistic studies showed that AVU increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, and cyclic AMP response-binding protein activation. AVU activated the transcription factors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, protein kinase B, and nuclear factor kappa B cell p65 and downregulated the degranulation of inhibitory kappa B in HaCaT cells. Studies of hyaluronic acid production in AVU by inhibiting EKR, p38 and NF-κB have shown that p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling are pivotal mechanisms, particularly in the AVU. These results demonstrated that AVU produced from by-products may improve skin health and may thus be used as a functional food and cosmetics ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in the large-scale cultivation of Tetraselmis sp. in Korea have enabled year-round production of this marine microalgae. This study explores the potential industrial applications of Tetraselmis sp. biomass by investigating the antiviral properties of its extracts and primary components. The antiviral effects of Tetraselmis sp. extracts were evaluated in Zika virus (ZIKV)-infected cells. Following extensive isolation and purification, the main compounds were characterized using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. Their antiviral activities were confirmed using in vitro and in silico tests. Tetraselmis sp. extracts reduced infectious viral particles and non-structural protein 1 messenger RNA levels in ZIKV-infected cells without inducing cytotoxicity. Additionally, they modulated the interferon-mediated immune system responses. Tetraselmis sp. extracts are composed of four main chlorophylls: chlorophyll a, chlorin e6-131-152-dimethyl-173-phytyl ester, hydroxychlorophyll a, and hydroxypheophytin a. Among them, chlorophyll a, chlorin e6-131-152-dimethyl-173-phytyl ester, and hydroxypheophytin showed the antiviral activities in ZIKV-infected cells and molecular docking simulations predicted interactions between these chlorophylls and ZIKV. Our findings suggest that Tetraselmis sp. chlorophyll extracts exert antiviral effects against ZIKV and could serve as potential therapeutic candidates against ZIKV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1 has been proposed as a candidate species for use as a protein supplement due to its high protein content and absence of cytotoxicity. The species has also garnered attention due to the photosynthetic pigments it possesses. However, limited information is available on its cultivation. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the optimal culture medium and fundamental physiological properties of Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1 under various culture conditions. In this study, SOT (Society of Toxicology) medium was confirmed as the optimal culture medium for Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1 growth. The biomass production, protein content, and photosynthetic pigment content of Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1 were significantly higher in SOT medium. The use of this medium allowed for scaling up from laboratory (10 mL) to pilot (200 L) conditions and industrial-scale outdoor conditions (10,000 L), with the biomass containing over 66% protein. The phytochemical composition of Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1 cultured at laboratory and industrial-scales was discovered in this study. Furthermore, we observed that reducing the carbon and nitrogen sources to 1/5 of those supplied by the optimal medium did not significantly affect biomass production, and Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1 demonstrated favorable growth capabilities in a salinity range of 10–50 psu and at pH levels of 8.3 to 10.3. The results of this study demonstrate the suitability of Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1 for various industrial applications and its adaptability to large-scale cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]