Algal Extracts Research Articles

Antifugall Activity and Qualitative Phytochemical Investigation of Spirogyra Aequinoctialis Hexanic Extract in Iraq

The hexanic extract of the Chlorophyta macroalgae Spirogyra aequinoctialis was tested in vitro for its antifungal effects against several different Candida species at four different concentrations. The huge number of these macroalgae made them an obvious choice to promote environmentally friendly economic growth and resource exploitation. Since the macroalgae studied exhibited many antifungal properties, they may be of interest to programs looking to screen cheaper and safer alternatives to currently available natural antimicrobial agents. In comparison to the other algal extracts tested, the hexanic extract showed the most activity. However, not all algae extracts demonstrated detectable inhibitory activities, and a few even promoted the growth of certain fungi. Candida albicans was one of the fungal species examined, and its reactions to the algal extract ranged from positive to negative, depending on the particular fungal and algal species used, as well as the concentration of extract. Intriguingly, compared to the patented antifungal drugs (Nystatin and Clotrimazole), the antifungal potential of several algae extracts was significantly stronger. This study provides further evidence that a hexanic extract of the macroalgae Spirogyra aequinoctialis can be used as a source of antibacterial chemical and may provide a foundation for promising future applied research into the usage of algae.

The potential using of three algal extracts as bio-stimulants to promote the growth and improvement of phytochemicals of Allium sativum L.

The potential using of three algal extracts as bio-stimulants to promote the growth and improvement of phytochemicals of Allium sativum L.

Bio- and Phyto-chemical Study on Nannochloropsis oculata algal Extract Incorporated with Gold Nanoparticles, in Vitro Study

Bio- and Phyto-chemical Study on Nannochloropsis oculata algal Extract Incorporated with Gold Nanoparticles, in Vitro Study

The Impact of Spraying Marine Algae Extract, Arginine, and Brassinolide on Vegetative Growth Traits of Albion Strawberry Saplings

The study was done in two plastic greenhouses. The first location was the University of Anbar College of Agriculture research station. The second site was in Dolab village during the 2022-2023 growing season to study the effects of spraying Albion strawberry seedlings with marine algae extract, amino acid (arginine), and growth regulator (Brassinolide) in protected environments. The experiment looked at three things: spraying with marine algae extract at 2 and 4 ml L-1, the amino acid “arginine” at 100 and 200 mg L-1, and the growth regulator “Brassinolide” at 0.05 and 0.10 mg L-1, as well as just spraying with distilled water. A randomized full-block design was used for a three-factor factorial experiment. The experiment has 27 treatments in three blocks, with five plants per unit. The experiment utilized 405 plants per location. The means were compared using the least significant difference (LSD) test at 5% significance. The data was examined using Genstat. All growth characteristics were significantly affected by seaweed extract spraying. The characteristics (number of leaves, leaf area, crowns, dry weight of the vegetative system, leaf chlorophyll, and carbohydrate content) performed best at 4 ml/L. The results were 69.0 and 72.0 leaves plant-1, 59.16 and 56.79 cm2 plant-1, 7.02 and 6.64 crowns plant-1, 32.40 and 24.96 g, 13.15 and 12.67 g, 11.13 mg g-1, 13.82 and 12.83%). However, spraying with arginine affected all sapling development parameters. With the 200 mg L-1 treatment, the study sites had the most leaves, the most leaf area, the most crowns, and the most vegetative dry weight (68.1 and 70.7 leaves per plant, 59.39 and 57.61 cm2 per plant, 6.67 and 6.25 crowns per plant, 32.21 and 24.72 g). The best leaf chlorophyll and carbohydrate values were obtained with 100 mg L-1 arginine. The results for both research locations were 11.68 and 10.69 mg g-1, 13.91 and 12.53%). Spraying Brassinolide at 0.10 mg L-1 produced the greatest results for leaf number, leaf area, crowns, vegetative dry weight, leaf chlorophyll, and glucose content. The first and second sites had (68.1 and 70.7 leaves plant-1, 58.95 and 56.23 cm2 plant-1, 6.62 and 6.27 crowns plant-1, 31.20 and 24.20 g, 11.87 and 10.71 mg g-1, 13.30 and 12.10%).

Effect of Foliar Seaweed and Different Irrigation Levels on Water Consumption, Growth and Yield of Wheat

This experiment was carried out using the RCBD randomized complete block design in the Yusufiya district in Baghdad governorate during the agricultural season 2020/2021. The experiment included three spraying levels of seaweed extract of 2,4,8 ml L−1 and three levels of depletion of available water 25,50,75%, with three replicates for each treatment. Some plant tests and some water calculations were conducted, as the results indicated that there were significant differences between spray levels of marine algae extract in plant height, number of branches, leaf surface area, grain yield and biological yield. The spray level of 8 ml L−1 exceeded the levels of 2 and 4 ml L−1. It was also found that treatment 25% was significantly superior according to the different levels of depletion of the available water, as the treatment and for all the studied traits, and there was a significant superiority for the water consumption according to the level of spraying and the level of depletion, and the values ranged from 548.5 to the depletion treatment 25% and at a seaweed extract level of 8 ml L−1 to 404.5 for 75% depletion treatment and at a seaweed extract level of 2 ml L−1, As for the productivity of crop and field water, its values ranged from 1.16 and 1.54 kg m3, respectively, for 50% depletion treatment of the available water and spray level of 8 ml L−1 to 0.87 and 1.13 kg m 3 respectively, for 75% depletion treatment of available water and spray level of 2 ml L−1.

Antifungal Activities of the Marine Green and Red Macro Algae Extracts Against Some Phytopathogenic Fungi

Antifungal Activities of the Marine Green and Red Macro Algae Extracts Against Some Phytopathogenic Fungi

Use of Biostimulants to Alleviate Anoxic Stress in Waterlogged Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)—A Review

In Europe, the intensity and frequency of flooding events are expected to increase due to climate change, adding additional challenges to agricultural production and creating the need for new plant products and adaptation tools. Cabbage is one economically important vegetable that is likely to be affected by increased flooding in Europe. This review investigates the potential of biostimulant applications based on algae extracts, amino acids, microorganisms, and nano-CaCO3 to assist cabbage plants subjected to waterlogged conditions. The overall findings from the studies reviewed indicate that these biostimulants could aid plants suffering from anoxic stress due to waterlogging through their ability to improve nutrient availability and plant nutrient status, modulate phytohormones and phytohormone signalling, increase compatible solutes, and enhance the antioxidant system. The effect of biostimulants is influenced by multiple factors; therefore, field studies are required to determine the most valuable biostimulant combination and application dose, type, and timing for cabbage, as well as any economic benefits that could arise. More precise information would benefit food producers by providing them with additional adaptation tools to use in a changing climate as well as natural products that are compatible with the agriculture sector’s transition to more sustainable and ecological management.

The effect of different biopreparations on soil physical properties and CO2 emissions when growing winter wheat and oilseed rape

Abstract. The introduction of innovative technologies in agriculture is key not only to improving the efficiency of agricultural production and crop yields and quality but also to balancing energy use and preserving a cleaner environment. Biopreparations are environmentally friendly means of restoring the vitality of the soil in which plants can thrive. Biopreparations have an impact on soil health and alter greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different biopreparations on soil porosity, temperature, and CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions from the soil in northeast Europe (Lithuania) when growing winter wheat and oilseed rape. The experimental studies were carried out over 3 years, and each spring, after the resumption of winter crops, the soil surface was sprayed with biopreparations of different properties or with mixtures of biopreparations under seven scenarios, with one scenario left as a control. Soil porosity, temperature, and CO2 emissions from the soil were measured regularly every month from April to August. The application of the biopreparations showed a cumulative effect on the soil properties. In the third year of the study, the total porosity of the soil was higher in all scenarios compared to the control, ranging between 51 % and 74 %. The aeration porosity of the soil was also higher in all years of the study than in the control, although no significant differences were obtained. The results of the studies on CO2 emissions from the soil showed that, in the first year, the application of the biopreparations increased emissions compared to the control. However, when assessing the cumulative effect of the biopreparations on soil respiration intensity, it was found that, in the third year, most of the biopreparations led to a reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the control. The lowest emissions were achieved with the biopreparations consisting of essential oils of plants, 40 species of various herbs extracts, marine algae extracts, Azospirillum sp., Frateuria aurentia, Bacillus megaterium, mineral oils, Azotobacter vinelandi, humic acid, gibberellic acid, sodium molybdate, Azototbacter chroococcum, Azospirillum brasilense, etc. Evaluating the effectiveness of biopreparations on soil porosity, temperature, and CO2 emissions from the soil, it can be stated that the best effect was achieved in all 3 research years in using biopreparations with Azotobacter chroococcum, Azotospirilum brasilense, various herbs, marine algae extracts, oils of plants, and mineral substances. The multiple-regression model showed that soil temperature has a greater influence on the variation of CO2 emissions than soil aeration porosity.

FORMULATION AND ACTIVITY TESTING OF RED ALGAE (Eucheuma cottonii) EXTRACT GEL AGAINST THE BACTERIA Propionibacterium acnes

Flavanoids are one of the many compounds in phenols that have the ability to denature bacterial cell membrane proteins, thus inhibiting cell growth. The purpose of this study was to formulate an anti-acne gel for the ethanolic extract of red algae (Eucheuma cottonii) and to test its antimicrobial activity against Propionibactericum acnes. The method used is laboratory research design by making antiacne gel preparations of red algae extract with concentrations of 1%, 3%, 5% and testing the antimicrobial activity with the agar diffusion method using wells on MHA media which is incubated for 1x24 hours. The results of the evaluation of the gel preparation before and after the cycling test met the requirements of organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, and dispersibility where each formula was stable in the gel preparation. The results showed that red algae extract (Eucheuma cottonii) could be formulated and was stable in the form of an anti-acne gel and had antibacterial activity. In formula I with a concentration of 1% the inhibition zone formed was 36.33 mm, in formula II with a concentration of 3% the inhibition zone formed was 38.79 mm and in formula III with a concentration of 5% the inhibition zone formed was 34.27 mm. So that which has optimal antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes is formula II with a concentration of 3% and an area of ​​inhibition zone of 38.79 mm

Differential impacts of interactions between Serendipita indica, Chlorella vulgaris, Ulva lactuca and Padina pavonica on Basil (Ocimum basilicumL.)

Plant biostimulants (PBs) are used globally to increase crop yield and productivity. PBs such as (Serendipita indica) or algal extracts stimulate and accelerate plant physiological processes. The physiological, ecological, and biochemical effects of (Serendipita indica) or algal extracts individually and in combination on basil plant (Ocimum basilicum L.) were investigated. Macroalgae samples were collected from Abu Qir, Alexandria, Egypt. The growth parameters, chlorophyll index, and biochemical composition of basil were analyzed at 90th day. The (Chlorella vulgaris) + (Serendipita indica) (MI + F) treatment increased chlorophyll index by 61.7% (SPAD) compared to control. (Chlorella vulgaris) had the highest growth hormones, including GA3 at 158.2 ppb, GA4 at 149.1 ppb, GA7 at 142.6 ppb, IAA at 136.6 ppb, and TC at 130.9 ppb, while (Ulva lactuca) had the lowest. The MI + F treatment yielded the highest essential oil and antioxidant values. Treatment with (Chlorella vulgaris) increased S. indica colonization by 66%. In contrast, Ulva lactuca and (Padina Pavonica) inhibited S. indica colonization by 80% and 40%, respectively. (Ulva lactuca) and (Padina Pavonica) inhibited S. indica colonization by 80% and 40%, respectively. Combined treatments had a greater influence on basil performance than the individual treatments. The evidence of synergistic/additive benefits to plants performance due to the interactive effects of (Chlorella vulgaris) and (Serendipita indica) had been studied. Complementary modes of action between (Chlorella vulgaris) and (Serendipita indica), through their components newly emerging properties on basil, may explain observed synergistic effects. This study explores the potential of microbial-algal interactions, particularly (Chlorella vulgaris) and (Serendipita indica), as innovative plant biostimulants. These interactions demonstrate positive effects on basil growth, offering promise for more effective microbial-based formulations to enhance crop productivity and sustainability in agriculture. These novelties will help create a second generation of PBs with integrated and complementary actions.

The effect of nasal douching by hypertonic 2.3 per cent sea water with algae extracts on the concentration of epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-α and interleukin-8 in nasal secretions of patients with nasal polyposis following endoscopic surgical treatment.

To investigate epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-α and interleukin-8 production in nasal mucosa irrigated with hypertonic 2.3 per cent solution with algae extracts, in comparison to 0.9 per cent NaCl during the first two weeks after surgery for nasal polyposis, in relation to symptoms and local findings. This prospective study included 20 nasal polyposis patients postoperatively irrigated with hypertonic solution and 20 nasal polyposis patients postoperatively irrigated with isotonic solution. We evaluated nasal symptom score, endoscopic score and mediator levels in nasal secretions before and after irrigation. Following treatment, nasal symptom score and endoscopic score were significantly lower in the hypertonic solution group (p = 0.023; p < 0.001, respectively). The increase in the epidermal growth factor and the decrease in the transforming growth factor-α and interleukin-8 concentration were higher in the hypertonic group (p < 0.001 for all mediators). Irrigation with a hypertonic solution was found to be more effective than an isotonic solution in nasal mucosa reparation.

Characterization of Three Brown Algae Bifurcaria Bifurcata, Cystoseira Gibraltarica and Fucus Spiralis

In recent years, scientists have become interested in marine macroalgae, which represent a rich source of bioactive substances. These molecules are characterized by a multitude of forms and structures and have several biological activities. The present study aims to characterize the three brown algae Bifurcaria bifurcata, Cystoseira gibraltarica and Fucus spiralis. These were collected in the region of Cap Ghir north of Agadir. The results obtained show that the mineral analyses of the extracts of F. spiralis, B. bifurcata and C. gibraltarica highlighted the richness of these brown algae in macroelements (Ca, K, P, Na, N). Concerning the total sugar content of C. gibraltarica shows a significant difference with the other two algae B. bifurcata and F. spiralis and has the highest content. For the protein content, no significant difference was recorded between the three algal extracts. Indeed, the aqueous extract of C. gibraltarica has a protein content of 48.44 mg/g DM, the aqueous extract of F. spiralis showed an average protein content of 45.55 mg/g DM, and that of the aqueous extract of B. bifurcata is 44.03 mg/g DM. The three brown algae C. gibraltarica, B. bifurcata and F. spiralis have consistent levels of organic matter. F. spiralis and C. gibraltarica have significantly equivalent organic matter contents (73.74 and 73.44 g/100g DM, respectively). In this study, the analysis of total phenols shows that F. spiralis presents a significant difference with the two other algae and has the highest content (7.2 µg/mg dry matter). In general and whatever the method of flavonoid determination, the flavonoid content of the three algae is significantly different. The methanolic extract of F. spiralis shows the highest flavonoid content, followed by B. bifurcata. While the lowest content is presented with the methanolic extract of C. gibraltarica. The results of the antioxidant potential using DPPH reveal a significant difference between the three algae. Indeed, the extracts of the analyzed algae present an antioxidant activity varying between 33.61 and 88.3%, with a high antioxidant potential (88.3%) for F. spiralis and thus an important capacity to trap the DPPH radical. These three studied brown algae represent a promising source of biologically active molecules that can be used in several fields such as organic agriculture.

Antibacterial Activity of Ulva Lactuca Against Important Aquaculture Bacterial Strains

Efforts are made to produce functional aquaculture diets capable of promoting fish growth and health while being sustainable at social, economic and environmental levels. One of the emerging threats in aquaculture has become the antibiotic resistance phenomena due to antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, functional feed additives of marine origin have been introduced globally as an alternative to fish antibiotics. Towards the selection of natural and sustainable resources of bioactive compounds, seaweed has been proven to be a source of valuable substances showing antibacterial activity. Aim of this study is to evaluate the inhibition of bacterial growth caused by an ethanolic extract of the macroalgae Ulva lactuca against important aquaculture bacterial strains. Vibrio anguillarum O1, Photobacterium damselae sub. piscicida and Tenacibaculum maritimum, were incubated for 48 hours in sterile Brain Heart Infusion Broth and tested for resistance to the extract using broth cultures. The algal extract successfully inhibited the growth of all strains. The optimum inhibition was achieved for VAO1 and PHDP by the undiluted and 1:1 diluted extract, while for TMAR, by the 1:3 dilution as well. The antibacterial activity that the extract provided is considered to be the result of the containing bioactive compounds of the algal strain, such as polysaccharides, carotenoids and phenolic compounds.

Ericaria amentacea Algae Extracts: A Sustainable Approach for the Green Synthesis of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Effectiveness against Leishmaniasis

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.

Characterizing the Influence of a Heterotrophic Bicosoecid Flagellate Pseudobodo sp. on the Dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus balechii.

Microbial interactions including competition, mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, and predation, which can be triggered by nutrient acquisition and chemical communication, are universal phenomena in the marine ecosystem. The interactions may influence the microbial population density, metabolism, and even their environmental functions. Herein, we investigated the interaction between a heterotrophic bicosoecid flagellate, Pseudobodo sp. (Bicoecea), and a dinoflagellate, Gambierdiscus balechii (Dinophyceae), which is a well-known ciguatera food poisoning (CFP) culprit. The presence of Pseudobodo sp. inhibited the algal proliferation and decreased the cardiotoxicity of zebrafish in the algal extract exposure experiment. Moreover, a significant difference in microbiome abundance was observed in algal cultures with and without Pseudobodo sp. Chemical analysis targeting toxins was performed by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) combined with molecular networking (MN), showing a significant alteration in the cellular production of gambierone analogs and some super-carbon chain compounds. Taken together, our results demonstrated the impact of heterotrophic flagellate on the photosynthetic dinoflagellates, revealing the complex dynamics of algal toxin production and the ecological relationships related to dinoflagellates in the marine environment.

Anticancer potential of blue-green algae extract (Spirulina plantesis) and Curcumin nanoparticles on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma–bearing mice

Anticancer potential of blue-green algae extract (Spirulina plantesis) and Curcumin nanoparticles on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma–bearing mice

Potentiality of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles for heavy metal removal using Laurencia papillosa seaweed

In this study, a simple and eco-friendly approach to biosynthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), mediated by an aqueous extract of Laurencia papillosa, was successfully developed. The formed nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX). The particles showed a crystalline spherical shape with a size ranging from 6.9 to 15.0 nm. By using a central composite design (CCD) based on response surface methodology (RSM), several experimental parameters such as pH, incubation period, and concentration of algal extract were improved. The optimized AgNPs were used as an adsorbent for iron, zinc, manganese, and copperremoval from fish aquaculture effluents. The removal percentage was 97.1%, 43.3%, 5.6%, and 2.4% for Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu respectively. The results imply that AgNPs have the potential to be used as bioadsorbents for heavy metal removal.

Eco-Friendly Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles by Using Ulva Fasciata Algae Extract for Antibacterial and Supercapacitor Application

An eco-friendly, biogenic synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using ulva fasciata extract was reported. XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, EDX, antibacterial activity and electrochemical analysis were used to characterize the biosynthesized CuO NPs. XRD spectrum reveals the monoclinic structure. The FTIR spectrum confirms the functional group of CuO NPs. The optical study gives the band gap values of CuO at different concentrations of ulva fasciata algae extract. The antibacterial activities were tested against one gram-positive bacteria S. aureus and one gram-negative bacteria E. coli. The CV curve exhibits a high specific capacitance of 132 F/g, at the scan rate of 10 mV/S.

Physical Stability of Gel of Read Algae (Eucheuma spinosum) Extract and Evaluation of its Antioxidant effect

Physical Stability of Gel of Read Algae (Eucheuma spinosum) Extract and Evaluation of its Antioxidant effect

Algal Bio-Stimulants Enhance Salt Tolerance in Common Bean: Dissecting Morphological, Physiological, and Genetic Mechanisms for Stress Adaptation.

Salinity adversely affects the plant's morphological characteristics, but the utilization of aqueous algal extracts (AE) ameliorates this negative impact. In this study, the application of AE derived from Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina strains effectively reversed the decline in biomass allocation and water relations, both in normal and salt-stressed conditions. The simultaneous application of both extracts in salt-affected soil notably enhanced key parameters, such as chlorophyll content (15%), carotene content (1%), photosynthesis (25%), stomatal conductance (7%), and transpiration rate (23%), surpassing those observed in the application of both AE in salt-affected as compared to salinity stress control. Moreover, the AE treatments effectively mitigated lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage induced by salinity stress. The application of AE led to an increase in GB (6%) and the total concentration of free amino acids (47%) by comparing with salt-affected control. Additionally, salinity stress resulted in an elevation of antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase. Notably, the AE treatments significantly boosted the activity of these antioxidant enzymes under salinity conditions. Furthermore, salinity reduced mineral contents, but the application of AE effectively counteracted this decline, leading to increased mineral levels. In conclusion, the application of aqueous algal extracts, specifically those obtained from Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina strains, demonstrated significant efficacy in alleviating salinity-induced stress in Phaseolus vulgaris plants.