Caulerpa Sertularioides Research Articles

Characterization and investigation of biofabricated ZnO nanoparticles using Caulerpa sertularioides for antioxidant and antibacterial purposes

Nanoparticles synthesized from marine macroalgae have garnered significant attention in biomedical research due to their potential applications. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using an extract from Caulerpa sertularioides (Cs) as a reducing agent. The synthesized C. sertularioides-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (Cs-ZnO NPs) were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. In the UV–visible spectroscopy analysis, the maximum absorption peak was observed at 364 nm. XRD analysis confirmed that the Cs-ZnO NPs had a crystalline structure. FE-SEM and HR-TEM demonstrated that the Cs-ZnO NPs were mostly spherical in shape and the size ranged between 20 and 87 nm. The zeta size and potential of Cs-ZnO NPs at 97.89 nm and 14.1 mV were confirmed by DLS analysis. The antioxidant activities were tested by various in vitro assays, and the results demonstrated that Cs-ZnO NPs exhibit dose-dependent antioxidant activities. Further, Cs-ZnO NPs were highly effective against Vibrio harveyi both as an antibacterial and anti-biofilm agent. The toxicity assessment of Cs-ZnO NPs on Artemia nauplii indicated moderate toxicity. Overall, this study concludes that Cs-ZnO NPs have potential application in the aquaculture industry to prevent pathogenic illnesses and enhance disease resistance without causing adverse effects.

Effects of main ecological factors on the growth of marine green alga Caulerpa sertularioides using the response surface methodology

Effects of main ecological factors on the growth of marine green alga Caulerpa sertularioides using the response surface methodology

A comparative evaluation of nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of six Malaysian edible seaweeds

Agriculture in the 21st century faces challenges in adopting efficient and sustainable production methods to feed the growing population. In this context, seaweed offers greater advantages over terrestrial plants. This study investigated the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of six edible seaweeds found in Malaysia. The seaweeds studied were brown (Padina australis, Sargassum binderi, Sargassum polycystum), green (Caulerpa racemosa, Caulerpa sertularioides), and red (Garcilaria changgi) seaweeds. The moisture, ash, protein, fat, and total dietary fibre contents of the seaweeds were analysed according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Total available carbohydrate content was assessed using the Clegg-anthrone method. Mineral, amino acid, and fatty acid contents were determined through atomic absorption spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography methods, respectively. Results revealed that the seaweeds were all high in total dietary fibre (53.96–76.97 g/100 g dried weight, dw) and ash (4.46–18.53 g/100 g dw) whereas their fat (0.05–4.62 g/100 g dw) content was generally low. The brown seaweeds were good sources of calcium. Red seaweed G. changii had the highest content of essential amino acids whereas brown seaweed S. binderi had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid and lowest saturated fatty acid contents. Fucoxanthin could only be detected in brown seaweeds. Methanolic extracts of seaweeds showed good antioxidant activities measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) assays. Overall, this study contributed knowledge on underexploited Malaysian seaweeds and proposed them as an alternative source of nutrients for humans to meet food security challenges.

Anti-inflammatory, remorin-like protein from green marine Macroalga Caulerpa sertularioides (S.G.Gmel.) M.Howe

The most prevalent natural source of hydrocolloids, cosmetics, medications, and nutraceuticals is marine seaweed (macroalgae). Numerous bioactivities, including antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory characteristics, have been found in bioactive substances such as polyphenols and sulfated and non-sulfated polysaccharides. As a result, new start-up projects and industries based on seaweed are emerging in all regions of the world with abundant marine biodiversity. In this current investigation, the anti-inflammatory activity of two different marine macroalgae Caulerpa racemosa (CR) and Caulerpa sertularioides (CS) was evaluated. Consequently, CS demonstrated more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects at a lower dose than CR. The IC50 value for DPPH inhibition was 456.1 μg/mL, and 180.9 μg/mL for CS and CR respectively. A similar result was obtained in the case of protein denaturation (PD), membrane stabilization (MS), and protease inhibition (PI) anti-inflammatory assays with 127.2 μg/mL, 135.5 μg/mL, and 71.88 μg/mL for CR, and 66.78 μg/mL, 88.96 μg/mL, and 59.54 μg/mL for CS respectively. Based on the SDS-PAGE, the molecular weight of lectin responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity was determined as 17 kDa. Protein mass fingerprinting was performed for the particular lectin by in-gel trypsin digestion, MALDI-MS analysis, and Mascot peptide mass fingerprinting. Because of this, the unidentified lectin protein was discovered to be a remorin-like protein that shared 65% of its sequence with the remorin-like protein of Aegilops tauschii subsp. tauschii. Therefore, it is the hitherto report on the presence of remorin-like protein from the green macroalga Caulerpa sertularioides.

Pro-Apoptotic Activity and Cell Cycle Arrest of Caulerpa sertularioides against SKLU-1 Cancer Cell in 2D and 3D Cultures.

Cancer is a disease with the highest mortality and morbidity rate worldwide. First-line drugs induce several side effects that drastically reduce the quality of life of people with this disease. Finding molecules to prevent it or generate less aggressiveness or no side effects is significant to counteract this problem. Therefore, this work searched for bioactive compounds of marine macroalgae as an alternative treatment. An 80% ethanol extract of dried Caulerpa sertularioides (CSE) was analyzed by HPLS-MS to identify the chemical components. CSE was utilized through a comparative 2D versus 3D culture model. Cisplatin (Cis) was used as a standard drug. The effects on cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, and tumor invasion were evaluated. The IC50 of CSE for the 2D model was 80.28 μg/mL versus 530 μg/mL for the 3D model after 24 h of treatment exposure. These results confirmed that the 3D model is more resistant to treatments and complex than the 2D model. CSE generated a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, induced apoptosis by extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, upregulated caspases-3 and -7, and significantly decreased tumor invasion of a 3D SKLU-1 lung adenocarcinoma cell line. CSE generates biochemical and morphological changes in the plasma membrane and causes cell cycle arrest at the S and G2/M phases. These findings conclude that C. sertularioides is a potential candidate for alternative treatment against lung cancer. This work reinforced the use of complex models for drug screening and suggested using CSE's primary component, caulerpin, to determine its effect and mechanism of action on SKLU-1 in the future. A multi-approach with molecular and histological analysis and combination with first-line drugs must be included.

Macroinvertebrates food web and trophic relations of a peri urban mangrove system in a semi-arid region, Gulf of California, México

Despite being structurally limited due to their latitudinal distribution and local climatic conditions, mangroves of the southwest Gulf of California present productivity and carbon storage rates similar or higher than that of tropical mangroves. Despite the importance of their contribution to marine and atmospheric dynamics, few studies exist focused on food web structures in such ecosystems. In order to analyze trophic structure and dynamics of a mangrove system in the Gulf of California, the isotopic composition, trophic position, isotopic niche, and trophic pathways were studied using the statistical packages TrophicPosition (TP), SIBER, and Simmr. Isotopic values of C and N were obtained for 244 samples of carbon sources and invertebrate consumers which were classified into six trophic guilds. The δ13C values of carbon sources varied from −30.7 (Rhizophora mangle) to −15.6‰ (Caulerpa sertularioides) and for consumers varied from −22.3‰ (Aratus sp) to −13.2 (Callinectes arcuatus). Herbivores generally had depleted 13C values related to those of the other trophic guilds. The macroinvertebrate communities' mean TP values (2.6: 2.0–3.5) indicate a composition of primary and secondary consumers, exhibiting a clear separation between trophic guilds. Isotopic niche width (TA) of the community (14.1) suggests niche segregation, specially between herbivores and deposit feeders. Those trophic guilds are the first consumers and intermediaries for two distinct trophic pathways, one derived from detritus and mangroves and the other from microphytobenthos (MPB). Three groups of primary sources were identified contributing >70% of carbon, representing the primary base of several trophic pathways that sustain different consumer guilds: (1) mangrove-detritus, herbivorous crabs, (2) MPB-Sedimentary organic carbon, supporting mainly deposit feeders and filter feeders, and (3) Seston-MPB, supporting mainly omnivorous shrimp. Overall, the identified pathways potentially sustain fish communities, which due to their movement export energy from mangroves to coastal food webs.

Macroalgae Improve the Growth and Physiological Health of White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study compared and evaluated the effects of nine native macroalgae species on the tropic coast of China on the growth and physiological health performance of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Nine hundred juvenile shrimps weighing 1.6 ± 0.02 g were fed with nine different types of macroalgae for 28 days. The experimental groups were as follows: Con (the diet without macroalgae), CRA (Caulerpa racemosa), CLA (Caulerpa lentillifera), CSS (Caulerpa sertularioides), CLM (Chaetomorpha linum), ULA (Ulva lactuca), GBE (Gracilaria bailiniae), ASA (Acanthophora spicifera), SVC (Sargassum ilicifolium var. conduplicatum), and BGE (Betaphycus gelatinae). Results showed that the growth performance of shrimps fed on the macroalgae meals was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P < 0.05 ). The immune defense capacity (total hemocyte count, phagocytosis respiratory bursts, prophenoloxidase system, hemagglutination activity, and antibacterial and bacteriolytic activities) and antioxidant capacity (total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde) of L. vannamei fed on macroalgae meals were significantly higher than those of the control group ( P < 0.05 ). Specifically, the shrimps in the ASA group had the significantly higher physiological health level than shrimps in the other macroalgae groups ( P < 0.05 ), and the expression of immune and antioxidation-related genes was also significantly higher in the ASA group ( P < 0.05 ). Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that optimal growth and physiological health efficacy were observed in the ASA group. In summary, this study suggested dietary manipulation using macroalgae to improve the growth performance, immune performance, and antioxidant capacity of L. vannamei, with the optimal macroalgae for the diet being Acanthophora spicifera.

An effective bio-inspired synthesis of platinum nanoparticles using Caulerpa sertularioides and investigating their antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

In this study, we report the synthesis of platinum nanoparticles (Cs-PtNPs) using an aqueous extract of Caulerpa sertularioides as a reducing agent. Cs-PtNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. Cs-PtNPs are spherical with a particle size of 6-22nm. Cs-PtNPs have been shown to have highly effective antioxidant activities with 74% for DPPH, 63% for reducing power, and 59% for total antioxidant at 1mg/ml, and results were compared with standard L-ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the Cs-PtNPs demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus with the highest zone of inhibition (18mm) at 50µg/ml. Moreover, Artemia nauplii showed less toxicity when treated with Cs-PtNPs at 150µg/ml, indicating that the Cs-PtNPs are less toxic and environment friendly.

Antimicrobial activity of some macroalgae of the Veracruzano Reef System (SAV), Mexico

The study of macroalgae antimicrobial agents is limited to Mexico and scarce in the Veracruzano Reef System (SAV). It is necessary to devote efforts towards this field of applied phycology. The aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of some phyla of Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta and Ochrophyta from SAV. Methanolic extracts from 23 marine macroalgae species (7 Chlorophyta, 4 Phaeophyta and 12 Rhodophyta) from the Veracruzano Reef System (SAV) (Mexico) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Antibacterial and antifungal activity were assessed by agar diffusion and agar dilution methods. The differences between mean values obtained for experimental groups was done by analysis of variance (ANOVA multifactorial model), p-values of 0.001 or less were considered statistically significant. Two new records are recognized for SAV (Laurencia gracilis and Sebdenia flabellata) and Compsothamnion thuioides for the Gulf of Mexico coasts. 16 species showed antibacterial activity, of which Caulerpa sertularioides, Ulva lactuca and Laurencia obtuse had significant activity on Gram-positive bacteria. 43.7% belong to the phyla Chlorophyta (7 species), 50% Rhodophyta (8 species) and 6.25% Ochrophyta (1 species). This indicates that the extracts of the algae of the Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta are the ones that showed the greatest activity. Regarding the yeasts, 16.6% of the total algae collected were active in the different yeast strains. 43.7% belongs to Chlorophyta species and for Rhodophyta were 60%. The macroalgae with the highest antifungal activity were: Cymopolia barbata, Ulva lactuca and Laurencia gracilis. The macroalgae of the Veracruzano Reef System present antimicrobial activity. This study is the first investigation of macroalgae's bioactive components from SAV, where they could be sources for future medical applications.

Sulfated polysaccharides from Caulerpa sertularioides: Extraction and evaluation of antioxidant, antibacterial, and immunological properties

To extract bioactive potential sulfated polysaccharides (Cs-SPs) from the green seaweed Caulerpa sertularioides for application in aquaculture.

Fabrication of silver nanoparticles from marine macro algae Caulerpa sertularioides: Characterization, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using marine macroalgae is appealing as it makes use of biomolecules in the extract as individual bioreductant and stabilizing agents. Herein, we report for the first time, the green synthesis of well-stabilized silver nanoparticles (Cs-AgNPs) using Caulerpa sertularioides aqueous extract for application in shrimp aquaculture. The dark brown in the reaction mixture and intense absorbance band at 451 nm in the UV-Visible spectrum provided evidence for the formation of Cs-AgNPs at the optimal conditions (1 mM AgNO3/12 h/pH~11). HR-TEM results revealed that 1 mM of AgNO3 concentration leads to the formation of spherical Cs-AgNPs with an average particle size of 48 ± 4.3 nm in the range of 24–57 nm. In vitro assays demonstrate that Cs-AgNPs had a significant antioxidant and antibacterial activity at 100 and 150 µg/ml respectively. The Artemia nauplii infected with Vibrio harveyi and treated with Cs-AgNPs established the highest survival of 79.00 ± 1.53%. Further, the Litopenaues vennamei infected with White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and supplementation of 1.5 mg/10 g Cs-AgNPs through feed revealed the highest survival. Overall, the Cs-AgNPs synthesis procedure is convenient and eco-friendly. Further, the microbial results are base for the further large-scale shrimp aquaculture field studies.

Sulfated Glucan from the Green Seaweed Caulerpa sertularioides Inhibits Adipogenesis through Suppression of Adipogenic and Lipogenic Key Factors.

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) from seaweeds have great biochemical and biotechnological potential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SPS isolated from the seaweed Caulerpa sertularioides on adipogenic differentiation as a possible alternative treatment for obesity. The SPS-rich extract from the seaweed C. sertularioides was fractioned into three SPS-rich fractions (F0.5; F0.9; and F1.8) chemically characterized. Among these four samples, only F0.9 showed a significant inhibitory effect on adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Ten SPS-rich fractions were isolated from F0.9 through ion-exchange chromatography. However, only the fraction (CS0.2) containing a sulfated glucan was able to inhibit adipogenesis. CS0.2 reduces lipid accumulation and inhibits the expression of key adipogenic (PPARγ, C/EBPβ, and C/EBPα) and lipogenic markers (SREBP-1c, Fabp4, and CD36). The data points to the potential of sulfated glucan from C. sertularioides for the development of functional approaches in obesity management.

AKTIVITAS ANTIOKSIDAN DAN KARAKTERISASI ISOLAT DARI FRAKSI n-HEKSANA PADA RUMPUT LAUT (Caulerpa sertularioides) ASAL SINGKAWANG KALIMANTAN BARAT (ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND ISOLATE CHARACTERIZATION OF n-HEXANE FRACTION IN SEAWEED (Caulerpa sertularioides) FROM SINGKAWANG WEST KALIMANTAN)

Seaweed (Caulerpa sertularioides) is one of the marine plants of West Kalimantan, which contains bioactive compounds that can act as antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to determine antioxidant activity and identify components of organic compounds in seaweed C. sertularioides. This research was carried out in several stages, namely extraction, fractionation, antioxidant test (DPPH), vacuum liquid chromatography (KVC), gravity column chromatography (KKG), and two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography (2-Dimensional TLC), and characterization. Antioxidant activity test by DPPH method on methanol extract, n-hexane fraction, and fraction DCM from seaweed C. sertularioides obtained IC50 values of 82.21 g/mL (strong antioxidant), 131.2 g/mL (medium antioxidant), and 192.43 g/mL (weak antioxidant). The results of the FT-IR identification of isolate I4 showed a strong absorption at 3483-3387 cm-1,which was specific for the OH group. The presence of strong absorption of 2926-2854cm-1 C-H stretching group, a wide absorption of 1338 cm-1 of methyl and methylene groups (stretching). There was a strong absorption of 1543-1463 cm-1 C-O ester group (bend), a broad absorption of 1074 cm-1 C-O (stretching), and absorption of 1795-1735 cm-1 specific for the C=O ester group. The results of GC-MS on isolate I4 indicated the main component was compound 1-nonadecene (14.09%), Trifluoroacetoxy hexadecane based on the literature, the compound included the organic component of fatty acids, and esters

Normal, The Blob, and El Niño conditions: Effects on macroalgal blooms in a subtropical zone of the Gulf of California

The different oceanographic conditions influence marine ecosystems, particularly on macroalgae communities. For this reason, this study explored the effect of oceanographic events such as Normal Conditions, The Blob, and El Niño in the Southwest Gulf of California, in terms of species richness and biomass of macroalgal blooms. Temperatures in 2013 (Normal condition) were lower than in 2014–2015. The high temperatures recorded in 2014 (22.8 °C–32 °C) are associated with a warming phenomenon known as The Blob, whereas 2015 was an El Niño year. The anomalies in these two years ranged from 0.1 to 2.8 and from 0.3 to 1.7, respectively, relative to the average for 2002–2021. It was evident that the co-occurrence of The Blob and El Niño modified the patterns of species richness and abundance in the macroalgal blooms recorded in Bahía de La Paz, compared to a year under the Normal condition. The lowest species richness was observed in 2014. Regarding seasonal variability, in 2014 the highest species richness was recorded in spring and the maximum biomass in summer, contrary to what is generally the case in the bay. Species of tropical affinity such as Spyridia filamentosa, Padina durvillei, and Caulerpa sertularioides significantly increased their biomass in the El Niño year.

The Marine Benthic Algae Diversity of Gabon: Case of the Rocky Foreshore of Cap Estérias

This study has allowed to classify the marine macroalgae from the intertidal zone on the Atlantic side of Cap Estérias (Gabon). This area has a rich biodiversity but very few studies in the knowledge of benthic macroalgae have been done. The first study on the knowledge of the algae of the Gabonese coast was made in February 1974 by John and Lawson. This article has been revised to transcribe books and our study would aim to update the existing collection. The algae census is spread over a year from August 2020 to August 2021 and is the first detailed study carried out over a year, with regard to this part of the Gabonese coast. This study has allowed to know the specific diversity, to determine the structure of the flora and its spread out over time. The results show a significant algal diversity of thirty five (35) identified species. Three classes of macroalgae were determined and the percentage of species in the class (%EC): Floridaophyceae at 50% EC, Phaeophyceae at 30% EC and Ulvophyceae at 20% EC. The red algae are the most common in the area with sixteen (16) species determined against twelve (12) species of brown algae and seven (7) species of green algae. The Phaeophyceae class presents the Dictyotaceae family which is the most diverse with 7 species found. Some species seen appear in the collection of John et al., but others are new species encountered in Gabon such as Caulerpa sertularioides, Bryopsis plumosa (two Ulvophytes), Padina arborescens which is a Pheophyte and Galaxaura filamentosa, Digenea simplex,Hildenbrandia rubra, Asparagopsis armata and Caulacanthus ustulatus which are Rhodophytes. Some species are permanently present, they are found in all seasons but with significant abundance from July to September.

Performance of a Potentially Invasive Species of Ornamental Seaweed Caulerpa sertularioides in Acidifying and Warming Oceans

Caulerpa, a (sub) tropical seaweed, is a notorious taxonomic group and an invasive seaweed worldwide. Similar to several species that have been introduced to benthic habitats through aquariums, Caulerpa sertularioides has also been introduced into Korean aquariums, although it is not native to the region. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the potential of this species for invading domestic macroalgal habitats. Therefore, an indoor mesocosm experiment was conducted to examine the ecophysiological invasion risk of non-native seaweed C. sertularioides under various climate conditions and exposure to three future climate scenarios: acidification (doubled CO2), warming (5 °C increase from ambient temperature), and greenhouse (GR: combination of acidification and warming); additionally, we compared the invasion risk between future and present climates (control: 20 °C and 470 µatm CO2). High CO2 concentrations and increased temperatures positively affected the photosynthesis and growth of C. sertularioides. Photosynthesis and growth were more synergistically increased under GR conditions than under acidification and warming. Consequently, the performance of this potentially invasive species in the native macroalgal Korean habitat will be higher in the future in coastal environments. Therefore, proper management is required to prevent the geographic expansion of C. sertularioides in the Korean coastal ocean.

Effect of marine sulfated polysaccharides derived from Persian Gulf seaweeds on Oncorhynchus mykiss oil stability under accelerated storage conditions

The sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from three macroalgae species were tested for structural and chemical characterization such as sulfate, carbohydrate contents, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, total phenol content (Folin-Ciocalteu assay) and free radical scavenging activity. The inclusion of the SPs (1000 mg/kg) as oil stabilizers in Oncorhynchus mykiss viscera oil in order to replace BHT was also assessed by analyzing oil oxidation indices (peroxide value, p-anisidine value, total oxidation value, free fatty acids and color changes) under 18 days at 65 °C. The yield, polyphenols and antioxidant potential of the SPs derived Sargassum boveanum and Padina distromatica were higher than Caulerpa sertularioides. Fourier Transform Infrared spectra results represented the existence of sulfate functional groups in all extracted SPs. The fish oil containing Sargassum-derived SPs reflected better oxidation indices. The SPs possess appropriate antioxidant properties, among which those extracted from S. boveanum, represented the acceptable results for conserving viscera oil, which is suggested as an alternative for the synthetic preservative.

A novel perspective with characterized nanoliposomes: Limitation of lipid oxidation in fish oil

Fish oil-loaded brown and green macroalgae-based nanoliposomes (NS: Sargassum boveanum, NP: Padina distromatica, and NC: Caulerpa sertularioides) were successfully obtained. Release profile (<35%), zeta particles size (130.3–266.3 nm), encapsulation efficiency (99.9%) were revealed besides morphological characterizations (NS: 157.55, NP: 129.02, NC: 335.304 nm) of nanoliposomes (p < 0.05). Oxidation tests demonstrated that the use of NS more successfully limited the rapid increase in peroxide value of fish oil stored at 30 °C. FFA value of control group samples reached 6.8 from 3.4% (change: 100%) while NS (change: 12.5%) and NP (change: 12.5%) had better stability during 42 days' storage (p < 0.05). The anisidine values of control group samples were in the range of 8.8 and 22.8. But, NS, NP, and NC samples possessed 11.0, 9.9, and 10.0, respectively. Totox value in the control group fish oil samples reached 85.2. Yet, the highest values for NS, NP, and NC samples were found to be 33.1, 54.5, and 67.3 (p < 0.05). Also, color values in the samples treated with nanoliposomes had higher stability. The use of nanolioposme technique effectively retarded the oxidation in fish oil stored at 30 °C. Thus, this applied novel methodology provided with a nanoliposomal approach can guide further food treatments in the food industry.

Caulerpa wysorii sp. nov., a denuded Caulerpa (Chlorophyta) resembling C. sertularioides when ‘dressed’

ABSTRACT Routine DNA barcoding with the chloroplast gene tufA identified novel records of an unknown and denuded (i.e. lacking branchlets) Caulerpa species previously reported from the Florida Middle Grounds. tufA barcoding not only confirmed the matching molecular identity of this taxon with several newly collected denuded specimens from shallow habitats of the Yucatán shelf, but also with a set of plumose specimens previously collected from mesophotic depths of the West Florida shelf and recorded as Caulerpa sertularioides. Sequencing of two additional, faster-evolving DNA markers, i.e. nuclear ITS and the newly tested chloroplast-encoded rpoA, each confirmed conspecificity of the above morphotypes and the molecular separation of the new taxon from C. sertularioides and filiform species found in the region, namely C. cupressoides f. denudata and C. fastigiata. In light of our sequencing results and review of the early taxonomic history of filiform Caulerpa, we propose the description of Caulerpa wysorii sp. nov. for this new species that exhibits two distinct morphotypes in currently available collections, i.e. filiform or plumose assimilators. We also subsume C. tongaensis within the broadly distributed C. fastigiata, whose lectotype is also designated herein. In addition to Caulerpa wysorii sp. nov., we discovered yet another unknown denuded species from the Campeche Banks represented by a single specimen thus far.

POLYPHENOLS CONTENT, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF SEAWEEDS FROM THE PERSIAN GULF

The Persian Gulf is a unique environment in comparison with other marine bodies because of its high temperatures and salinity levels. It hosts enormous amounts of green, red and brown macroalgae. In this study, phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activities were evaluated in Caulerpa sertularioides, Padina distromatica and Sargassum boveanum extracts. Different solvents were used for the measurements. Statistical analyses showed the highest extraction yield was found in C. sertularioides aqueous extract. The highest phenolic content was found in S. boveanum aqueous extract, consistent with the DPPH IC50 results. According to the IC50 value of the S. boveanum aqueous extract, water is more efficient in extracting phenolic compounds in comparison with n-hexane and ethyl acetate. The HPLC analysis showed different polyphenols such as syringic acid, myricetin and gallic acid. The gallic acid increased in yield when higher levels of solvent polarity were present. Moreover, n-hexane extracts generated the largest inhibition zone against bacterial growth. In conclusion, the S. boveanum aqueous extract can be recommended as a safe, natural additive of antioxidant potential for formulating functional foods. Also, n-hexane extracts can have antibacterial effects when incorporated in foodstuffs.