Seaweed Research Articles

Using empirical negative cumulative extropy and image quality assessment to determine the accumulation of elements in marine organisms

In this study, the assessment of metals absorption capacity by macroalgae using image analysis was investigated for the first time and compared with fish bioaccumulatio. Empirical cumulative entropy (ECE), and also empirical negative cumulative extropy (ENCEX) were used as a newly introduced (information-based) indices. The regression equation was obtained between fish tissue-seawater in muscle of Sphyraena putnamiae (ENCEX=0.2001BAF; R2=0.96); In the case of muscle of Liza subviridis, the regression model was as (ENCEX=0.1950BAF; R2=0.93). The regression equation was obtained between algae-sediment (ENCEXH. hamulosa=0.2695BAF; R2=0.97). The studied indices showed a high accumulation of Hypnea hamulosa compared to the other algae (ECE=0.2601; ENCEX=0.3995). IQA method showed the same result exhibiting that the algae can be evaluated as a bio-indicator of element accumulation using image analysis. Image analysis can help us find macro algae with high absorption capacity without laboratory examinations.

Antioxidant potential of three selected seaweeds Sargassum wightii, Turbinaria conodies, Padina tetrostromata from Indian coastal area

Seaweed is reported to exhibit several biological activities which promote human health such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity and DNA protecting activity of crude extracts obtained from three different sea weeds of coastal areas in India. Aqueous extract showed higher antioxidant potential than ethanol extract in dose dependent manner.

Enzyme‐Assisted Extraction of Alginate from Beach Wrack Fucus vesiculosus

AbstractBeach wrack constitutes an unutilized, abundant renewable source of marine macro algae being rich in valuable biopolymers. This work investigates the revalorization of the brown algae Fucus vesiculosus collected from beach wrack as a source of alginate, the main polysaccharide in brown algae which constitutes a potential ingredient for the development of biopolymer films. Enzyme‐assisted extraction has been investigated for cell disruption with commercial cellulase blends and proteases. The effect of enzyme type, enzyme activity, and extraction time on alginate yields, molecular weight distribution, functional groups, and purity has been studied.

Production of Natural Dye from Macro Algae

Dye is an intensely colored complex organic substance used for colouring other materials. They can be synthesized artificially or obtained from natural products. Natural colours are also called biocolors since they are extracted from biological materials like fruits, vegetables, seeds, roots, insects and microorganisms. In this study, microbial fermentation using macro algae as substrate was utilized to extract dye. Different macro algae such as Chaetomorphaantennia, Gracilariacorticota and Ulva fasciata were collected from Kovalam, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu and were used as a substrate for fermentation. Aspergillus nigerwas used as an inoculum for fermentation. SSF was carried out for 10 days and the dye was extracted. Quality of the colour was analysed by adding fixative and non fixative at different time intervals. Results revealed that the colour intensity was more in the addition of fixative. Different pigments such as chlorophyll a (20.625 mg/l) was found more in U.fasciata , chlorophyll b (12.486 mg/l) was to be more in G.corticata and high amount of total carotene was found in ( 14.701mg/l) in C.antennina and least was found in U.fasciata(3.39 mg/l). Among all seaweed substrates, C.antenninawas found to be the good one to impart colour

Antimicrobial activity of macro algae against Colletotrichum capsici and its management

Antimicrobial activity of macro algae against Colletotrichum capsici and its management

Phytochemical Compounds and Antibacterial Activity to Escherichia coli of Green Macro Algae

Escherichia coli is a bacteria found in the large intestine of humans as a normal flora. It’s unique because it can cause primary infection in the intestine such as diarrhea in children. Diarrhea sufferers use drugs derived from chemicals and herbal plants. Furthermore seaweed as the marine biological resources it is important to examine to be an alternative treatment for diarrhea. An antibacterial alternative by development the use of seaweed. needs to be examine. Based on the description above, phytochemical compound of several types of green macro algae and its potential effect as antibacterial activity to inhibit the growth of E.coli bacteria it is necessary to examine, The type of seaweeds that use in this study are Ulva reticulata, Ulva lactuca and Caulerpa racemosa. The research results showed that phytochemcal compound of U. reticulata are terpenoid, phenolic, alkaloid. In U. lactuca are steroid, saponin, phenolic and alkaloid. Phytochemcal compound of C. racemosa are phenolic, flavonoid, alkaloid, and terpenoid. Type of green macro algae U. reticulata had the ability to inhibit the bacteria E.coli growth with a inhibition zone diameter about 6.0 mm U. lactuca about 10 mm, and C. racemosa about 12.0 mm.

Bioactive compounds from fresh water green macro algae of Ganga water

Bioactive compounds from fresh water green macro algae of Ganga water

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Marine Sea Weed Acetabularia acetabulum and their Activity as MMT-Ag Nanocomposites towards Antifouling Applications

The present study proposed the green synthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Acetabularia acetabulum followed by their fabrication onto montmorillonite (MMT). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed the involvement of multiple functional groups in the reduction of silver ions to Ag nanoparticles and their stabilization on MMT. The obtained MMT-Ag nanocomposites were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analysis (PSA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis. The synthesised Ag nanostructures were found to be cubic shaped with average size ranges from 37nm to 60 nm. The seaweed mediated MMT-Ag nanocomposites were evaluated for their potential antimicrobial properties against the isolated biofouling bacteria. Maximum bactericidal activity was recorded against S. aureus followed by E. coli, M. flavus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B. cereus, M. leteus and B. subtilis. In addition, the viability of incorporating MMT-Ag nanocomposites in paint was examined where a significant inhibition of marine fouling bacteria was exhibited by the panel coated by MMT-Ag nanocomposites-based paint as compared to water-based paint. The addition of MMT-Ag nanocomposites in water-based paint was also found to be effective against corrosion from marine water. The present study shows cytotoxicity of MMT-Ag nanocomposites as nanoclay/metallic nanocomposites against A. salina with LD50 values of 200±3.4 µg/ml. The results of the present study suggested the application of A. acetabulum extract as a good bio-resource for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles and their implementation to combat marine biofouling on ship hulls.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators in African Marigold: A Review

African marigold, being tall enough and producing large flowers suitable for preparing garlands, is the most cultivated cultivar of marigold in Nepal. Besides, pinching and other improved cultural techniques, a number of chemicals, hormones and phyto-hormones are being tested and found to impart a varying response in African marigold. This review has its importance for standardizing the type and concentration of plant growth regulators in African marigold. Online journals, scientific papers, proceedings, books, thesis and lecture notes are the key reference site for this review. Gibberellins or gibberellic acids (GA3), ethrel, paclobutrazol, salicylic acid, Indole 3 Acetic Acid, Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), Chlormequat Chloride and sea weed extract are the most widely used and proven biochemical with pronounced effect on growth, development and differentiation in marigold. Among these, 300 ppm, 350 ppm and 450 ppm of GA3 results higher plant height, minimum days for flower initiation and higher basal diameter respectively. Similarly, 450 ppm for higher number of branches and leaves per plant and 400 ppm of GA3 or 600 ppm of CCC has been found to impart higher number and weight of flowers per plants. Besides, 1000 ppm of CCC has been found more effective to impart higher productivity (yield/ ha) in African marigold. Hence, plant growth regulators have been a valuable agent for optimizing yield and yield potential in African marigold.

Ulva fasciata, a green alga, attenuates the kidney and liver dysfunctions in rats induced by acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (AAP) is an analgesic–antipyretic drug which is considered safe at recommended dose, but its overuse may induce renal and hepatic injuries. Marine macro algae have great potential against drug-induced renal and hepatic dysfunctions. The present study described the reno-protective and hepato-protective effects of the ethanol extract of an edible green alga Ulva fasciata and its fractions (n-hexane, chloroform and methanol) against AAP toxicity. In the 1st set of experiment, rats were divided into five groups. Of which two were treatment groups beside three controls, the first treatment group was given ethanol extract of U. fasciata alone and the second group was given the same extract with AAP. In the 2nd set of experiment, rats were divided into nine groups, of which three treatment groups administered n-hexane, chloroform and methanol fractions of ethanol extract of U. fasciata respectively while other three treatment groups received the same fractions individually with AAP. On the 11th day, rats were decapitated after 12 h of fasting from both sets, blood samples were collected for assessment of biochemical parameters and kidney tissues were used for determination of oxidants and antioxidants. Histopathological assessment was also done in kidney tissues. A single dose of AAP (600 mg/kg) affected kidney markers including creatinine, urea and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and hepatic enzymes. Ethanolic extract of U. fasciata normalized kidney and liver markers in AAP intoxicated rats. AAP also reduced glutathione (GSH) in kidney tissues and altered kidney architecture, which were improved by ethanolic extract and chloroform soluble fraction of U. fasciata. A total of 14 polyunsaturated fatty acids were identified from chloroform soluble fraction of U. fasciata by GC-MS and assumed these may be involved in protective activities of U. fasciata.

Polysaccharides from macro algae: Anti-inflammatory actions against systemic inflammatory process and in the gastrointestinal tract

Polysaccharides from macro algae: Anti-inflammatory actions against systemic inflammatory process and in the gastrointestinal tract

ASSESSING KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AND ANALYSING CONSTRAINTS OF ORGANIC FARMERS IN JAMNAGAR DISTRICT OF GUJARAT

Organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, and this is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs. Study was conducted on 120 organic growers of Jamnagar districts to evaluate for knowledge of farmers about knowledge of eco-friendly organic farming practices followed in their cultivation practices. The study most of the groups covered in major age group, educate higher secondary level, medium to big farmers having nuclear family, main occupation was agriculture and animal husbandry. Krishi Vigyan Kendra or University level information for organic farming were rank first with weightage mean (42.29), followed by second printed literature (37.08), third television (22.71). They received guideline from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (48.06%) followed by Agricultural University (31.39%) and seed/pesticide dealer (31.39%). The area of information was on the management, marketing, cultivation practices on organic farming. Recycling of weed bio-mass, P-solubilizing microbes, minimum tillage for nutrient conservation and Beauveria bassiana for management of soil and above ground pests ranked in prime knowledge by (60.83%). Only few farmers (5 %) having knowledge on fish wastes; Vermin-culture; Strip cropping & vegetative /live bunds and Use of Sea weed liquid for better crop growth and high yielding. Thus, 71.67 per cent of the respondents having very low level of knowledge. Govt. subsidies (72.5%); premium price (72.5%); special incentive or awards (67.5%); lack of market facility (67.5%) and administrative setup (62.5%) were the major constraints faced by the organic farmers. The suggested same problem solve by the government for better development of organic farming.

Effect of Foliar Spray of Seaweed Extract and Humic Acid on Growth and Yield of Cluster Beans [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] var. Pusa Navbahar

Cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.], known commonly as “Guar,” is a vital legume crop grown mostly under rainfed conditions in arid and semi-arid regions of India during the Kharif and summer season. Numerous horticultural strategies may be used to improve the growth and productivity of guar including sea weed extract and humic acid. A field experiment was conducted to determine the influence of seaweed extract and humic acid on growth, yield and post-harvest characteristics of cluster bean. Seaweed extract and humic acid were administered in the field as foliar spray at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 per cent concentrations in a randomized block design (RBD) consisting of seven treatments and three replicates. The results indicated that the higher concentration of 0.3 per cent seaweed extract and humic acid produced significantly higher plant height, leaf number, pod number per plant and total yield per hectare as compared to the lower concentrations and control. The post-harvest study revealed that foliar treatment of 0.3 per cent humic acid and seaweed extract resulted in a lower percentage of physiological weight loss and increased the shelf life of pods compared to untreated.

Converting sea weed to biogas energy: Utilization of synergism during co-digestion with maize silage

Circular economy is a system solution framework replacing the traditional linear approach and aims at creating value from waste. Bladderwrack, a brown sea weed is often cast away in huge volumes on the North Sea coast and is perceived as a waste product. Removal of this algae incurs heavy costs for the municipal authorities since deposits of this sea wrack weakens and poses threat to the flood protective dikes and also to the tourism industry due to its unpleasant sight and smell. This study investigated the biogas potential of the nutrient-rich bladderwrack, Fucus vesiculosus, and co-digestion experiments were performed with maize silage. Mathematical simulations were performed with the Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1) in order to assess optimal operational conditions and understand the reaction kinetics. While bladderwrack and maize silage on an average yielded 178 ml/g FM together during mono-fermentation, the co-digestion experiment provided 236 ml/g FM, clearly demonstrating the synergistic effect with nearly 33% more biogas. This means reduced dependence on a forage crop like maize by substituting it with a waste product like the brown sea weed along with attaining enhanced biogas production. This positive effect is reasoned to be due to the balanced C/N ratio in the digester during co-digestion. Furthermore, bladderwrack supplements trace metals and vitamins to the nutrient deficient maize silage. The ADM1 model indicated active microbial growth and activities and proved its competence in predicting the synergistic impacts with high accuracy.

Productivity, quality and profitability enhancement of French bean, okra and tomato with seaweed extract application under North-Eastern Himalayan condition

In the North-Eastern Himalayan region (NEHR) of India, use of chemical fertilizer is minimal due to the unavailability of synthetic inputs, remoteness and inaccessibility. Vegetables are very much favored to grow under organic farming practices in these areas due to high market prices and demand. Seaweed extract is organic and is utilized in various vegetable crops across the globe for multifarious benefits. Therefore, there is a huge potential for the application of seaweed extract by virtue of organic areas. Fresh Kappaphycus alvarezii (K sap), Gracilaria edulis (G sap) and GA3 free Ksap were extracted using a pre-standardized methodology and applied on French bean, okra, and tomato for two consecutive years. Except for 10% GA3 free sap treatment [T8, applied with 75% recommended dose of nutrients (RDN)], other sea weed sap treatments supplied with 100% RDN. The growth (plant height in French bean, chlorophyll index in French bean and tomato and primary branch/plant in tomato) and yield attributes (pod length, pod weight/plant and stover yield in French bean; fruits/plant and fruit length in okra; fruits/plant, weight/fruit and average diameter of fruit in tomato) of French bean, okra, and tomato were enhanced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with the application of seaweed extract along with 100% RDN in general and T3: K sap @ 10%, T5: G sap @ 10% and T7: GA3 free Ksap @10% in particular. However, T8: GA3 free sap @10% + 75% RDN did not gave promising results as compared to other sea weed sap traetments supplied with 100% RDN. Floral and fruit set attributes of all the vegetables were also significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced by foliar application of different sea weed saps. Ascorbic acid and lycopene in tomato fruits were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved with the application of seaweed extract. Moreover, 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay values of French bean okra and tomato were also significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced by different concentration of seaweed saps. Among the major nutrients analysed in the fruits of three crops, N was found to be having significant variation (p ≤ 0.05) in all the three crops, while variation in K was significant (p ≤ 0.05) only in tomato. The available N, P, K content and soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations in soil after two years of experiment of seaweed saps on French bean okra and tomato significantly (p ≤ 0.05) varied across treatments. Higher concentration of G, K and GA3 free sap recorded increased net return and more net benefit per unit investment compared to the control. Overall, it was concluded that application of 10% K sap, G sap and GA3 free Ksap along with 100% RDN can be recommended for increasing growth, yield and quality in French bean, okra, and tomato in NEHR.

​Physiological and Biochemical Characters of Blackgram as Influenced by Liquid Rhizobium with Organic Biostimulants

Background: The productivity of blackgram is not adequate to meet the domestic demand of the growing Indian population. Consequently, there is an urgent need for enhancement of productivity through proper management practices. With this background, a research experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of liquid rhizobium with organic bio-stimulants on physiological and biochemical characters, antioxidant enzymes and yield of blackgram. Methods: A field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications during 2021 (Kharif and Rabi) season. The treatments include 100% recommended dose of NPK along with foliar application of dasagavya, liquid rhizobium, fish amino acid, panchagavya, pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) and Sea weed extract with different concentration (1% and 3%, respectively) in addition to control. Organic bio stimulants were sprayed at 30 and 45 days after the sowing of blackgram. Result: The experiment results revealed that the application of 100% RDF+Liquid Rhizobium @ 1% registered maximum physiological and biochemical characters viz., CGR, total chlorophyll content, soluble protein content, nitrate reductase activity, catalase activity, peroxidase activity and number of root nodules plant-1, yield attributes viz., number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, grain yield (kg ha-1), haulm yield (kg ha-1). Correlation and Regression analysis also indicated that the yield attributes had a positive impact on the grain yield.

Preliminary Phytochemical and GC-MS Analysis of Marine Seaweed-Acoathophora deilei (Red alga)

Background: Seaweeds (Marine macro algae) are multicellular marine organism and are vital constituents of the of marine ecosystem, which are abundant in the coastal areas of the world. They are tremendous source of many bioactive metabolites and have been shown to exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities. Several Asian cultures have a strong tradition of using different varieties of seaweed extensively in cooking as well as in herbal medicines preparations. As such, seaweeds have been used to treat a wide variety of health conditions such as cancer, digestive problems, and renal disorders. These plants contain important phytochemical constituents and have various potential biological activities. References regarding the use of algae in Ayurveda and Siddha system of medicine has been reported since time immemorial, but their phytochemical properties have not been reported. Aim: To identify the phytochemical constituents present in the Acoathophora deilei (Red alage) using Preliminary phytochemical and GC-MS analysis. Methods: The shade-dried of red algae were extracted with methanol and the crude methanolic extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis to identify the various bioactive components Results: Phytochemical investigations suggests that the Acoathophora deilei showed the presence of phytochemicals like alkaloids, phytosterols, flavonoids and diterpenes, which may contribute to its biological activities. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 28 different compounds. The main chemical constituents found in high percentage are Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 2-ethyl butyric acid octadecyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, 9-octadecanoic acid methyl ester and 1,2 – Benzene dicarboxylic acid. Conclusion: Thus, the present analytical study of Acoathophora deilei on phytochemical and GC-MS analysis provides an important novel information to support further ongoing studies to evaluate structure of bioactive compound and its pharmacological activities.

Proteomic changes associated with maternal dietary low ω6:ω3 ratio in piglets supplemented with seaweed Part II: Ileum proteomes

This study evaluates how long-term dietary low ω6:ω3 ratio in sows and offspring's seaweed (SW) intake affects piglet intestinal function and growth through modifying ileum proteome. Sows were assigned to either control diet (CR, ω6:ω3 ratio = 13:1) or treatment diet (LR, ω6:ω3 = 4:1) during gestation and lactation (n = 8 each). The male weaned offspring were received a basal diet with or without SW powder supplementation (4 g/kg) for 21 days, denoted as SW and CT groups, respectively. In total, four groups of weaned piglets were formed following maternal and offspring's diets combination, represented by CRCT, CRSW, LRCT, and LRSW (n = 10 each). Piglet ileum tissue was collected on day 22 post-weaning and analysed using TMT-based quantitative proteomics. The differentially abundant proteins (n = 300) showed the influence of maternal LR diet on protein synthesis, cell proliferation, and cell cycle regulation. In contrast, the SW diet lowered the inflammation severity and promoted ileal tissue development in CRSW piglets but reduced the fat absorption capacity in LRSW piglets. These results uncovered the mechanism behind the anti-inflammation and intestinal-boosting effects of maternal LR diet in piglets supplemented with SW.

Antimicrobial therapeutics isolated from algal source: retrospect and prospect.

In the last few decades, attention on new natural antimicrobial compounds has arisen due to a change in consumer preferences and the increase in the number of resistant microorganisms. Algae are defined as photosynthetic organisms that demonstrate a wide range of adaptability to adverse environmental conditions like temperature extremes, photo-oxidation, high or low salinity, and osmotic stress. Algae are primarily known to produce large amounts of secondary metabolite against various kinds of pathogenic microbes. Among these algae, micro and microalgae of river, lake, and algae of oceanic origin have been reported to have antimicrobial activity against the bacteria and fungi of pathogenic nature. Various polar and non- polar extracts of micro- and macro algae have been used for the suppression of these pathogenic fungi. Apart from these, certain algal derivatives have also been isolated from these having antibacterial and antifungal potential. Among the bioactive molecules of algae, polysaccharides, sulphated polysaccharides, phyco-cyanobilins polyphenols, lectins, proteins lutein, vitamin E, B12 and K1, peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids and pigments can be highlighted. In the present review, we will discuss the biological activity of these derived compounds as antifungal/ antibacterial agents and their most promising applications. A brief outline is also given for the prospects of these isolated phytochemicals and using algae as therapeutic in the dietary form. We have also tried to answer whether alga-derived metabolites can serve as potential therapeutics for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 like viral infections too.

​Effect of Liquid Rhizobium with Organic Bio-stimulants on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Leguminous Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Background: Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is one of the most important cultivated legume crops with high nutritive value and agricultural importance. The productivity of blackgram is not adequate to meet the domestic demand of the growing Indian population. Consequently, there is an urgent need for enhancement of productivity through proper agronomic practices. With this background, a research was conducted to investigate the effect of liquid rhizobium with organic bio-stimulants on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of irrigated blackgram. Methods: A field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications during 2021 (Kharif and Rabi) season. The treatments include 100% RDF foliar application of Dasagavya, liquid rhizobium, fish amino acid, panchagavya, pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) and sea weed extract with different concentration (1% and 3%, respectively) in addition to control. Result: The experiment results revealed that the application of 100% RDF + liquid rhizobium @ 1% recorded higher growth characters viz., plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, dry matter production (kg ha-1), leaf area index, yield attributes, grain and haulm yield (kg ha-1). Correlation and regression analysis also indicated that the yield attributes had a positive impact on the grain yield.