Marine Macro Research Articles

Antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-cancer effectiveness of marine macro alga Ulva fasciata Delile.

Backround: Cancer is a sever burden and a fatal disease in the existing century and worldwide measured as a foremost health concern. Objective: The present analysis involved in evaluating the anti-tumour property of Ulva fasciata Delile in in vitro model and anti-microbial activity against pathogens. Materials and methods: The anti-cancer effectiveness of methanolic extract of Ulva fasciata has been identified at different concentrations after 24 hours of exposure of HepG2 cells using assays. Results: The seaweed extract showed a remarkable cell toxicity potential at the concentration of 100 μg/ml with superfluous ROS formation and lactate dehydrogenase and GSH enzyme release and initiating severe damage to the mitochondrial integrity of the cells. Conclusion: This investigation displayed that the methanolic extract of Ulva fasciata were more potential seaweed triggering cytotoxicity, inducing apoptosis and establishment of ROS dependent mitochondrial damage induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. The sea weed extract exhibits significant anti-microbial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi and anti-cancer efficacy.

Polysaccharide from a Tunisian red seaweed Chondrus canaliculatus: Structural characteristics, antioxidant activity and in vivo hemato-nephroprotective properties on maneb induced toxicity

The present study aims to investigate the physicochemical and the structural features of polysaccharide isolated from the red marine macro alga Chondrus canaliculatus (C.C.P) using FT-IR, gel filtration high-pressure chromatograph, HPLC-FID and solid state 13C NMR analysis. C.C.P was even more tested in vitro for its potential antioxidant properties and in vivo for its hemato-nephroprotective effects against fungicide - maneb (MB) - induced toxicity. Animals treated for 20 days were allocated into six groups per six rats each: group 1 served as vehicle control, group 2 received MB, group 3 received MB + C.C.P (100 mg/kg), group 4 MB + C.C.P (200 mg/kg), group 5 and 6 used as a positive control groups receiving only C.C.P; one 100 and the other 200 mg/kg, respectively. After MB injection, our data displayed a significant disruption in all hematological parameters associated with clear signs of nephrotoxicity. However, co-treatment with C.C.P at two graded doses led to an effective healing process against MB's hematological, biochemical, and histological kidney's oxidative injuries. In summary, our data suggest that C.C.P could be a prospective potent antioxidant, nephro and hemato-protective agent.

Abundance and composition of floating marine macro litter on the eastern sector of the Mediterranean Sea

Floating marine litter is known to be currently a widespread pollution problem, especially in the Mediterranean basin, but records on the levels of floating debris in the eastern part are less known. By using an observation platform (32 days, 137 transects, 1784 km), this study provides evidence of a high amount of floating debris in the Levantine sub-basin, within the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The density of floating litter varied between 18 and 1593 items km−2 (average 232 ± 325 items km−2), and small plastic debris accounted for >90% of the items surveyed. These values tend to be higher than densities reported for the central and western Mediterranean areas, which may be related to the circulation patterns and inputs from coastal sources. Significant correlations of floating macro litter density with wind force and sea state were found, thus strengthening the need to standardise protocols (including oceanographic variables) of visual surveys of floating debris.

AKTIVITAS INHIBITOR TIROSINASE PADA EKSTRAK ALGA COKELAT SARGASSUM SP. AGARDH ASAL PESISIR LHOK BUBON, KABUPATEN ACEH BARAT

Seaweeds are marine macro algae that can be found attach to the bottom shallow coastal waters with subsrate as attached media. There are three major groups of seaweeds namely brown algae (Phaeophyta), red (Rhodophyta) and green (Chlorophyta). Sargassum sp is one of brown algae which mostly found in the Lhok Bubon Coastal West of Aceh. Recently, exploration of marine macroalgae as bioactive sources was investigated. Seaweed contains bioactive compound which can serve as a defense from ultraviolet radiation that caused hyperpigmentation effect. The aiming of this study is to analyse the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of Sargassum sp extract from Lhok Bubon Coastal Area, West of Aceh. The results shown that the methanol extract of Sargassum sp possess phytochemical properties such as fenol, alkaloid and triterpenoid. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity of Sargassum sp methanol extract is the best extract which can be inhibit monophenolase with IC50 : 1111.49 µg/ml and IC50 = 1582.31 µg/ml in diphenolase pathway with kojic acid as positive control. Moreover, etyl asetate and n-hexane extract have no activity of tyrosinase inhibitor. Therefore, new finding of tyrosinase inhibitor agent from marine macroalgae Sargassum sp give the fruitfull information for cosmeceutical industry.Keywords : Lhok Bubon, Brown Algae, Sargassum sp, Tyrosinase Inhibitor

Toxic metals (As and Pb) in Sargassum elegans Suhr (1840) and its bioactive compounds

ABSTRACTSargassum elegans Suhr 1840 (Phaeophyta) is a brown marine macro alga, which is used both nutritionally and medicinally in the coastal areas of Southern Africa. Consequently, we conducted a phytochemical and analytical investigation on samples of this species collected from seven sites along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Sargassum elegans was found to be rich in β-sitosterol, fucosterol and phaeophytin a as confirmed by spectroscopic techniques. Concentrations of essential and toxic elements varied significantly with location and were in the order of Ca > Mg> Fe > As > Cu > Zn > Mn > Ni > Pb > Co > Se > Cr > Cd. The accumulation of As by S. elegans was also evident as concentrations ranged from 42 to 105 mg kg−1, of which, 21 to 53 mg kg−1 was in inorganic form; consumption of this species may therefore increase dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic.Abbreviation: CRM: Certified reference material; NMR: Nuclear magnetic resonance; ICP – OES: Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy; PCA: Principal component analysis

Unraveling rapid extraction of fucoxanthin from Padina tetrastromatica: Purification, characterization and biomedical application

Abstract Fucoxanthin, a group of carotenoids abundantly present in the marine macro algae which exhibits diverse health benefits. Extraction of such potential biomolecules involves multiple steps in conventional extraction (CE) and also laborious and time-consuming. We attempted to extract high percentage fucoxanthin and phenolic compounds from macro alga, Padina tetrastromatica adopting ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). It was further optimized with solvent concentration; temperature and time as 80%, 50 °C and 30 min respectively using one factor at a time method (OFAT) followed by response surface methodology (RSM). It was observed that fucoxanthin yield of about 750 μg g−1 DW was obtained at the maximum by UAE than that of CE (430 μg g-1 DW). It was further purified and characterized using FTIR, HPLC and HRMS technique confirming the presence of purified fucoxanthin at the retention time of 3.14 min and molecular mass of 681.41 m/z. In addition, fucoxanthin exhibits a strong antioxidant activity by inhibiting DPPH and ABTS free radicals upon dose dependent manner. Interestingly, fucoxanthin showed protective effect against H2O2-induced intracellular ROS and cytotoxicity on fibroblast cells at the concentration of 120 μM. Thusly, UAE could be implemented for the extraction at high percentage and eventually be utilized these biomolecules as nutraceuticals.

Study on Lipid Content and Fatty Acid Profile of Four Marine Macro Algae (Seaweeds) Collected from South East Coast of Sri Lanka

The lipid content and fatty acid profile of four marine macro algae (Ulva lactuca, Sargussum wightii, Sargussum turbinaria, and Kappaphycus alvarezii) that are collected from south east coast of Sri Lanka were studied by solvent extraction followed by gas chromatographic analysis. The results indicated that, the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids levels from C4:0 to C22:6. The lipid content of the selected seaweeds varied from 0.49-1.51% and the highest lipid content was found in U. lactuca while the lowest lipid content was found in the S. turbinaria. The analysis of differences in the composition of the saturated to unsaturated fatty acids in the extracts, shown that, palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2 cis 9, 12) reached the highest value in all selected seaweeds and the highest quantity of monounsaturated fatty acids was observed in S. wightii (18.35%) followed by S. turbinaria (15.32%) and K. alvarezii (15.20%). An omega-3 fatty acid such as, alpha linolenic acid (all-cis-6, 9, 12), linolenic acid (all-cis-9, 12, 15), and eicosatrienoic acid (all-cis-8, 11, 14) were rich in U. lactuca, S. wightii and S. turbinaria. But some seaweeds have been detected the butyric acid (C4:0) in higher proportion (5.58-28.94%) and it may due to the fermentation of the seaweeds. The obtained results helped to determine that selected seaweeds have higher content of saturated fatty acids than the unsaturated fatty acids and proper drying condition and storage condition will be need to the seaweeds.

POTENSI MAKROALGA PADINA AUSTRALIS (HAUCK 1887) DI BARAT SELATAN ACEH SEBAGAI AGEN INHIBITOR TIROSINASE

Seaweeds are marine macro algae that can be found attach to the bottom shallow coastal waters. There are three major groups of seaweeds namely brown algae (Phaeophyta), red (Rhodophyta) and green (Chlorophyta). Padina australis is one of brown algae which mostly found in the West-South of Aceh coastal Area. Seaweed contains bioactive compound which can serve as a defense from ultraviolet radiation that caused hyperpigmentation effect The purpose of this study is to analyse the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of P. australis extract from West-South Aceh. The results shown that the methanol extract of P. australis possess phytochemical properties such as flavonoids, tannin and saponin. tyrosinase inhibitory activity of P. australis methanol extract is the best extract which can be inhibit monophenolase with IC50 : 293.520 µg/ml and IC50 = 13.571.067 µg/ml in diphenolase pathway with kojic acid as positive control. Moreover, chloroform and n-hexane extract have no activity of tyrosinase inhibitor. Therefore, new finding of tyrosinase inhibitor agent from marine macroalgae P. australis give the fruitfull information for cosmeceutical industry. P. australis parts could be complementary each other in providing the raw material of cosmetic product.

Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis of the Crude extract of Marine Red and Brown Seaweeds

The seaweed is a large and diverse group of marine macro algae that can be found in intertidal and sub tidal coastal regions around the world. Seaweed are simpler in their structural composition because they take up the nutrients into their blades or fronds directly from the seawater, unlike more complex land plants which take up the nutrients through their roots. There are three different types of marine macro algae-red algae (Rhodophyta), brown algae (phaeophyta), green algae (chlorophyta). They are grouped according to their unique photosynthetic pigments, which give them their characteristics color and unique properties. Secondary metabolites from natural resources are a potential source that leads and drugs can exploited to combat antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms. The present study investigated to explore the preliminary phytochemical constituents of marine red and brown seaweed such as Gracilaria corticata, Gracilaria edulis, Saragussum wightii wherelse Methanol, Acetone and Aqueous were used as a solvent system for the preparation of the extract.

RP-HPLC Profile of Major Phenolics from Brown Marine Macro Algae

To exemplify quantitative analysis of major phenolics from a brown marine macro algae Sargassum cinereum, Sargassum ilicifolium, Sargassum tenerrimum and Sargassum wightii by RP-HPLC chromatographic profile. Polyphenol content was determined and quantified by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) methods.

A novel approach for extraction of algal oil from marine macroalgae Ulva fasciata

Abstract In this present investigation, lipid extraction was performed in marine macro algae Ulva fasciata using soxhlet and super critical fluid extraction apparatus. The ultrasonic pretreatment was done for the algal biomass. Extraction parameters for High extraction yield of algal oil were obtained at 5% moisture content, 0.25 mm particle size, 90 °C, 180 min time, 5:1 solvent-to-solid ratio and solvent flow rate 1 l/hr. After the optimization process 9.85% of oil extraction was obtained from Ulva fasicata algal biomass. The aromatic groups, indicating the presence of 12-Hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid was confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Thus the algal oil obtained from Ulva fasicata biomass can be used for the biodiesel production. The saturated fatty acid (SFAs) was found to be 75.43% in the produced algal oil. The properties like Acid value, Iodine number, specific gravity, Saponification value, calorific value, Flash point, Fire point and kinematic viscosity was also characterized.

Additions of Two Red Algae to Marine Macro Algal Flora of Kerala Coast, India

Comprehensive explorations conducted in Kerala coast during 2011-2014 revealed new distributional record of two Red algae (Rhodophyceae) namely Halopeltis australis (J. Agardh) G.W. Saunders (Rhodymeniaceae) and Dasya flagellifera Boergesen (Dasyaceae). Both taxa are enumerated here with the correct citation, a short description, notes on its occurence and associated species.

Assessment of the Nutritive, Biochemical, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential of Eight Tropical Macro algae Along Kachchh Coast, India as Human Food Supplements

ABSTRACTEight tropical marine macro algae were investigated for in-vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, and biochemical properties. The moisture content [% DW (dry weight)] ranged from 7.21 to 14.72%; ash, 24.92 to 47.04%; lipids, 0.73 to 2.67%; protein, 4.56 to 12.59%; and carbohydrate, 30.1 to 48.51%. The % sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ranged from 21.71 to 78.22%, while omega-6/omega-3 (ω6/ω3) ratio was from 0 to 2.08, which remained within the prescribed World Health Organization (WHO) standards (<10). The % sum of essential amino acids (EAAs) ranged from 86.18 to 204.66, and Na/K ratio ranged from 0.37 to 2.85. The extracts exhibited significant (P < 0.05) values for total phenol (7.25–16.0 µg PGE mg–1 DW) and total flavonoid (4.06–15.63 µg QE mg–1 DW) at 200 µg/ml. Antibacterial activity was tested against the selected food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. The principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed a positive correlation between total phenolic content, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activities, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), which supports the integration of seaweeds as ingredients in functional foods.

Concept for a hyperspectral remote sensing algorithm for floating marine macro plastics

There is growing global concern over the chemical, biological and ecological impact of plastics in the ocean. Remote sensing has the potential to provide long-term, global monitoring but for marine plastics it is still in its early stages. Some progress has been made in hyperspectral remote sensing of marine macroplastics in the visible (VIS) to short wave infrared (SWIR) spectrum. We present a reflectance model of sunlight interacting with a sea surface littered with macro plastics, based on geometrical optics and the spectral signatures of plastic and seawater. This is a first step towards the development of a remote sensing algorithm for marine plastic using light reflectance measurements in air. Our model takes the colour, transparency, reflectivity and shape of plastic litter into account. This concept model can aid the design of laboratory, field and Earth observation measurements in the VIS-SWIR spectrum and explain the results.

Towards a marine biorefinery through the hydrothermal liquefaction of macroalgae native to the United Kingdom

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising biomass conversion method that can be incorporated into a biorefinery paradigm for simultaneous production of fuels, aqueous fertilisers and potential remediation of municipal or mariculture effluents. HTL of aquatic crops, such as marine macro- or microalgae, has significant potential for the UK owing to its extensive coastline. As such, macroalgae present a particularly promising feedstock for future UK biofuel production. This study aimed to bridge the gaps between previous accounts of macroalgal HTL by carrying out a more comprehensive screen of a number of species from all three major macroalgae classes, and examining the correlations between biomass biochemical composition and HTL reactivity. HTL was used to process thirteen South West UK macroalgae species from all three major classes (Chlorophyceae, Heterokontophyceae and Rhodophyceae) to produce bio-crude oil, a bio-char, gas and aqueous phase products. Chlorophyceae of the genus Ulva generated the highest bio-crude yields (up to 29.9% for U. lactuca). Aqueous phase phosphate concentrations of up to 236 mg L−1 were observed, obtained from the Rhodophyta, S. chordalis. Across the 13 samples, a correlation between increasing biomass lipids and increasing bio-crude yield was observed, as well as an increase in biomass nitrogen generally contributing to bio-crude nitrogen content. A broader range of macroalgae species has been examined than in any study previously and, by processing using identical conditions across all feedstocks, has enabled a more cohesive assessment of the effects of biochemical composition.

Non-Targeted Secondary Metabolite Profile Study for Deciphering the Cosmeceutical Potential of Red Marine Macro Alga Jania rubens—An LCMS-Based Approach

This study aims to unveil the cosmeceutical traits of Jania rubens by highlighting its mineral composition, antioxidant potential, and presence of bioactive molecules using non-targeted metabolite profiling. This study showed that among minerals, (macro), Ca (14790.33 + 1.46 mg/100 g dry weight (DW)) and in (micro) Fe (84.93 + 0.89 mg/100 g DW) was the highest. A total of 23 putative metabolites in the +ESI (Electrospray Ionization) mode of LCMS-TOF (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry-Time of Flight) were detected. Two anthocyanins—malonylshisonin and 4′′′-demalonylsalvianin (m/z 825.19; anti-aging, antioxidant, anticancer properties) were detected. Two flavonoids, viz, medicocarpin and agecorynin C, 4′-O-methylglucoliquiritigenin—a flavonoid-7-O-glycoside, and 5,6,7,8,3′,4′,5′-heptamethoxyflavone, a polymethoxygenated flavone (m/z 415.15), were detected. Maclurin 3-C-(2″,3″,6″-trigalloylglucoside) (m/z 863.15) (antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer traits) and theaflavonin (m/z 919.18), belonging to the class of theaflavins (whitening and anti-wrinkle agent), were obtained. Pharmacologically active metabolites like berberrubin (m/z 305.1; antitumor activity), icaceine (m/z 358.24; anticonvulsant properties), agnuside (m/z 449.15; constituent for treatment of premenstrual syndrome), γ-coniceine (m/z 108.12; formulations to treat breast cancer), eremopetasitenin B2, and eremosulphoxinolide A (m/z 447.18; therapeutic effect of allergy and asthma) were observed. 6-O-Methylarmillaridin (m/z 445.18) (antimicrobial and antifungal) and simmondsin 2-ferulate, (m/z 534.21) (insecticidal, antifungal and antifeedant) were detected. Aromatic lignans, viz, 8-Acetoxy-4′-methoxypinoresinol, sesartemin, and cubebinone (m/z 413.16), in addition to an aromatic terpene glycoside, tsangane L3 glucoside (m/z 357.23), were detected. Zizybeoside I, benzyl gentiobioside, and trichocarposide were also detected. The determination of antioxidant potential was performed through assays such as like DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and total antioxidants. Therefore, this study progresses the probability for the inclusion of J. rubens as an ingredient in modern day cosmetic formulations.

Spectrometric analysis of algal biodiesel as a fuel derived through base-catalysed transesterification

ABSTRACTThe present experimental investigation focuses on production of biodiesel from marine macro algae Stoechospermum marginatum, a brown seaweed. S. marginatum was collected from the intertidal zone of coastal Tamil Nadu. Processed macro algae were subjected to lipid extraction through maceration and soxhlet methods. A single-stage transesterification process with methanol and NaOH was employed to synthesise biodiesel from crude algal oil. Characterisation of algal biodiesel (ABD) was carried out through analysis of gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 14 different fatty acid methyl esters in ABD by their fragmentation patterns and retention time. The NMR and FTIR spectroscopy analysis confirmed the GC-MS data. The physiochemical properties of ABD were also determined through American Standards for Testing Materials methods and found to be within limits.Abbreviations ABD: algal biodiesel; AO: algal oil; ASTM: American Society for Testing and Material; CO: carbon monoxide; CO2: carbon di oxide; D: mineral diesel; FAME: fatty acid methyl ester; FFA: free fatty acids; FTIR: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; GC-MS: gas chromatography mass spectroscopy; HC: hydrocarbon; JBD: jatropha biodiesel; NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance; NOx: oxides of nitrogen; PBD: palm oil biodiesel

Minerals Composition of Marine Macro Algae Collected from Olaikuda, Rameshwaram, Gulf of Mannar, Southeast Coast of India

Minerals Composition of Marine Macro Algae Collected from Olaikuda, Rameshwaram, Gulf of Mannar, Southeast Coast of India

Reciprocal transplants support a plasticity-first scenario during colonisation of a large hyposaline basin by a marine macro alga

BackgroundEstablishing populations in ecologically marginal habitats may require substantial phenotypic changes that come about through phenotypic plasticity, local adaptation, or both. West-Eberhard’s “plasticity-first” model suggests that plasticity allows for rapid colonisation of a new environment, followed by directional selection that develops local adaptation. Two predictions from this model are that (i) individuals of the original population have high enough plasticity to survive and reproduce in the marginal environment, and (ii) individuals of the marginal population show evidence of local adaptation. Individuals of the macroalga Fucus vesiculosus from the North Sea colonised the hyposaline (≥2–3‰) Baltic Sea less than 8000 years ago. The colonisation involved a switch from fully sexual to facultative asexual recruitment with release of adventitious branches that grow rhizoids and attach to the substratum. To test the predictions from the plasticity-first model we reciprocally transplanted F. vesiculosus from the original population (ambient salinity 24‰) and from the marginal population inside the Baltic Sea (ambient salinity 4‰). We also transplanted individuals of the Baltic endemic sister species F. radicans from 4 to 24‰. We assessed the degree of plasticity and local adaptation in growth and reproductive traits after 6 months by comparing the performance of individuals in 4 and 24‰.ResultsBranches of all individuals survived the 6 months period in both salinities, but grew better in their native salinity. Baltic Sea individuals more frequently developed asexual traits while North Sea individuals initiated formation of receptacles for sexual reproduction.ConclusionsMarine individuals of F. vesiculosus are highly plastic with respect to salinity and North Sea populations can survive the extreme hyposaline conditions of the Baltic Sea without selective mortality. Plasticity alone would thus allow for an initial establishment of this species inside the postglacial Baltic Sea at salinities where reproduction remains functional. Since establishment, the Baltic Sea populations have evolved adaptations to extreme hyposaline waters and have in addition evolved asexual recruitment that, however, tends to impede local adaptation. Overall, our results support the “plasticity-first” model for the initial colonisation of the Baltic Sea by Fucus vesiculosus.

New evidence of highly-complex geological heritage in Iran: Miocene sections in the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt

The complex geological setting of Iran suggests the utility of a geological heritage inventory. Field examination of the Mishan and Esmaeil-Abad sections of the Mishan Formation (Miocene) in the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt has indicated their potential as geological heritage sites (geosites). These sections represent five types of geological heritage concerning their stratigraphical, palaeontological, sedimentary, palaeogeographical, and geomorphological aspects. The rank (importance) of each type varies from local to national, but the geosites in their entity are of global importance. Researchers, educators, and tourists there can deal with unique fossil assemblages of marine macro- and microinvertebrates, specific facies of a rimmed carbonate shelf and the pertinent palaeoecosystems, as well as with various other features. The nearby cultural/historical heritage objects increase the potential of the area. These geosites are characterized by an attractive natural scenery and are easily accessible. They deserve an official conservation status. The establishment of a geopark in the Zagros Mountains fortunately seems possible, indeed.