Marine Seaweeds Research Articles

Marine Seaweed Polysaccharides: An Insight into Biological Activities and Biomedical Applications

: Natural products from various sources play a major role in the healthcare sector, mainly in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agro and medical divisions. Polysaccharides are one of the important biomacromolecules present in higher plants, animals, fungi and algae, and aid in the growth and development of an organism. They play a vital role in regulating and maintaining cellular homeostasis in all forms of life. They are considered bioactive polymers and possess promising beneficial effects on human health without any harmful side effects. Among different biopolymers, polysaccharides have gained greater attention in the area of natural products and biomedical research due to their unique physio-chemical properties, bioactivities and health-promoting effects. The molecular structure of the polysaccharides is highly complex, depending on their origin and the structural diversity. Carbohydrate polymers differ largely based on their molecular weight, composition, functional derivatives, pattern of glycosidic linkages and degree of polymerization. In recent years, seaweed polysaccharides have been identified in large numbers and are effectively used by the food and biotechnology industries for the production of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. Several researches have demonstrated the biological activities of seaweed polysaccharides such as antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic, antidiabetic, antitumor and immunomodulatory. Moreover, there has been a substantial increase in the utilization of natural polymeric biomaterials in the biomedical field. This review summarizes the diverse biological effects of polysaccharides derived from different types of seaweeds as well as their biomedical applications. The information reviewed here provides an insight into the biopotential efficiency of algal-based polysaccharides, further help in the development of novel pharmaceutical and biomedical products.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Sulphated Polysaccharides Derived from Marine Macro Algae or Seaweeds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sulphated polysaccharides (SPs) are negatively charged compounds found in the cell wall of seaweeds or marine macro algae. These compounds exhibit a range of pharmacological activities, including anti-obesity effects. The aim of this systematic review as well as meta-analysis was to assess the potentials of seaweed-derived SPs to mitigate obesity through a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal model-based studies. A comprehensive summary of the included articles was conducted, focusing on the following obesity-related parameters: food intake, body weight gain, epididymal fat size, adipocyte size, liver weight, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), insulin and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c)). The systematic review demonstrated that seaweed-derived SPs exhibit ameliorative effects against obesity, as evidenced by reductions in food intake, body weight gain, epididymal fat and adipocyte size, liver weight, ALT and AST levels, serum insulin and TNF-α, LDL-c, total cholesterol, and triglycerides and an increase in HDL-c in obese rats administered with seaweed-derived SPs. However, the meta-analysis revealed statistically significant anti-obesity effects of seaweed-derived SPs for most, but not all the parameters tested. Further research in human subjects is necessary not only to ascertain the results of preclinical studies but also to provide conclusive evidence of the anti-obesity potential of SPs in humans.

Phytochemical analysis, antibacterial and anti-diabetic activity of three different seaweed extracts

Aim: Marine seaweed contains potential phytochemical compounds that could able to cure different health issues in humans naturally. Hence the research was aimed to investigate the antibacterial and in vitro anti-diabetic activity of three different seaweed extracts. Methods: Phytochemical compounds like phenol, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids were quantitatively identified. Antibacterial activity of the seaweed extracts were determined against five different test bacteria. In vitro anti-diabetic activity of the extracts were investigated based on its inhibition effect on the alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activity. Findings: Phytochemical analysis showed more phenolic and flavonoid content in green and brown seaweed extracts and lesser content in red seaweed extract. Antibacterial activity of green and brown seaweed extracts showed good inhibitory zones against all test bacteria ranging from 22.9 ± 0.57 mm to 24.9 ± 0.57 mm (green seaweed extract) and 17.9 ± 0.57 mm to 21.6 ± 0.75 mm (brown seaweed extract) respectively. In vitro anti-diabetic activity of seaweed on the inhibition of enzymes showed promising results. Among the three types, green seaweed extracts showed maximum inhibition of α-Amylase and α-glucosidase activity of 86.6 ± 0.76 % and 82.9 ± 0.57 % respectively. Conclusion: Findings showed that the phytochemicals present in the methanolic extract of seaweeds attribute positively for different pharmacological properties like antibacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic activity. Optimizing the production factors would able to commercialize the seaweeds in drug forms and could be used for the treatment of various diseases in humans.

Non-cytotoxic sulfated agaran from red seaweed Gracilaria cornea induces antitumor phenotype on macrophages in vitro and inhibits tumor growth in vivo

Marine seaweeds are a rich source of sulfated polysaccharides with several biological effects, including antitumor. Some polysaccharides activate macrophages (Mfs) to an antitumor phenotype. In this study, we evaluate whether sulfated galactans (SGs), isolated from red seaweeds Gracilaria cornea (SG-Gc) and Solieria filiformis (SG-Sf), could activate a murine Mfs (RAW 264.7) to an antitumor phenotype. Additionally, we assessed their potential antitumor effects. Both SGs induced nitric oxide release by Mfs. SG-Sf inhibited a murine metastatic melanoma cell line (B16-F10) proliferation compared with the negative control, but SG-Gc did not inhibit B16-F10 proliferation. Notably, a conditioned medium from RAW 264.7 incubated with SG-Gc and SG-Sf inhibited B16-F10 proliferation. Since there was no direct cytotoxicity against B16-F10, we selected SG-Gc for further assays. S SG-Gc induced TNF-α release and increase of the M1 markers iNOS, MHCII, and CD86. Furthermore, 25 mg/kg SG-Gc administered intraperitoneally in B16-F10 melanoma-bearing mice inhibited tumor growth by 60% compared to negative control. In addition, SG-Gc promoted the immunostimulant effect observed on the spleen. No toxic effects were observed in mice treated with SG-Gc. In summary, we identified SG-Gc as an immunomodulatory and antitumor agent.

Algal polysaccharides: new perspectives for the treatment of basal ganglia neurodegenerative diseases.

The objective of this review was to verify the therapeutic effect of polysaccharides derived from algae in neurodegenerative disease models involving the basal ganglia. To achieve this goal, a literature search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. The descriptors "neuroprotective or neural regenerative or immunomodulatory activity or neuroprotection," "polysaccharide or carbohydrate or carbohydrate polymers," "marine algae or seaweed," and "basal ganglia" according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology were used. This methodology involved the steps of searching, pre-selection, and inclusion of articles. A total of 737 records were identified. Following the data analysis, 698 studies were excluded, resulting in a final sample of 8 studies. Species such as Turbinaria decurrens, Gracilaria cornea, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis, Fucus vesiculosus, and Laminaria japonica have demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects. This review suggests that polysaccharides derived from marine algae possess therapeutic potential for neuroprotection, modulation of inflammation, and amelioration of functional deficits. Their use in neurodegenerative disease models warrants further consideration.

Antibacterial Potential of Fungal Endophytes From Selected Seaweeds From Johor Coast

Endophytic fungi from marine seaweed have been known to be the source of new secondary biological metabolites. The ample coast in Malaysia in particular the Johor Coast has diverse marine seaweed, home to potential marine endophytic fungi. In this light, this study aims to characterise endophytic fungi in selected seaweeds from the Johor Coast and determine the antibacterial potential. Fungal endophytes were aseptically isolated from brown seaweed, Sargassum sp. and green algae, Ulva lactuca. Macroscopic and microscopic observations were performed for characterisation as fungal genera. Sequence analysis of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) suggested the five fungal isolates as Trichoderma asperellum, Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium sp. FKI-3389 and Hypoxylon monticulosum. Antibacterial activity was determined by minimum inhibition concentration assay against five human pathogenic bacteria. Only T. asperellum, A. fumigatus and H. monticulosum showed antibacterial potential with the latter indicating broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. As a conclusion, five endophytic fungal species were successfully determined from the brown and green seaweeds. Three of the fungal endophytes showed potential in antibacterial activity with H. monticulosum displayed broad spectrum activity.

Correction: Exploring phenolic compound extraction from marine seaweeds of south coast India: in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial evaluation

Correction: Exploring phenolic compound extraction from marine seaweeds of south coast India: in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial evaluation

An Overview of Indian Marine Seaweeds and their Medicinal Applications

Background Seaweeds are macroalgae containing bioactive compounds that have positively impacted the biomedical field due to polysaccharides, sterols and glycolipids, showing a diverse range of pharmacological and biological properties. Eating a diet high in marine items will lessen the risk of developing diabetes, cancer and obesity. Purpose The exploration of medically useful seaweeds is required to identify drugs and drug targets and reduce the risk of developing diseases. Methodology The PubMed search was done with the MESH terms such as seaweed and Marine algae pharmacological activity results were obtained as 748 results. We filtered out the articles and entered key terms related to our area of interest to find the results. The seaweed species in India are listed with Tamil Nadu contributing the most and Orissa the least. The type of algae is also mentioned. Results Marine algae have been employed in industry and medicine as a novel food with possible nutritional benefits. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that marine algae are a rich source of naturally occurring bioactive substances with activities such as anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypercholesterolemia and hypolipidemia. Conclusion The current review focuses on the bioactivities and potential pharmaceutical activity of marine algae discovered in India. The present review article showed that there are many seaweeds of medical importance, and it is necessary to explore them to minimize disease progression and prolong the individual’s survival.

Analysis of physicochemical, functional, and antioxidant properties of four different Indian seaweed species

The present study aims to elucidate the nutritional, functional, flow, and antioxidant properties of Ulva fasciata, Ulva lactuca, Chaetomorpha linum, and Gracilaria edulis. The highest percentage of protein (24.26 %) in U. fasciata; fat (6.33 %) and total carbohydrates (46.39 %) in C. linum; crude fibre (8.67 %) in U. lactuca; ash (22.45 %) content in G. edulis was observed among the four-seaweed. The highest oil absorption capacity was found for C. linum (1.59 %), followed by G. edulis (1.21 %), U. lactuca (1.04 %), and U. fasciata (0.91 %). The water absorption capacity in U. fasciata (4.55 %) was observed to be the highest followed by C. linum (3.84 %), U. lactuca (3.78 %), and G. edulis (2.22 %). U. fasciata exhibited the highest solubility (35.83 ± 1.97 %) and emulsifying capacity (99.00 ± 0.00 %), while G. edulis showed the highest foaming capacity (75.00 ± 1.00 %). The angle of repose of G. edulis and C. linum powder showed excellent flowability than U. lactuca and U. fasciata. Carr's index and Hausner ratio showed that all seaweed samples were free-flowability, except for G. edulis and C. linum. The bulk density (0.71 g/cm3) and tapped density (0.85 g/cm3) of U. fasciata were observed to be the highest, whereas true density (1.11 g/cm3) was recorded highest in U. lactuca. The most increased antioxidant activity was found in G. edulis (65.90 %) followed by C. linum (53.01 %), U. lactuca (51.76 %), and U. fasciata (43.56 %). The total phenolic content (10.93 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (1.71 mg QE/g) were higher in U. fasciata. FTIR analysis detected the presence of amide, amino, hydroxyl, ester groups and it can conclude the presence of essential components such as proteins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and fat. Thus, the selected four marine seaweeds act as a good source of functional components and can be utilized for the development of functional food products such as bread, biscuits, cookies, tea, snacks, soups and beverages.

Distribution and functional perspective analysis of epiphytic and endophytic bacterial communities associated with marine seaweeds, Alexandria shores, Egypt

There is an enormous diversity of life forms present in the extremely intricate marine environment. The growth and development of seaweeds in this particular environment are controlled by the bacteria that settle on their surfaces and generate a diverse range of inorganic and organic chemicals. The purpose of this work was to identify epiphytic and endophytic bacterial populations associated with ten common marine macroalgae from various areas along the Mediterranean Sea coast in Alexandria. This was done to target their distribution and possible functional aspects. Examine the effects of the algal habitat on the counting and phenotypic characterization of bacteria, which involves grouping bacteria based on characteristics such as shape, colour, mucoid nature, type of Gram stain, and their ability to generate spores. Furthermore, studying the physiological traits of the isolates under exploration provides insight into the optimum environmental circumstances for bacteria associated with the formation of algae. The majority of the bacterial isolates exhibited a wide range of enzyme activities, with cellulase, alginase, and caseinase being the most prevalent, according to the data. Nevertheless, 26% of the isolates displayed amylolytic activity, while certain isolates from Miami, Eastern Harbor, and Montaza lacked catalase activity. Geographical variations with the addition of algal extract may impact on the enumeration of the bacterial population, and this might have a relationship with host phylogeny. The most significant observation was that endophytic bacteria associated with green algae increased in all sites, while those associated with red algae increased in Abu Qir and Miami sites and decreased in Eastern Harbor. At the species level, the addition of algal extract led to a ninefold increase in the estimated number of epiphytic bacteria for Cladophora pellucida in Montaza. Notably, after adding algal extract, the number of presented endophytic bacteria associated with Codium sp. increased in Abu Qir while decreasing with the same species in Montaza. In addition to having the most different varieties of algae, Abu Qir has the most different bacterial isolates.

Exploring phenolic compound extraction from marine seaweeds of south coast India: in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial evaluation

Exploring phenolic compound extraction from marine seaweeds of south coast India: in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial evaluation

The antioxidant, anti-obesogenic, and anti-diabetic potential of selected South African marine algal species

South African marine algae are a prevalent traditional medicine utilized by indigenous populations. There has been recent attention on the health advantages of South African marine algae and its bioactive compounds, which have been associated with favourable health outcomes such as diabetes and obesity. This study investigated the antioxidant, anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic potentials of three South African marine algal species or seaweeds, namely Codium fragile, Radicilingua thysanorhizans and Mazzaella capensis using a variety of in vitro and in silico experiments. The crude extracts, obtained using different solvents (aqueous and ethanol), were examined to assess their total phenolic and total flavonoid content as well as their antioxidant properties by means of 2,2-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), non-site-specific hydroxyl radical (OH•), and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging assays. Thereafter, the extracts were subjected to carbohydrate digestive enzyme inhibitory assays, including α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and a lipid digestive enzyme inhibitory assay, such as pancreatic lipase. The glucose uptake by yeast cells was also evaluated in vitro. The subjection of the marine algal extracts to LC-MS analysis revealed several beneficial compounds. These compounds were further docked against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and a lipid digestive enzyme, pancreatic lipase. The results of this study indicate that the selected South African marine algae possess potent antioxidant capacity while also exhibiting anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic activities by inhibiting carbohydrate and lipid digesting enzyme activity as well as by increasing glucose uptake in yeast cells. Evaluated ADME profiles revealed that the compounds of these plants have excellent bioavailability and are considered safe for consumption. Overall, the results of this study suggest that all studied seaweeds have potential antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesogenic potentials with Codium fragile found to be the most promising among them. The current work serves as a validation of the data currently available regarding the antioxidant, anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic potential of C. fragile. The study will also serve as a first-report of the aforementioned activities for R. thysanorhizans and M. capensis.

Epiphytic Bacterial Community Analysis of Ulva prolifera in Garorim and Muan Bays, Republic of Korea.

The bacterial communities related to seaweed can vary considerably across different locations, and these variations influence the seaweed's nutrition, growth, and development. To study this further, we evaluated the bacteria found on the green marine seaweed Ulva prolifera from Garorim Bay and Muan Bay, two key locations on Republic of Korea's west coast. Our analysis found notable differences in the bacterial communities between the two locations. Garorim Bay hosted a more diverse bacterial population, with the highest number of ASVs (871) compared to Muan Bay's 156 ASVs. In Muan Bay, more than 50% of the bacterial community was dominated by Pseudomonadota. On the other hand, Garorim Bay had a more balanced distribution between Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota (37% and 35.5%, respectively). Additionally, Cyanobacteria, particularly Cyanothece aeruginosa, were found in significant numbers in Garorim Bay, making up 8% of the community. Mineral analysis indicated that Garorim Bay had higher levels of S, Na, Mg, Ca, and Fe. Function-wise, both locations exhibited bacterial enrichment in amino acid production, nucleosides, and nucleotide pathways. In conclusion, this study broadens our understanding of the bacterial communities associated with Ulva prolifera in Korean waters and provides a foundation for future research on the relationships between U. prolifera and its bacteria.

Lipid Characterization of Beach-Cast Seaweeds from Gran Canaria Island: Potential Use in Human and Animal Nutrition

Macroalgal wracks can be considered unpleasant for beach users and, consequently, they are usually collected from most touristic beaches and discarded. However, seaweeds are an important source of bioactive lipid compounds, such as phospholipids, glycolipids, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), displaying multiple health-promoting properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study is to characterize the lipid composition of twelve marine seaweed species (two green, six red, and four brown species) from macroalgal wracks of Gran Canaria Island, and to evaluate their potential use for several purposes, including human and animal nutrition. Lipid content, lipid classes, and fatty acid profiles of isolated specimens from the macroalgal wracks were determined. Lipid contents ranged between 0.27 and 3.17% of dry weight, with all species showing high phytosterols proportions and balanced omega-6/omega-3 (n-6/n-3) ratios. In addition, Cymopolia barbata, Asparagopsis sp., and Hypnea spinella seem to be an attractive source of both mono- and di-galactosyl-diacylglycerols, while A. stellata, Jania sp., and Lobophora sp. are relatively rich in n-3 LC−PUFA. Finally, both green algae showed the most favorable values for the nutritional indicators of cardiovascular health promotion. Overall, the macroalgal species analyzed could be considered as interesting sources for human and animal nutrition.

Comparative assessment of pre-treatment techniques and process economics on marine seaweed, Gelidium pusillum, for enhanced bioethanol production

Many researchers are actively investigating different pre-treatment methods on alternative energy sources for sustainable production of bioethanol. With abundant carbohydrates and ease of cultivation, Gelidium pusillum, seaweed biomass has gained attention as a bioethanol feedstock. In the present study, various combinatorial pre-treatment methods like ultrasonic-acid treatment, microwave-alkali treatment, and steam-organic solvent treatment were carried out on seaweed biomass and compared for their efficiency in bioethanol production. Physico-chemical changes of biomass were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction. Among all pre-treatment methods, microwave-alkali treatment was found to be the most effective one and yielding fermentable sugars, sugar utilization efficiency, and ethanol concentration of 395 mg/g, 78.33 ± 0.98%, and 5.7 ± 0.19 g/L, respectively. Additionally, the process-economic analysis showed that Gelidium pusillum and microwave-alkali treatment could be scaled up to the industrial level with a production cost of $1.40 per liter of ethanol with minimal ecological impact.

Exploring potential polysaccharide utilization loci involved in the degradation of typical marine seaweed polysaccharides by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.

Research on the mechanism of marine polysaccharide utilization by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron has drawn substantial attention in recent years. Derived from marine algae, the marine algae polysaccharides could serve as prebiotics to facilitate intestinal microecological balance and alleviate colonic diseases. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, considered the most efficient degrader of polysaccharides, relates to its capacity to degrade an extensive spectrum of complex polysaccharides. Polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs), a specialized organization of a collection of genes-encoded enzymes engaged in the breakdown and utilization of polysaccharides, make it possible for Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to metabolize various polysaccharides. However, there is still a paucity of comprehensive studies on the procedure of polysaccharide degradation by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. In the current study, the degradation of four kinds of marine algae polysaccharides, including sodium alginate, fucoidan, laminarin, and Pyropia haitanensis polysaccharides, and the underlying mechanism by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron G4 were investigated. Pure culture of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron G4 in a substrate supplemented with these polysaccharides were performed. The change of OD600, total carbohydrate contents, and molecular weight during this fermentation were determined. Genomic sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were further performed to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Specifically, Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) annotation, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were utilized to identify potential target genes and pathways. Underlying target genes and pathways were recognized by employing bioinformatic analysis. Several PULs were found that are anticipated to participate in the breakdown of these four polysaccharides. These findings may help to understand the interactions between these marine seaweed polysaccharides and gut microorganisms. The elucidation of polysaccharide degradation mechanisms by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron provides valuable insights into the utilization of marine polysaccharides as prebiotics and their potential impact on gut health. Further studies are warranted to explore the specific roles of individual PULs and their contributions to polysaccharide metabolism in the gut microbiota.

Marine seaweed endophytic fungi-derived active metabolites promote reactive oxygen species-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.

Endophytic fungi have an abundant sources rich source of rich bioactive molecules with pivotal pharmacological properties. Several studies have found that endophytic fungi-derived bioactive secondary metabolites have antiproliferative, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, but the molecular mechanism by which they induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis pathways is unknown. This study aimed to determine the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer property of the endophytic fungi derived active secondary metabolites on human breast cancer cells. In this study, we identified four endophytic fungi from marine seaweeds and partially screened its phytochemical properties by Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Moreover, the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer property of these active secondary metabolites (FA, FB, FC and FE) on human breast cancer cells were examined on MCF-7 cells by TT assay, Apoptotic assay by Acridine orang/Ethidium Bromide (Dual Staining), DNA Fragmentation by DAPI Staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) determination by DCFH-DA assay, Cell cycle analysis was conducted Flow cytometry and the apoptotic signalling pathway was evaluated by westernblot analysis. Doxorubicin was used as a positive control drug for this experiment. The GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate extract of endophytic fungi from the marine macro-algae revealed the different functional groups and bioactive secondary metabolites. From the library, we observed the FC (76%), FB (75%), FA (73%) and FE (71%) have high level of antioxidant activity which was assessed by DPPH scavenging assay. Further, we evaluated the cytotoxic potentials of these secondary metabolites on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells for 24h and the IC50 value were calculated (FA:28.62 ± 0.3µg/ml, FB:49.81 ± 2.5µg/ml, FC:139.42 ± µg/ml and FE:22.47 ± 0.5µg/ul) along with positive control Doxorubicin 15.64 ± 0.8µg/ml respectively by MTT assay. The molecular mechanism by which the four active compound induced apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cells was determined H2DCFDA staining, DAPI staining, Acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) dual staining, flowcytometry analysis with PI staining and apoptotic key regulatory proteins expression levels measured by westernblot analysis. Our findings, revealed the anticancer potential of endophytic fungi from marine seaweed as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with anticancer properties and underscore the significance of exploring marine-derived endophytic fungi as a promising avenue for the development of novel anticancer agents. Further investigations are necessary to isolate and characterize specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and to validate their therapeutic potential in preclinical and clinical settings.

Harnessing Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Pathway to Functional Food from Marine Seaweed

Harnessing Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Pathway to Functional Food from Marine Seaweed

Solotvynia, a New Coccoid Lineage among the Ulvophyceae (Chlorophyta).

Coccoid Ulvophyceae are often overlooked despite their wide distribution. They occur as epiphytes on marine seaweeds or grow on stones or on shells of mussels and corals. Most of the species are not easy to identify based solely on morphology. However, they form two groups based on the flagellated cells during asexual reproduction. The biflagellated coccoids are monophyletic and represent the genus Sykidion (Sykidiales). In contrast, the quadriflagellated taxa are polyphyletic and belong to different genera and orders. The newly investigated strains NIES-1838 and NIES-1839, originally identified as Halochlorococcum, belong to the genus Chlorocystis (C. john-westii) among the order Chlorocystidales. The unidentified strain CCMP 1293 had almost an identical SSU and ITS-2 sequence to Symbiochlorum hainanense (Ignatiales) but showed morphological differences (single chloroplast, quadriflagellated zoospores) compared with the original description of this species (multiple chloroplasts, aplanospores). Surprisingly, the strain SAG 2662 (= ULVO-129), together with the published sequence of MBIC 10461, formed a new monophyletic lineage among the Ulvophyceae, which is highly supported in all of the bootstrap and Bayesian analyses and approximately unbiased tests of user-defined trees. This strain is characterized by a spherical morphology and also form quadriflagellated zoospores, have a unique ITS-2 barcode, and can tolerate a high variation of salinities. Considering our results, we emend the diagnosis of Symbiochlorum and propose the new genus Solotvynia among the new order Solotvyniales.

Evaluation of Kappa-carrageenan supplementation in extender for post-thaw Kajli ram sperm quality.

Cryopreservation is one of the reliable techniques for long-term storage of sperm. The success of this technique depends on the choice of cryoprotectant; therefore, a plethora of literature has reported the effects of different cryoprotective agents so far. Kappa-carrageenan (κ-carrageenan) is a hydrocolloid polysaccharide extracted from red marine seaweed. Its unique property makes it a promising option as a non-colligative cryoprotectant. The current study aims to evaluate the cryoprotective effect of k-carrageenan along with glycerol on ram sperm quality both after equilibration and freezing. Nine Kajli rams were utilized in this experiment for semen collection through an artificial vagina maintained at 42°C. Qualified samples were diluted in tris egg yolk glycerol (TEYG) extender containing different concentrations of k-carrageenan as 0 mg/mL (control), 0.2, 0.5, 0.8 and 1 mg/mL. Post-thaw assessment was done at 37°C after 24 h of storage, which showed a significant improvement (p < .05) in sperm viability, motility, membrane and acrosome integrity in an extender containing k-carrageenan at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL compared to control. It is concluded from the current study that the combination of glycerol and 0.5 mg/mL concentration of k-carrageenan improved the sperm post-thaw quality.