Penicillus Capitatus Research Articles

LC-MS and GC-MS Analyses on Green Algae Penicillus Capitatus: Cytotoxic, Antimicrobial and Anticholinesterase Activity Screening Enhanced by Molecular Docking & Dynamics and ADME Studies.

In this comprehensive screening study, the chemical composition, and cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and anticholinergic activities of the green algae Penicillus capitatus, collected from Antalya-Türkiye, were determined as in vitro and in silico. GC-MS analysis of the hexane extract revealed a high content of fatty acids, with hexadecanoic acid constituting half of the total fatty acid content. LC-HRMS analysis of the DCM:MeOH extract identified ascorbic acid as the most abundant compound, followed by (-)-epigallocatechin and salicylic acid. The DCM:MeOH extract exhibited potent cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 breast cancer cell lines, outperforming doxorubicin with lower IC50 values and a higher selectivity index. Additionally, the extract demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, along with selective inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) over butyrylcholinesterase (hBChE). Molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed that apigenin-7-O-glucoside and epigallocatechin form stable interactions with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and hAChE, suggesting their potential as inhibitors. In silico ADME studies indicated favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for the detected compounds, supporting their potential as drug candidates. The promising cytotoxic activity of the P. capitatus extracts, coupled with significant antimicrobial properties and selective hAChE inhibition, highlights their therapeutic potential for breast cancer treatment, infection management, and neurodegenerative disease intervention.

Analyzing eight Turkish macroalgae: Fatty acids, proteins, and in silico biological activity profiles

AbstractThis study investigated the fatty acid (FA) compositions and proteins’ molecular weight profiles (MWP) of eight macroalgae species collected from the Antalya and Çanakkale in Turkiye: three red (Liagora viscida, Laurencia obtusa, Palisada perforata), three brown (Stypopodium schimperi, Cladostephus spongiosus, Halopteris scoparia), and two green (Caulerpa scalpelliformis, Penicillus capitatus). The potential bioactivities of the FAs were evaluated by in silico studies, focusing on anti‐cholinesterase, antioxidant, and cardioprotective effects. The predominant FA across all species was palmitic acid comprising over 50% of total FAs in most species. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was abundant in seven of the eight species. Significant variations in MWPs were observed among species, with values ranging from <2532 to >67 000 Da. Brown algae generally exhibited higher MWP levels compared to red and green algae which showed distinctive profiles. In silico studies revealed that DHA exhibited the strongest binding affinity toward lipoxygenase acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes with −8.829, −10.636, and −7.984 kcal mol−1 docking scores, respectively. DHA demonstrated significant interactions with key residues, forming hydrogen bonds critical for enzymatic inhibition and potential therapeutic effects. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of DHA–protein complexes with low root mean square deviation and root mean square fluctuation values. This comprehensive analysis underscores the nutritional richness and potential bioactivity of macroalgae, particularly in terms of FA composition and protein profiles. The findings suggest that macroalgae, rich in DHA and other beneficial FAs, hold promise for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, warranting further exploration into their therapeutic potential.Practical Applications: This study explores the fatty acid compositions and protein MWPs of eight macroalgae from Turkey's coasts. The findings suggest potential applications in aquaculture feeds and functional foods. Notably, DHA stands out for its antioxidant, cardioprotective, and cholinesterase inhibitor properties, making these macroalgae promising sources for obtaining DHA. The research supports practical applications in developing nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, and aquaculture practices, harnessing the bioactive potential of these marine resources for human health and industry.

Is the typical stage of Penicillus capitatus Lamarck (Bryopsidales, Halimedaceae) a possible indicator of climate warming?

In this study, through morphological and molecular analysis approaches, we documented the presence of the typical stage (adult stage) of Penicillus capitatus during the coldest seasons of the year, typically periods when this form had never been reported in the Mediterranean. Indeed, the typical stage is common throughout the year in the western Atlantic (native range of the species), whereas it is rare in the Mediterranean, where the Espera stage (juvenile stage) is the main stage. To date, in the Mediterranean, the adult stage has been found only in the warmer months of the year. Therefore, the observation of the typical stage in the Mediterranean Sea during the cold season might suggest a general increase in the seawater temperature in this basin, rendering this stage of P. capitatus a potential climate bioindicator. Furthermore, owing to the molecular analysis methods adopted, it was possible to assess the relationships between the Mediterranean and Atlantic populations of this species.

On the presence of an unexpected meadow of Penicillus capitatus Lamarck (Bryopsidales: Chlorophyta) in Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean

An unexpected meadow of the warm-water alga Penicillus capitatus was found thriving in sandy bottoms between 16 and 21 m depth in Mallorca, Balearic Islands. Plant densities and benthic coverage were very high when compared to most Mediterranean meadows of this species. As it is common in tropical meadows of this species, all the individuals were found in a Penicillus morphological state, whereas most Mediterranean individuals are always found in the filamentous (Espera) state. Due to the high biomass of the populations, the contribution to the primary productivity of the sandy bottoms it colonizes should be far from negligible. If the expansion of these species continues, the annual calcium carbonate production of the Balearic continental shelf will increase and previous estimated budgets will have to be reconsidered. Since no genetic analysis of the specimens have been performed so far, it is still early to know if the studied populations have been originated by native Mediterranean specimens or from a cryptic lineage of Western Atlantic or Macaronesian origin. Whatever the answer is, the current bloom of this population in an environment completely devoid of this species in the recent past, provides new evidence of the current tropicalization of the Mediterranean caused by global warming.

Some like it hot: Is the recent presence of the meadow-forming Penicillus capitatus in the Azores connected to global warming?

Specimens found in a tide pool on Santa Maria Island (Azores) were identified in situ as the green alga Penicillus capitatus (Halimedaceae, Bryopsidales). DNA-based analyses of two genetic markers (rbcL and tufA) confirmed the identification and indicated that the Azorean population is closely related to those from the Western Atlantic. P. capitatus is newly reported for the Azores, with the nearest population in the Madeiran archipelago since 1978. The present record expands the species distribution further north outside the Mediterranean basin. Simulation of particle dispersal indicates that the species could reach the Azores within a year from any place in the North Atlantic where it is known to occur. Therefore, P. capitatus most likely arrived by rafting through marine currents, though anthropogenic introduction has not been excluded. While its natural arrival in the Azores may have occurred multiple times, its current successful establishment is likely related to the recent warmer conditions of the Azorean waters, estimated to have increased by 1.05º C over the last four decades. Prospection on sandy bottoms should be performed to assess the distribution of the species in the archipelago. DNA sequence analyses, including representatives of other P. capitatus populations, are necessary to enable further studies at a phylogeographical level.

The Heatwave of Summer 2022 in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea: Some Species Were Winners

The warming trend of the Mediterranean Sea is a long-term process. It has resulted in a northwards and westwards range expansion and abundance increase of thermophilic species, both native and non-indigenous, and in a shrinking of the range of cold-affinity species. Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are relatively short-term extreme episodes that are responsible for spectacular mortality events in some species and have been extensively reported in the literature. In contrast, the species that benefit from MHWs (the ‘winners’) have been much less studied. A record-breaking MHW occurred in 2022 in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. We focus on three ‘winner’ species, the thermophilic green macroalgae Penicillus capitatus and Microdictyon umbilicatum and the endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Penicillus capitatus, which is mainly present in the area as an inconspicuous turf of entangled filaments (espera stage), produced the erect paintbrush-like stage where sexual reproduction takes place. Microdictyon umbilicatum, usually uncommon, bloomed to the point of clogging fishing nets. Finally, a mass flowering of P. oceanica occurred in late August–September, followed the following year (April–May 2023) by the extensive production and dissemination of fruits and seeds. Both processes, the long-term warming trend and one-off heatwaves, both ‘losers’ and ‘winners’, shape the change in structure and functioning of Mediterranean ecosystems.

Oxidative Stress Response in the Seaweed Padina pavonica Associated with the Invasive Halimeda incrassata and Penicillus capitatus

The western Mediterranean Sea is one of the most affected areas by the introduction of alien seaweed. Penicillus capitatus Lam. and the recently introduced Halimeda incrassata (J.Ellis) J.V.Lamour are tropical algae that invade native algae assemblies in the shallow sandy beds of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean) where they are already settled. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a potential competition between the invasive P. capitatus and H. incrassata and the native Padina pavonica (L.) Thivy, by means of biomarkers. P. pavonica samples were collected in their habitat without invasive species and areas where P. capitatus and H. incrassata cohabitated. P. pavonica densities were measured in the three investigated areas. The coexistence of the invasive algae and P. pavonica was related to a significant decrease in the densities of native algae when compared to the area without the invaders. Antioxidant enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase, and the reduced glutathione and polyphenols levels were significantly increased in P. pavonica in the presence of both invasive algae. Malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative damage, and the reactive oxygen species production tended to increase in the presence of the alien species, but without significant differences. The obtained results show that the presence of P. capitatus and H. incrassata altered the normal vegetative growth of P. pavonica and caused an antioxidant response that led to a context of stress, but without evidence of oxidative damage. In conclusion, the presence of the alien H. incrassata and P. capitatus can be considered a source of competitive stress for P. pavonica, although further research regarding the increased water temperature is required.

Letter: Nationwide Readmission Rates and Hospital Charges for Patients With Surgical Evacuation of Nontraumatic Subdural Hematomas: Part 1-Craniotomy.

Letter: Nationwide Readmission Rates and Hospital Charges for Patients With Surgical Evacuation of Nontraumatic Subdural Hematomas: Part 1-Craniotomy.

Crossing the Atlantic: The tropical macroalga Caulerpa ashmeadii Harvey 1858 as a recent settler in Porto Santo Island (Madeira archipelago, North-eastern Atlantic)

The green macroalga Caulerpa ashmeadii was recently found in the North-eastern Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Porto Santo Island (Madeira archipelago). Caulerpa ashmeadii was detected in a subtidal soft-bottom forming scattered patches, mostly among the green calcareous macroalgae Halimeda incrassata and Penicillus capitatus, within a depth range of 18–26 m. Some isolated patches were also observed in bare sand. The species is currently distributed over an estimated area of approximately 0.22 km2. Caulerpa ashmeadii may represent a recent settler (Nov. 2020), although the hypothesis of the species being present elsewhere in Porto Santo prior to our discovery cannot be discarded. Alternatively, the presence of C. ashmeadii in Porto Santo may indicate the influence of climate change on the composition and structure of benthic communities in the Webbnesia region, which further stresses the importance of conducting more intensive biological and environmental monitoring programmes. Overall, this new record constitutes an exceptional eastern expansion of this marine species by more than 4200 km, comprising its first register in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean.

Penicillus capitatus Lamarck 1813’un Türk Kıyılarında Kuzeye Doğru Yayılımı

Existence of Penicillus capitatus Lamarck 1813 has been known along the southern coastline of Turkey since 2010. On the other hand, no record of P. capitatus off the northern Aegean coastline of Turkey has so far been reported. The present paper reports the observation of P. capitatus in the coastline of Dikili, north of the Aegean shores of Turkey. In conclusion, it seems that the physicochemical parameters of the Aegean Sea are very suitable for P. capitatus and therefore, its observation in all locations of the Aegean Sea is most likely to be expected. Regular monitoring is recommended for this newly observed and habitat-forming species in the Turkish Coastline of the Aegean Sea.

The Specialist Marine Herbivore Elysia papillosa Grows Faster on a Less Utilized Algal Diet.

AbstractMany small specialist herbivores utilize their food resources both for nutrition and as a structural refuge or resource. Trophic linkage cannot solely be inferred from physical association of herbivores with a potential food item, because herbivores may temporarily inhabit algae or plants on which they do not feed. Elysia papillosa, a small sacoglossan sea slug, consumes and sequesters chloroplasts from the siphonaceous, chlorophytic alga Penicillus capitatus; it also maintains moderate densities on this alga. Recently, E. papillosa was also infrequently found in association with the alga Penicillus lamourouxii, which displays density similar to that of P. capitatus. After collecting E. papillosa from each of the two algal species from a shallow-water site along the west central coast of Florida, we used DNA barcoding of the rbcL gene sequences in order to determine whether the slug was consuming both algal species. The molecular data indicated that E. papillosa consumed and sequestered chloroplasts from the same algal species from which they were collected. A laboratory feeding experiment tested whether algal diet (P. capitatus or P. lamourouxii) had an impact on slug growth rate as measured by change in body size (mm). After 3 weeks E. papillosa fed P. lamourouxii achieved a mean body length that was 1.5-2 times that recorded for slugs fed P. capitatus, but maximum growth depended on the original field host. Thus, while the highest densities of E. papillosa in the field occurred on P. capitatus, slugs grew much faster on P. lamourouxii in the laboratory. The observed association of E. papillosa with P. capitatus must be related to other factors, such as foraging efficiency, algal morphology, algal biochemistry, or algal suitability as a refuge.

Foraging of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) on invasive allochthonous and autochthonous algae

Attempts to control marine invasive alien species (IAS) with native predators gained contrasting results, so far. To explore the feasibility of this approach to control the invasive marine alga Caulerpa cylindracea, we investigated the foraging behaviour of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus on three native macroalgae (Ulva sp., Penicillus capitatus and Cystoseira compressa) and on C. cylindracea. The consumption rate of C. cylindracea fresh biomass resulted larger than that of the other algae, when offered separately or in combination. C. cylindracea, however, was not the most attractive food item. The larger consumption rates of C. cylindracea can be explained by its specific caloric content (as assessed by its biochemical composition) that is lower than that of the other algae. Our results confirm that P. lividus can feed on C. cylindracea, but do not fully support its use to control C. cylindracea, unless in conditions where this alga is largely dominant because of other factors.

Isolation, fractionation and anticoagulant activity of a sulfated galactan extracted from the green algae Penicillus capitatus

ABSTRACT: Marine algae are natural sources of macromolecules known as sulfated polysaccharides. This class of compounds has attracted the interest of Pharmaceutical Sciences due to its pharmacological anticoagulant, antiplatelet and antithrombotic properties. Therefore, this study evaluated the anticoagulant potential of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from the algae Penicillus capitatus. The extracted sulfated polysaccharides were purified, partially characterized and their anticoagulant activity was evaluated. The extraction process followed by ethanol precipitation resulted in five fractions. Among the analyzed fractions, F44 contained highest concentration of sulfated polysaccharides. After the purified fraction F23, F44 displayed in vitro anticoagulant activity in a time testing for activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. The preferential mechanism effect was based on interactions between thrombin and factor Xa. Additional studies on structure pharmacological are required to test the viability of the use of sulfated polysaccharides as therapeutic agents.

Annual occurrence and algal preferences of the kleptoplastic sea slug, Elysia papillosa

Kleptoplastic, sacoglossan sea slugs are some of the best known examples of specialist marine herbivores. However, while their chloroplast symbiosis (kleptoplasty) has been studied in many species, little is known about sacoglossan life histories or their seasonal and temporal variation in natural populations. Most sacoglossan species are associated with one or a few closely related algal species that provide the chloroplast source for the kleptoplastic association. Elysia papillosa, a small sacoglossan with a distribution ranging throughout the Caribbean to Florida, primarily feeds on the alga, Penicillus capitatus, although it has also been found on several additional species of algae. A yearlong field survey of E. papillosa in a rhizophytic algal bed in Tarpon Springs, FL, USA revealed a low density of slugs throughout the year except during April, when mean density sharply peaked to 7.0 ± 5.9 slugs (0.25 m2)−1 . Slugs were not found on any algae other than P. capitatus, except occasionally on P. lamourouxii, suggesting that the latter alga serves as a secondary chloroplast source for E. papillosa. The presence of slugs throughout the year implies a broad tolerance of both salinity and temperature although the peak numbers in April may indicate a physiological preference for warming spring temperatures and, perhaps, day length.

Chemical structure and anticoagulant activity of highly pyruvylated sulfated galactans from tropical green seaweeds of the order Bryopsidales.

Sulfated and pyruvylated galactans were isolated from three tropical species of the Bryopsidales, Penicillus capitatus, Udotea flabellum, and Halimeda opuntia. They represent the only important sulfated polysaccharides present in the cell walls of these highly calcified seaweeds of the suborder Halimedineae. Their structural features were studied by chemical analyses and NMR spectroscopy. Their backbone comprises 3-, 6-, and 3,6-linkages, constituted by major amounts of 3-linked 4,6-O-(1'-carboxy)ethylidene-d-galactopyranose units in part sulfated on C-2. Sulfation on C-2 was not found in galactans from other seaweeds of this order. In addition, a complex sulfation pattern, comprising also 4-, 6-, and 4,6-disulfated galactose units was found. A fraction from P. capitatus, F1, showed a moderate anticoagulant activity, evaluated by general coagulation tests and also kinetics of fibrin formation was assayed. Besides, preliminary results suggest that one of the possible mechanisms involved is direct thrombin inhibition.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ALIEN GASTROPOD Melibe viridis (KELAART, 1858) (OPISTOBRANCHIA: TETHYIDAE) IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SHORES OF TURKEY

In this study, distribution of Melibe viridis (Kelaart, 1858) which is an alien dendronotacean nudibranch (Gastropoda) in Turkish Mediterranean Shores is determined. This mollusc was observed on a soft sediment bottom (sandy) covered with algal beds mainly composed of Ace-tebulum acetebularia, neptun grass (Penicillus capitatus) and the invasive chlorophyta Cau-lerpa scallpeliformis. One specimen of M. viridis was observed during SCUBA diving activity in Konyaalti beach at a depth of 12 meters, 4 September 2011, in the Gulf of Antalya.

Can the Marine Ecosystem of a Posidonia oceanica Back-reef React and Defend Itself against the Spread of Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea?

A back-reef of Posidonia oceanica (Santa Liberata, Orbetello, Italy) subject to degradation lost its typical mixed meadow of Cymodocea nodosa , Nanozostera noltii and Caulerpa prolifera and was colonised by the invasive chlorophycea Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea ( C. racemosa ) between 2003 and 2004. When the submerged flora behind the P. oceanica barrier reef was studied between 2005 and 2006, C. racemosa constituted 25% of the macroalgal biomass and showed high cover (>50%). Residual dead patches of the mixed meadow had been colonized by Penicillus capitatus . By 2011, C. racemosa had fallen to about 3% of total algal mass and its cover had also dropped (5-25%), while other typical species predominated: P. oceanica dead mattes were covered by thin dense mats of photophile species dominated by Jania rubens and Cladophora sp. Periodically, the latter produced balls that floated freely on the bottom. We compared the lists of phytobenthic flora for 2005, 2006 and 2011 by explorative correspondence analysis. The 2011 list showed a 27% increase in autochthonous species. The results suggest that the invasion of allochthonous fast-spreading C. racemosa may occur in degraded ecosystems after events that altered the original community. The community can recover through a succession of vegetation changes.

Antiviral activity of extracts from Brazilian seaweeds against herpes simplex virus

Organic extracts of 36 species of marine algae (sixteen species of Rhodophyta, eight species of Ochrophyta and twelve species of Chlorophyta) from seven locations on the Brazilian coast were evaluated for their anti-HSV-1 and anti-HSV-2 activity resistant to Acyclovir (ACV). Activity tests in crude extracts, followed by the identification of the major compounds present, were performed for all species. The chemical profiles of all crude extracts were obtained by ¹H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The percentage of extracts with antiviral activity was higher for HSV-1 (86.1%) than for HSV-2 (55.5%). The green algae Ulva fasciata and Codium decorticatum both showed the highest activity (99.9%) against HSV-1, with triacylglycerols and fatty acids as the major components. The red alga Laurencia dendroidea showed good activity against HSV-1 (97.5%) and the halogenated sesquiterpenes obtusol and (-)-elatol were identified as the major components in the extract. Against HSV-2, the green alga Penicillus capitatus (Chlorophyta) and Stypopodium zonale (Ochrophyta) were the most active (96.0 and 95.8%). Atomaric acid, a meroditerpene, was identified as the major secondary metabolite in the S. zonale extract. These results reinforce the role of seaweeds as important sources of compounds with the potential to enter into the pipeline for development of new drugs against herpes simplex.

Spatio-temporal patterns and nutrient status of macroalgae in a heavily managed region of Biscayne Bay, Florida, USA

The coastal bays of South Florida are located downstream of the Florida Everglades, where a comprehensive restoration plan will strongly impact the hydrology of the region. Submerged aquatic vegetation communities are common components of benthic habitats of Biscayne Bay, and will be directly affected by changes in water quality. This study explores community structure, spatio-temporal dynamics, and tissue nutrient content of macroalgae to detect and describe relationships with water quality. The macroalgal community responded to strong variability in salinity; three distinctive macroalgal assemblages were correlated with salinity as follows: (1) low-salinity, dominated by Chara hornemannii and a mix of filamentous algae; (2) brackish, dominated by Penicillus capitatus, Batophora oerstedii, and Acetabularia schenckii; and (3) marine, dominated by Halimeda incrassata and Anadyomene stellata. Tissue-nutrient content was variable in space and time but tissues at all sites had high nitrogen and N:P values, demonstrating high nitrogen availability and phosphorus limitation in this region. This study clearly shows that distinct macroalgal assemblages are related to specific water quality conditions, and that macroalgal assemblages can be used as community-level indicators within an adaptive management framework to evaluate performance and restoration impacts in Biscayne Bay and other regions where both freshwater and nutrient inputs are modified by water management decisions.

Comparative phosphate acquisition in giant-celled rhizophytic algae (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta): Fleshy vs. calcified forms

Phosphate uptake through above-ground thalli vs. subterranean rhizoids has been compared in siphonaceous rhizophytic green algal species from five globally distributed tropical genera: Avrainvillea nigricans Decaisne, Caulerpa lanuginosa J. Agardh, Halimeda incrassata (J. Ellis) J.V. Lamouroux, Penicillus capitatus Lamarck, and Udotea flabellum (J. Ellis & Solander) M. Howe. Plants were collected, acclimated to lab conditions for 3 days, and then incubated for 8 h at saturating light intensity with 30 μM PO 4 3− added to their above-ground thallus or below-ground rhizoids. Percent tissue phosphorus was then compared to control specimens, which were run simultaneously in the absence of phosphate. The two fleshy species, A. nigricans and C. lanuginosa, showed no significant differences in tissue nutrient status, and displayed much larger variation among controls than the three calcified species. Calcified species showed greater phosphorus content after being exposed to either above- or below-ground thallus portions, indicating that these seaweeds can respond to short term increases in nutrient availability and have a more regulated nutrient acquisition mechanism. Results suggest that calcification may play an important role in phosphorus absorption.