Undaria Pinnatifida Research Articles

Microbial communities associated with kelp detritus in temperate and subantarctic intertidal sediments.

Kelp forests, among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, cover large areas of the South Atlantic coast. Sediment heterotrophic bacteria have a pivotal role in the degradation of kelp biomass, however, the response of sediment microbial communities to periodic kelp biomass inputs is mostly unknown. Here, we show that kelp biomass induced rapid changes in overlying water chemistry and shifts in sediment microbial communities, which differed in the experimental systems containing Macrocystis pyrifera (M) and Undaria pinnatifida (U) with sediments of the respective regions. We observed results compatible with the degradation of labile, high molecular weight compounds into smaller and more refractory compounds towards the end of the incubations. The capability of microbial communities to degrade alginate, the major component of kelp cell walls, significantly increased with respect to controls after kelp biomass addition (Absorbance at 235 nm 1.2 ± 0.3 and 1.0 ± 0.2 for M and U, respectively, controls <0.2, t = 4 days). Shifts in microbial community structure (based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) were tightly related to the kelp treatment and, to a lesser extent, to the sediment provenance (Principal Coordinates Analysis, 80 % of variation explained in the first two axes). Dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, alginolytic potential, Absorbance at 235 and 600 nm, total N, total C, and SUVA index correlated significantly with community structure. Differentially abundant populations between kelp-amended treatments and controls included members of the Flavobacteriia class (Algibacter and Polaribacter), and Gammaproteobacteria (Psychromonas and Marinomonas), among others. Metagenomes of M and U-amended sediments contained sequences from 18 of the 19 enzyme families related to alginate or fucoidan degradation. Specific taxonomic groups were associated with enzyme classes targeting different substrates, suggesting niche differentiation. This work expands our knowledge on the patterns of microbial assemblages from intertidal sediments in response to kelp biomass inputs.

Undaria Pinnatifida (Wakame) Moderates Postprandial Glycaemia in Healthy Young Japanese Women

Undaria Pinnatifida (Wakame) Moderates Postprandial Glycaemia in Healthy Young Japanese Women

Seaweed intake modulates the association between VIPR2 variants and the incidence of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged Koreans.

Vasoactive intrinsic peptide receptor (VIPR2), a circadian gene, is involved in metabolic homeostasis and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Seaweeds contain polysaccharides that regulate metabolic homeostasis, possibly by altering the effects of VIPR2 variants. We examined the relationship between VIPR2 expression and the incidence of MetS based on seaweed consumption. This study included 4979 Koreans aged ≥40 years using data from the Ansan-Ansung cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. The total seaweeds included were laver, kelp, and sea mustard. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the interactions between the VIPR2 rs6950857 genotype associated with MetS incidence and seaweed intake after adjusting for covariates such as region. A total of 2134 patients with MetS were followed for an average of 8.9 years. In men with the GG genotype of rs6950857, the highest quintile of seaweed consumption was associated with a decreased incidence of MetS compared with that of the lowest quintile (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.98). We identified a unique association between the rs6950857 genotype, seaweed intake, and MetS. These findings highlight the importance of VIPR2 and the regulatory role of seaweed consumption in MetS incidence.

일부 해조류의 일반성분 및 무기질 함량의 영양평가

The purpose of this study was to assess the value and potential of seaweed as a future food resource focused on mineral nutrition. The proximate composition was determined and 12 minerals were analyzed using ICP-MS for 11 highly produced seaweed varieties in Korea. The proximate composition per 100 g of dried seaweed comprised carbohydrates (58%), proteins (22%), ash (20%), and fat (＜1%), and the energy ranged from 90.78 kcal (in sea staghorn) to 192.37 kcal (seaweed fusiforme). Seaweed with the highest content and contribution ratio to the mineral reference intake were sea mustard and sea staghorn for calcium, Ecklonia cava and sea staghorn for magnesium, sea staghorn for sodium, seaweed fusiforme for potassium, Ecklonia cava for iron and manganese, sea staghorn for copper and selenium, and sea lettuce for molybdenum. Our study concluded that the specific mineral contents of various seaweeds, such as sea mustard, sea staghorn, Ecklonia cava, seaweed fusiforme, and sea lettuce, were relatively high. Our data indicate that seaweeds are potentially a good source of several minerals.

Anticancer Effects of Fucoxanthin through Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis Induction, Angiogenesis Inhibition, and Autophagy Modulation.

Cancer accounts for one in seven deaths worldwide and is the second leading cause of death in the United States, after heart disease. One of the standard cancer treatments is chemotherapy which sometimes can lead to chemoresistance and treatment failure. Therefore, there is a great need for novel therapeutic approaches to treat these patients. Novel natural products have exhibited anticancer effects that may be beneficial in treating many kinds of cancer, having fewer side effects, low toxicity, and affordability. Numerous marine natural compounds have been found to inhibit molecular events and signaling pathways associated with various stages of cancer development. Fucoxanthin is a well-known marine carotenoid of the xanthophyll family with bioactive compounds. It is profusely found in brown seaweeds, providing more than 10% of the total creation of natural carotenoids. Fucoxanthin is found in edible brown seaweed macroalgae such as Undaria pinnatifida, Laminaria japonica, and Eisenia bicyclis. Many of fucoxanthin's pharmacological properties include antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, anticancer, and antihypertensive effects. Fucoxanthin inhibits many cancer cell lines' proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, it modulates miRNA and induces cell cycle growth arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy. Moreover, the literature shows fucoxanthin's ability to inhibit cytokines and growth factors such as TNF-α and VEGF, which stimulates the activation of downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt autophagy, and pathways of apoptosis. This review highlights the different critical mechanisms by which fucoxanthin inhibits diverse cancer types, such as breast, prostate, gastric, lung, and bladder development and progression. Moreover, this article reviews the existing literature and provides critical supportive evidence for fucoxanthin's possible therapeutic use in cancer.

Characterization ofl-fucose isomerase fromPaenibacillus rhizosphaeraeto producel-fuculose from hydrolyzed fucoidan and commercial fucose

l-Fuculose is a valuable rare sugar that is used to treat a variety of ailments, including HIV, cancer, Hepatitis B, human lysosomal disease (fucosidosis), and cardio-protective medications. The enzymatic approach for the production of l-fuculose using l-fucose as a substrate would be an advantageous method with a wide range of industrial applications. The objective of this study is the characterization of recombinant l-fucose isomerase from Paenibacillus rhizosphaerae (Pa-LFI) for the production of l-fuculose from an inexpensive and natural source (fucoidan) as well as its comparison with commercial l-fucose (Sigma-Aldrich). Fucoidan, a fucose-containing polysaccharide (FPs), was isolated from Undaria pinnatifida, subsequently hydrolyzed, and characterized before the enzymatic production of l-fuculose. The results elaborate that FPs contain 35.9% of fucose along with other kinds of monosaccharides. The purified Pa-LFI exhibited a single band at 65 kDa and showed it as a hexamer with a native molecular mass of 396 kDa. The highest activity of 104.5 U mg-1 of Pa-LFI was perceived at a temperature of 50°C and pH 6.5 in the presence of 1 mM of Mn2+. The Pa-LFI revealed a melting temperature (Tm) of 75°C and a half-life of 12.6 h at 50°C. It exhibited that Pa-LFI with aldose substrate (l-fucose), has a stronger isomerizing activity, disclosing Km,kcat, and kcat/Km 86.2 mM, 32 831 min-1, and 335 min-1 mM-1, respectively. After reaching equilibrium, Pa-LFI efficiently catalyzed the reaction to convert l-fucose into l-fuculose and the conversion ratios of l-fuculose from 100 g L-1 of FPs and commercial fucose were around 6% (5.6 g L-1) and 30% (30.2 g L-1), respectively. According to the findings of the current study, the Pa-LFI will be useful in the manufacturing of l-fuculose using an effective and easy approach that produces no by-products.

Photosynthetic pigments and color of wild Undaria pinnatifida for wakame production (Chubut, Patagonia Argentina)

The invasive brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida was first recorded in the Southwest Atlantic in 1992 in Golfo Nuevo, northern Patagonia, Argentina. Since then, it has spread over most of the Argentine coast developing dense seasonal kelp beds. This seasonal biomass could be used for wakame production, for which the color is an important quality variable. The aim of this study was to determine the temporal and ontogenetic variations of pigments content and color of Undaria from Golfo Nuevo, and its relation to water temperature, irradiance, and nutrient concentration. Sporophytes present in five 1m2 quadrats were collected from a 2 m-depth hard bottom in five occasions between September and November 2018. Morphometric variables were measured in all the sporophytes collected (N = 200). Color (CIE Lab) and pigments (Chlorophyll a and c, and fucoxanthin) were measured on each juvenile and adult sporophyte. Color was also measured after boiling. Water temperature and irradiance were measured 70 cm above the bottom with a 10-minute frequency. Nitrate+nitrite, ammonium, and phosphate concentrations (μM) were measured from surface seawater samples taken on each sampling date. Higher pigment content and better color parameters (lower L* and b*) were observed in adult sporophytes with thicker blades. In juvenile sporophytes with thin blades, L*and b* color parameters were strongly affected by pigment content. Temporal fluctuations of color parameters and pigment content were smooth and not significant. GLMs showed that variations in color parameters and pigments were mostly related to development and blade thickness, and at a lower extent, by nutrients and irradiance. We conclude that adult sporophytes have better color than juveniles for wakame production during the austral spring in the study area. However, further research would be necessary to analyze other quality parameters (e.g. hairs, wrinkles, and hardness) and their geographical variations.

Research of consumer preferences in the production of bioactive pates for nutrition of pregnant women

The article discusses the issues of the need to create and demand in the consumer market of commodity product lines for adolescents. The authors propose the composition of the food system for the enrichment of snack products for teenagers. As components of the food system, the following were chosen: wheat germ cake, whey protein concentrate, food chickpeas and Japanese kelp powder. The selected types of domestic raw materials have a high biopotential, attractive economic characteristics and are very promising in the production of food products for children of the older age group. The protein content in the food system was 47 g per 100 g of product. The use of an enricher in the composition of finished products, with the obtained total protein content, is advisable, since its amount is comparable to the daily norm, which predictably confirms the principles of the functionality of food products. The technological process of production of the food system included the stages of acceptance and preparation of raw materials, dosing and mixing of components, packaging. Based on the data on meeting the daily requirement for nutrients and energy, it can be stated that the content of vitamins A, D, B7, selenium, chromium and copper in the FOS was 15% or less. The concentration of vitamins: B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, K and minerals - calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chlorides, molybdenum, fluorine was within 20-50%. At the same time, the content of iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamin E is set to more than 50% or at the level of the average daily requirement, which allows the food system to be included in products as a fortified supplement. The rich vitamin and mineral composition of the fortifier predictably ensures the maintenance of many functions of a rapidly developing adolescent organism, including ensuring the proper functioning of the skeletal system, muscles, heart and brain, the production of enzymes and hormones. The high biological value of the additive suggests the prospect of its use as a protein and vitamin-mineral fortifier in the production of high-carbohydrate confectionery products, in particular snack bars.

Effects of antifouling compounds on the growth of macroalgae Undaria pinnatifida

Seaweeds are some of the principal primary producers of marine environments, and they are important ecological elements of coastal ecosystems. The effects of harmful chemicals on seaweeds may adversely affect coastal ecosystems, hence we aimed to develop a new phytotoxicity test using the gametophytes of a common temperate kelp species, Undaria pinnatifida (KU-1630), for the widely used antifouling chemical substances Cybutryne, Diuron, Cu2+, and Zn2+. Toxicity to gametophytes of U. pinnatifida was assessed by comparing the relative growth rate (RGR) at the logarithmic growth phase. Fragmentation method, initial algal biomass, photon irradiance, and adhesive period were investigated for developing optimal test conditions. Cybutryne exposure tests were performed with seven replicates and control, the RGR ranging from 0.17 to 0.19, while mean 7-day EC50 and no observed effect concentration (NOEC) were 5.1 μg/L and 1.8 μg/L, respectively. The 7-day EC50 for other antifoulants was 14 μg/L for Diuron, 17 μg/L for Cu2+, and 1500 μg/L for Zn2+. This test method demonstrated high sensitivity and reproducibility, and it may be added to the routine methods used for toxicity evaluation of hazardous chemicals.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the spatial and temporal differentiation of gene expression in the sporophyte of Undaria pinnatifida

Multicellular organisms are differentiated into specialized organs having specific functions. Kelps, morphologically diverse brown algae of the order Laminariales, exhibit specialized morphological features with a holdfast, a stipe, and a blade. However, little is known about the expression profiles and their biological functions from the different tissues. Among the kelp species, the edible Pacific kelp, Undaria pinnatifida is an ecologically and economically important species native to the Northeastern Asia. It presents the typical organization of kelps but is characterized by the formation of its sporophyll, the sexually reproductive tissue, on the stipe. To study their respective gene expression profiles, we generated transcriptome sequences from four tissues; the sporophyll, meristem, healthy blade, and decaying apex blade were sampled at the three time points in the development of the sporophyte. We demonstrate an up-regulation of genes related to photosynthetic genes in the healthy blade, of genes related to cell proliferation in the meristem and of genes related to flagella development in the sporophyll. Overall, the study revealed clear spatial and temporal variation in the expression patterns within and between the different tissues that were well correlated with the biological functions in the different tissues.

Efficient Removal of Lead Ions from Aqueous Media Using Sustainable Sources Based on Marine Algae

The goal of this project is to explore a new method to efficiently remove Pb(II) ions from water by processing Undaria pinnatifida into immobilized beads using sodium alginate and calcium chloride. The resulting biosorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Using immobilized U. pinnatifida, we investigated the effect of various factors on Pb(II) ion removal efficiency such as temperature, pH, ionic strength, time, and underlying biosorption mechanisms. For Pb(II) ion biosorption studies, Pb(II) ion biosorption data were obtained and analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. It is found that the maximum Pb(II) ion adsorption capacity (X m) of U. pinnatifida was estimated to be ∼5 times greater than that of activated carbon, indicating the superior Pb(II) ion removal capability of U. pinnatifida compared to activated carbon. In addition, a thermodynamic study indicates that biosorption processes are found to be endothermic and an increase in the Pb(II) ion solution temperature provides a more preferential reaction toward Pb(II) ion biosorption.

Seaweed Slurry Improved Gel Properties and Enhanced Protein Structure of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Surimi.

In order to improve the gel quality of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) surimi, the texture and rheological properties and microstructure of silver carp surimi gel products were analyzed by adding Laminaria japonica (LJ), Undaria pinnatifida (UP) and Sargassum fusiforme (SF) slurries. After adding kelp slurry (KS), the gel strength reached the highest level of 1047.26 ± 85.04 (g·mm). The carbonyl content and surface hydrophobicity of surimi protein increased, while the free amino groups, total sulfhydryl groups, and fluorescence intensity decreased significantly. The results of transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), circular dichroic (CD), and Raman spectra showed that the KS promoted the change of the secondary structure of protein. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that kelp slurry had a more compact gel microstructure. In conclusion, the kelp slurry could significantly increase the gel strength, improve the quality of surimi products, enrich the nutrition of silver carp surimi, and have great significance for expanding the application range of seaweed.

Development of an analytical procedure to analyze microplastics in edible macroalgae using an enzymatic-oxidative digestion.

Besides being food and a refuge to marine species, macroalgae are a powerful and renewable economic resource. However, they may introduce microplastics (MPs) in the trophic chain. We developed a reliable analytical method to characterize and quantify MPs in common and edible macroalgae. Several digestion methods and filters, along with various measurement options, were studied. A new enzymatic-oxidative protocol with a unique final filtration was selected and validated with a mixture of 5 commercial macroalgae (Undaria pinnatifida spp, Porphyra spp, Ulva spp, Laminaria ochroleuca and Himanthalia elongate). Further, it was shown that washing the macroalgae to release MPs is suboptimal and the potential adhesion of MPs to macroalgae was evaluated. A filter subsampling strategy that scans 33.64% of its surface reduced the time required to characterize <70μm particles and fibres directly on the 47mm diameter filter using an IR microscope (1 sample/day).

Optimization of fucoxanthin extraction obtained from natural by-products from Undaria pinnatifida stem using supercritical CO2 extraction method.

In the recent years, edible brown seaweed, Undaria pinnatifida, has presented beneficial effects, which may be correlated with this species containing major bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, fatty acids, and phytosterols. Marine carotenoid fucoxanthin is abundantly present in edible Undaria pinnatifida and features strong bioactive activities. The stem of Undaria pinnatifida is very hard to gnaw off and cannot be swallowed; therefore, it is usually discarded as waste, making it an environmental issue. Hence, making full use of the waste stem of Undaria pinnatifida is an urgent motivation. The present study aims to explore the optimal preparation technology of fucoxanthin from Undaria pinnatifida stems using supercritical carbon dioxide methods and provides approaches for the extraction and preparation of bioactive compounds from a waste seaweed part. With the comprehensive optimization conditions applied in this study, the experimental yield of fucoxanthin agreed closely with the predicted value by > 99.3%. The potential of α-amylase and glucoamylase to inhibit bioactive compounds was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the inhibition activity (IC50 value) of α-amylase (0.1857 ± 0.0198 μg/ml) and glucoamylase (0.1577 ± 0.0186 μg/ml) varied with extraction conditions due to the different contents of bioactive components in the extract, especially fucoxanthin (22.09 ± 0.69 mg/g extract). Therefore, this study confirmed supercritical fluid extraction technology to be a useful sample preparation method, which can effectively be used to prepare fucoxanthin from waste marine resources. This method can potentially be applied in functional food and related industries.

Combining mussel with fucoidan as a supplement for joint pain and prediabetes: Study protocol for a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

IntroductionPharmaceutical drugs are beneficial to inflammatory conditions but with side effects, which led to the search for alternative therapies. Perna canaliculus, the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, have shown promise in placebo-controlled trials for inflammatory conditions. Fucoidan, an extract from seaweed Undaria pinnatifida, has been found to have beneficial effects on joint pain and insulin resistance. However, green-lipped mussel and fucoidan have never been combined.Methods and analysisA parallel, two-arm, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will be conducted in New Zealand to determine whether a food product supplemented with green-lipped mussel and fucoidan improves joint pain and/or insulin resistance. Those who are ethnically Chinese, are aged over 30 years, have prediabetes and hip or knee joint pain will be eligible to participate. They will be randomized at 1:1 ratio to consume either dark chocolate supplemented with 1000 mg mussel powder and 1000 mg fucoidan or dark chocolate with no active substances daily for 100 days. The primary endpoints are change in insulin resistance and patient-reported joint pain. Secondary endpoints include anthropometry, fasting glucose and insulin, HbA1c, inflammatory markers, satiety, quality of life, physical function, pain intensity, and analgesic medication use. A sample size of 150 (75 per arm) will provide 90% power at an overall significance level of 5% (two-sided) to detect a standardized effect size of 0.625 on either of the two co-primary outcomes allowing for 10% loss.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Health and Disability Ethics Committee (number: 20/STH/153). Results will be made available to participants, funders, and other researchers.DiscussionThis trial will provide data on the potential utility of a mussel-fucoidan supplement in reducing joint pain and/or insulin resistance, to inform the development of a supplemented food product suitable for the Chinese market.Clinical trial registrationhttps://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=ACTRN12621000413820, ANZCTR Registration: ACTRN12621000413820, on 15 April 2021.

Pathway analysis of the proteomes of red, brown, and green macroalgae

Comparative proteomics provides insights into the biochemical pathways of macroalgae. One type of comparative proteomics is pathway analysis, which seeks to identify biological processes and cellular functions impacted by variations in groups of genes. Here we perform pathway analysis of macroalgae, including green (Ulva mutabilis and Ulva prolifera), red (Chondrus crispus, Gracilariopsis chorda and Porphyra umbilicalis), and brown (Ectocarpus siliculosus, Macrocystis pyrifera, Fucus vesiculosus, Saccharina japonica and Undaria pinnatifida) seaweeds. We chose these macroalgae because their whole genomes are publicly available. We determine gene function through mapping to orthologous gene groups in the KEGG database. Our analysis finds a core of approximately fifty pathways that are similar among groups, including central carbon metabolism (amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism) and secondary metabolism (terpenoid biosynthesis, cofactors and vitamins, sulfur metabolism). We also determine numerous pathways that have differential orthologous gene group abundance among the three groups: central metabolic processes (carbon fixation, photosynthesis), secondary metabolism (fatty acid elongation, O-glycan biosynthesis), and also cellular processes (circadian rhythm, longevity regulation). We find both inter- and intra-group differences in the circadian rhythm pathway. For example, transcription factor HY5 is consistent in the red algae and absent from others, whereas, circadian clock associated 1 (CCA1) is present in 2 browns (E. siliculosus and S. japonica) and 2 reds (G. chorda and P. umbilicalis). In both of the green macroalgae and 2 reds (C. crispus and G. chorda) we identified a cryptochrome (CRY), which is a blue light receptor important in circadian rhythm. Overall, we find few orthologous gene groups in the circadian rhythm pathway to be present in the brown macroalgae except for pseudo-response regulator 7, which is consistent with a poorly understood “brown clock”.

Functional and Biochemical Properties of some Economically Important Edible Seaweeds

We evaluated the functional properties and nutritional composition of six dried commercially valuable edible seaweeds Porphyra sp., Undaria pinnatifida, Saccharina sp., Hizikia fusiformis, Gracilaria sp., and Sargassum sp. in the current study. The proximate composition of the dried seaweeds revealed that Porphyra sp. had a high total crude protein content (38.58 ± 0.16 %) followed by Undaria sp. (23.03 ± 0.30%), Saccharina sp. (11.39 ± 0.09%), H. fusiformis (18.77 ± 0.01%), Gracilaria sp. (18.30 ± 0.13%), and Sargassum sp. (13.56 ± 0.04%). Fatty acid profiling showed high MUFA content in Sargassum sp. (1.09 %); this seaweed also contained 0.84% saturated fatty acid and 0.48% PUFA. On the other hand, U. pinnatifida was rich in macro elements (297.57 ± 11.09 mg/100g) and Gracilaria sp. had high micromineral content (6397.35 ± 89.42 µg/100g). Functional properties of the powdered seaweed were also evaluated. The water–holding capacity of Porphyra sp. (8.82 ± 0.40 g water/g algal sample) was better than H. fusiformis (6.22 ± 0.30 g water/g algal sample). Oil holding capacity of Gracilaria sp. (3.23 ± 0.08 g oil/g algal samples) was higher than U. pinnatifida (1.92 ± 0.22 g oil/g algal sample). Further, H. fusiformis had a good foaming capacity (38.0 ± 2.0 %). Based on the results obtained herein, it could be summarized that the seaweeds studied were nutritionally rich (containing minerals that are vital for human health), and could be used as a functional food and in various food formulations.

An improved protocol for protoplast production, culture, and whole plant regeneration of the commercial brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida

Protoplasts (i.e., living plant cells devoid of cell wall) represent an important biotechnological tool with utility for the conduction of in vitro studies and crop improvement in economic cultivars. Undaria pinnatifida is an annual brown kelp commonly used in Asian cuisine and several industries because of its biological properties. It is one of the major seaweed cultivars used worldwide. This study establishes a simple and effective protocol for protoplast isolation, culture, and whole plant regeneration of U. pinnatifida . The results showed that high protoplast yields (2–4 × 10 7 protoplast g −1 of fresh weight) were obtained using the commercially available enzymes cellulase “Onozuka” RS (1 %) and alginate lyase (4 U mL −1 ) without any pre-treatment and with a short incubation time (2–4 h). The isolation protocol described herein presented with more effective results with meristematic explants and was superior to the protocols reported for U. pinnatifida and other brown algae. Additionally, the enzymatic mixture could be reused up to six times. Whole plant regeneration was accomplished after 3 months in culture at 20 °C using two culture media, and a mixture of antibiotics (penicillin G, streptomycin, and chloramphenicol) was added once at the beginning of the culture. Our regeneration protocol was less laborious and more cost-effective, exhibiting final plating efficiency higher than previously reported and demonstrating the potential to be used to produce up to 3 × 10 4 sporophytes g −1 of explant. The established protocol can be easily used for genetic manipulation, protoplast fusion, or micropropagation, thus enabling the expansion of the use of protoplasts in algae. • Single-step production of protoplasts from the edible seaweed Undaria pinnatifida using commercial enzymes • The reusability of the enzyme shows that the process is economically viable. • Antibiotics and temperature are key factors for protoplast survival, division and normal regeneration. • Regeneration protocol is simpler and more effective than previously reported.

Subcritical water extraction for recovery of phenolics and fucoidan from New Zealand Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) seaweed

In this study, subcritical water extraction (SWE) was investigated for the recovery of phenolics, phlorotannins, and fucoidan from New Zealand Wakame. Maximum total phenolics and phlorotannin content of 29.9 mg ± 1.8 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight seaweed (mg GAE/g dw) and 0.99 mg ± 0.004 mg phloroglucinol equivalents (PGE)/g dw respectively were achieved at 210 °C, at a solid content of 10 g/L, and at 15–20 min. Maximum fucoidan yield of 46 mg/g dw was obtained at 120 °C, 5 min, and 20 g/L. In comparison, conventional hot water extraction (HWE) achieved lower phenolic and phlorotannin content at 1.27 mg ± 0.01 mg GAE/g dw and 0.69 mg ± 0.1 mg PGE/g dw respectively. Also, fucoidan was not detected by HWE and antioxidant activity was much lower compared to SWE. These results indicate the effectiveness of SWE as an alternative to conventional extraction methods.

A HPLC‐DAD method for identifying and estimating the content of fucoxanthin, β‐carotene and chlorophyll a in brown algal extracts

Seaweeds are photosynthetic organisms that have high contents of pigments. The coloration of each alga is defined by the content and combination of pigments synthesized, which varies among species and environmental conditions. The most abundant pigments in algae are chlorophylls and carotenoids, lipophilic molecules that can be used as natural colorants and have high acceptance by consumers. In this work, a simple and short hands-on time HPLC-DAD method for identifying and estimating the pigment content of algal extracts, specifically fucoxanthin, β-carotene and chlorophyll a was carried out. Using this optimized method, a pigment screening was performed on the ethanolic extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction from nine brown algal from the Atlantic coastline: Ascophyllum nodosum, Bifurcaria bifurcata, Fucus spiralis, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria saccharina, Laminaria ochroleuca, Pelvetia canaliculata, Sargassum muticum and Undaria pinnatifida. HPLC results permitted to highlight L. saccharina and U. pinnatifida as promising sources of these three target pigments containing a total amount of 10.5 – 11.5 mg per gram of dry weight. Among them, the most abundant one was fucoxanthin, an added-value compound with a high potential to be commercially exploited by different industries, such as the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors.