Seaweed Kappaphycus Alvarezii Research Articles

Regeneration of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed resulting from the transformation of the PaCs gene (Citrate Synthase) to increase resistance to environmental congestion in floating net cages in Pangkep water

The PaCs (Citrate Synthase) gene of the seaweed K. alvarezii has effectively undergone in vitro transformation. To improve the survival of the transformation of the Citrate Synthase seaweed gene, it is carried out: (1) Regeneration of the results of transformation in culture chamber in the laboratory; (2) Acclimatization in green net (MS 100 μm) size 50x50x50 cm, density 200 explants maintained for 2 weeks, transferred to the blue net with a size of 50x50x50 cm (MS 200 μm) density 200 explants maintained for 4 weeks, then maintenance by the longline method using a double rope with a distance of 15 Cm on floating net cages. At intervals of two weeks, measurements of size, length, and water quality are made. Analysis of PaCs gene integration with PCR using Primary PaCS-F and PaCS-R. The results showed that the long DGR in the culture chamber was 0.11% to 0.18%/day, weight growth rate 0.62-1.30%/day, Acclimatization on green nets indicates a long growth rate of 2.28-2.3%/day, weight grow rate of 0.62 to 1.3% / day, and on blue nets, increases long grow rate 3-5%/day and weight 1.15-2.18%/day. Seaweed enlargement using the longline method shows a long growth rate of 5.3-9%/day and weight growth range from 1,23-3.2%/day. The band was located in the CaMV 35S vector at a place corresponding to the 1630 bp PaCS-F and PaCS-R promoter segments, according to the results of the integration of the Citrate Synthase gene in seaweed. Based on these findings, the seaweed K. alvarezii has successfully received the PaCS gene insertion.

Fabrication and characterization of bio-nanocomposite films using κ-Carrageenan and Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed for multiple industrial applications

In the present study, the whole seaweed from Kappaphycus alvarezii (containing carrageenan) was used for preparation of bio-nanocomposite films by blending with metal oxide nanoparticles such as zinc oxide (ZnONPs), cupric oxide (CuONPs) and silicon dioxide (SiO2NPs) for multiple applications, and their properties were compared with standard refined κ-Carrageenan (commercial grade). Simultaneously, the antibacterial activity and biodegradation profile of the prepared bio-nanocomposite film were also studied. The incorporation of nanoparticles into the bioplastic film matrices altered the surface morphology, increased the roughness and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the UV transmittance, water uptake ratio (WUR), moisture content and solubility in both standard carrageenan-based bio-nanocomposite films (CBF) and Kappaphycus- based bio-nanocomposite films (KBF) compared to control. The average roughness (Ra) of KBF increased compared to CBF; however, CBF showed better tensile strength compared to KBF. Both KBF and CBF loaded with nanoparticles exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. However, KBF performed better compared to CBF. Antimicrobial effect of nanoparticles delayed the degradation of the bio-nanocomposite films. The present study proposes that the whole seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) can be used directly for multiple industrial applications.

The Use of Seaweed Flour (Kappaphycus alvarezii) as an Innovation in the Manufacture of High Fiber Fettucine Paste Products

Fettucine is one type of pasta that is generally made from wheat flour with a mixture of eggs and water. Wheat flour is rich in carbohydrates and low in fiber can cause obesity. One of the alternatives to overcome this problem is to increase fiber consumption by utilizing fishery commodities such as seaweed to be the main ingredient in making fettucine, namely Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed flour. This study used experimental laboratory research methods to determine the effect of adding Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed flour as a source of fiber to the nutritional value and organoleptic characteristics of fettucine. The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with one factor, consisting of 4 concentration treatments and 3 replications. The results showed that there was a significant difference between treatments (P<0.05). The highest nutritional value is obtained from the addition of 50% containing water (26,18%), ash (3,58%), protein (3,04%), fat (5,83%), fiber (3,29%), and carbohydrate (58,08%). Meanwhile, organoleptic test results with hedonic parameters showed the best treatment at the addition of 20% with an average color value (6,50%), aroma (6,77%), texture (7,17%), and taste (6,87%).

The Effect of Seed Weight on Growth of Seaweeds Kappaphycus alvarezii in Integrated Marine Aquaculture of Ekas Bay, East Lombok Regency

Integrated marine aquaculture or known as Integrated Multi-Tropical Aquaculture (IMTA) is an alternative development in aquaculture activities under the concept of environmental conservation. There are several important aspects in supporting the success of seaweed cultivation including the use of the right weight of seeds at the beginning of cultivation activities. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of seedling weight on the growth of Kappaphycus Alvarezii seaweed cultivated in integrated cultivation areas and to determine the best use of seed weight. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and 3 replications to obtain 12 experimental units. The treatments used were the initial seedling weights of 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, and 200 g. The results showed that the effect of different seed weights on the integrated cultivation system with the longline method showed that the absolute average growth obtained ranged from 57.67 g to - 149.00 g while the average specific growth rate of seaweed ranged from 1.28%/day to - 3 ,31%/day and the best chlorophyll-a was found in the 50 g treatment with a value range of 0.628 mg/L to - 1.520 mg/L. It can be concluded that the use of seed weight gave a significantly different effect on the absolute growth and specific growth rate of Kappaphycus Alvarezii seaweed that was cultivated in an integrated manner and the use of the best seed weight with the best weight was 50 g.

Effect of Acadian Marine Plant Extract Powder (AMPEP) on the growth of the Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii “Kulisusu“ seedlings cultivated in encircling tanks

Acadian Marine Plant Extract Powder (AMPEP) is a commercial organic fertilizer extract from brown seaweed, Ascophyllum nodosum. This study aimed to examine the effect of different concentrations of AMPEP extract on K. alvarezii “Kulisusu” seedlings. We investigated the daily growth rate (DGR), ratio of wet weight and dry weight (FW: DW ratio), and the survival rate of seedlings in encircling tanks. Concentrations of AMPEP used in this study were 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 g L-1 at 30 min immersion time and without AMPEP as control for a 1-month cultivation period. The results showed that the 0.2 g L-1 of AMPEP showed higher DGR in 6-18 days of culture period (3.43-4.25%/day), the 0.6 g L-1 was higher in the 24 days culture period (3.50%/day), and the 0.8 g L-1 concentration was higher in the 30 days of culture period (3.76%/day). For FW: DW ratio, 0.2 g L-1 of AMPEP concentration showed the highest ratio (8.73:1) and was significantly different from the other treatments (p<0.05). In addition, all treatments showed a high survival rate (>93.33%) with minor variation amongst the treatments (p>0.05). The results concluded that using 0.2 g L-1 of AMPEP in encircling tanks was suitable for seedling development.

Potential of Using Natural and Synthetic Binder in Wood Composites

The physical and mechanical properties of particleboard bonded with different cooking percentages of seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii), with different percentages of starch and different percentages of adhesives, and wood plastic composite (WPC) from High-Density Polyethlene (HDPE) with Acacia mangium wood powder were determined in this study. Seaweed mixed with different percentages of sulfuric acid (30%, 50%, 70%) and Sodium Hydroxide (70%, 50%, 30%) were prepared as a binder for particleboard. For a starch-based binder, different percentages of starch (10%, 15%, 20%) were prepared, before producing particleboard with different amounts of binder (20%, 25%, 30%). As for WPC, wood powders were bonded with different percentages of HDPE content (70%, 80%, 90%). Results indicated that WPC at 90% HDPE shows the best performance in the water absorption (0.07%) and thickness swelling test (2.54%). Starch-based particleboard recorded the highest Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) value (1115.07 N/mm2 at 15% starch with 30% amount of binder), while WPC (90% HDPE) and starch-based particleboard (10% starch with 20% amount of binder) both recorded the highest Modulus of Rupture (MOR) at the same value, which is 7.84 N/mm2. Starch-based particleboard has a better internal bond, which is 0.05 N/mm2. However, seaweed-based particleboard has a higher density value, which is 0.6 g/cm3.

Growth performance of seaweed (Kappapicus alvarezii) in tissue culture with immersion of NPK and TSP fertilizer

Kappapicus alvarezii is an important economic commodity of seaweed to be developed in Indonesia. In the context of its development, seeds from tissue culture are needed.The aim of this research is to examine the growth of seaweed by immersing NPK, TSP and combination fertilizers between NPK + TSP on absolute weight, Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and morphological growth including talus length and seaweed talus diameter. This research was conducted from March 2 to May 15, 2020 in the waters of Sumberkencono Village, Wongsorejo Sub-District, Banyuwangi District, East Java. This study uses Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed seedlings from tissue culture results from the Situbondo Brackish Aquaculture Fisheries Center, and uses treatment fertilizers, namely NPK fertilizer with 15% Nitrogen (N) composition, Phosphate (P2O5) 15%, and Potassium (K) 15% at a dose of 2 g / l and TSP fertilizer with an element composition of Phosphate (P2O5) 18% at a dose of 2 g / l, as well as a combination of NPK fertilizer 1 g / l and TSP 1g / l soaked for 15 minutes and control or without soaking. From the results of the research, obtained weight growth of seaweed by immersing NPK + TSP obtained good growth (Absolute Weight 57.48 grams, SGR 7.21%, talus length 8.5 cm, diameter 6.52 mm), then NPK treatment (Weight Absolute 37.80 grams, SGR 6.13%, Talus length 8.1 cm, diameter 6.43 mm), TSP treatment (Absolute Weight 31.6 grams, SGR 5.69%, Talus length 7.9 cm, diameter 6.36 mm) followed by control (Absolute Weight 24.8 grams, SGR 5.10%, Talus length 7.6 cm, diameter 6.32 mm).

The Application of Smart Fish Method Cultivation for Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii to Increase in Production in the Waters of Seribu Island, Indonesia

Cultivation of Kappaphycus alvarezii with the long line method is not fully effective because in certain seasons of extreme weather its production decreases due to loss of thallus during cultivation. This study aims to determine the performance of Kappaphycus alvarezii cultivation using local seed and tissue culture seeds methods with different spacing. The experimental design used was a factorial completely randomized design, in which there were factor A (different seeds) and factor B (different spacing). Based on the results of the study, the average DGR of K. alvarezii with different seed origins in each treatment at different distances, there was no difference. The results showed that the extreme weather factor of waves affected the growth of seaweed because in the planting season from May to July the waves and waves were very strong. Therefore, the long line cultivation method is not feasible to be applied to improve the performance of seaweed cultivation.

Economic feasibility of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (mussel Perna perna, scallop Nodipecten nodosus and seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii) in Southeast Brazil: A small-scale aquaculture farm model

The economic viability of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) (Perna perna mussel, Nodipecten nodosus scallop, and Kappaphycus alvarezii algae) on the southeastern coast of Brazil was evaluated for a small-scale family production system, on 0.4 ha. Two 85 m longlines were used for the cultivation of P. Perna and another two were used for N. nodosus (System A). In addition, among the longlines, for the IMTA production (System B), four 85 m rafts were installed for the cultivation of K. alvarezii. Investment, operating costs, and profitability were estimated for the two production systems. Simulations of variations in the survival and in the market prices of the products were also carried out. A sensitivity analysis assessed the consequences of an annual crop loss. The financial indicators of Gross Revenue and Operating Profit, as well as the profitability indicators of the Gross Margin and Profitability Index showed positive values in all the conditions proposed for the two systems evaluated, even considering the crop loss. The Payback Period in the worst condition assessed was 4.24 years, still considered to be of low risk for the investment made. According to the particularities described here, there was economic viability with returns always above the nominal discount rate of 6%. The proposed economic evaluation model had the purpose of obtaining exact results, which would occasionally characterize the preliminary experience of commercial crops in an IMTA system on a family-size scale in Southeast Brazil, could contribute to a major socioeconomic advance in the region.

Effects of selected environmental conditions on growth and carrageenan quality of laboratory-cultured Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta) in Fiji, South Pacific

The impacts of environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, and nutrients) on growth, semi-refined carrageenan yield, gel strengths, and viscosity were assessed on the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii in laboratory culture. Results showed that K. alvarezii had a higher daily growth rate (0.94% day-1) at higher temperature (30 °C). Its semi-refined carrageenan yield was high (75.79%) at a combination of low salinity (25 ppt) and high temperature (30 °C). Conversely, gel strengths made out of semi-refined carrageenan from K. alvarezii cultured at low temperature (24 °C) demonstrated a higher compression (5.84 N) and high penetration strength (0.29 N). Highest viscosity (289.50 cP) was attained at a combination of high temperature, low salinity, and high nutrient concentration. Gels made from carrageenan of K. alvarezii grown in a higher temperature (30 °C) mixed with pineapple juice showed higher compression strength demonstrating that carrageenan extracted from cultured K. alvarezii is a good thickening agent for fruit jellies or similar food products that do not require refrigeration. This could benefit communities in rural, non-electrified communities/areas of Fiji and other South Pacific Islands that could use K. alvarezii as an alternative gelling agent in the making of food products contributing towards their food and economic security.

Evaluation of Water Suitability for Sustainable Seaweed (Kappaphycus Alvarezii) Cultivation to Support Science Technopark in North Kalimantan

Tarakan dry seaweed production increased during 2012-2018 for the cultivation of Kappaphycus alvarezii with the longline planting method. This study aims to assess the quality of the waters and their suitability for seaweed cultivation on the coast of Tarakan Island. The environmental parameters of water quality measured were chlorophyll-a, water temperature, salinity, pH, DO, TDS, turbidity, nitrate, phosphate, water depth, current velocity, protection, research location, and distance between settlements. The study was conducted with in-situ and ex-situ measurements based on APHA (2012). Water samples were taken using the multi-parameter Horiba U51. chlorophyll-a was analyzed using spectrophotometric methods, nitrate levels were analyzed using SNI 06-6989.79-2011, while phosphates were analyzed using SNI 06-6989.31-2005. The suitability of the waters is divided into 4 classes, S1 (very suitable), S2 (suitable), S3 (marginally suitable), and N (not suitable). The results showed that the coast of Tarakan Island has 3 categories, namely marginally suitable (S3) 13.20%, suitable (S2) 86.50%, and very suitable (S1) 0.30%. The existing condition of the coastal waters of Tarakan Island supports the cultivation of K. alvarezii seaweed. Tarakan Island coastal existing condition as an areal support seaweed cultivation K. alvarezii with the potential to be developed land area of 33896.73 ha.

CHARACTERIZATION OF DRIED NOODLES FROM SEAWEED (Kappaphycus alvarezii) AS POTENTIAL SUBSTITUTE FOR WHEAT FLOUR

Dried noodles are one of the foods favored by people in Indonesia. The main ingredient of dry noodles is wheat flour which made from milling wheat. However, we usually obtain wheat from overseas by import. Therefore, to achieve food resilience in Indonesia, it is necessary to find substitutes for local ingredients with high nutrition that can be used to make dry noodles. This research aims to investigate the characteristics of dry noodles made from Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed flour. The method used in this study was to substitute K. alvarezii seaweed flour as much as 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% in the production of dry noodles. Analysis was carried out on its chemical composition, physical properties, and organoleptic characteristics. The results showed the best result of substitution of K. alvarezii in the 5% treatment. The chemical composition in dry noodles of this treatment showed an air content of 8.39%; ash content 3.07%; fat content 0.59%; protein content 12.43%; and 0.29% crude fiber content. Meanwhile, the results of the physical test showed7.95% cooking loss;210.5 seconds cooking time; and 89.34% water absorption. The organoleptic values obtained are color 4.60 (like); aroma 4.80 (like); texture 4.23 (like); and taste 4.20 (like).

Accelerated growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii using Sargassum aquifolium extract and its anatomical characteristics

Abstract. Cokrowati N, Risjani Y, Firdaus M, Andayani S. 2021. Accelerated growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii using Sargassum aquifolium extract and its anatomical characteristics. Biodiversitas 22: 5195-5202. Cultivation of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed has been carried out in Ekas Bay of Jerowaru Sub-district, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia but its production has decreased in the last three years due to its slow growth. In 2014, seaweed production was 1,882,875.50 tons and in 2017 it was 1,037,000 tons. Efforts are needed to increase growth by providing growth triggers from marine natural ingredients, namely Sargassum aquifolium. These brown algae can be found in the waters of Ekas Bay, the numbers are abundant and untapped. The purpose of this study was to analyze the growth of K. alvarezii given S. aquifolium extract. This research was conducted in the waters of Ekas Bay. The method used is experimental. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design with different treatments of K. alvarezii soaking time using S. aquifolium extract. The results showed that the growth of K. alvarezii given S. aquifolium extract increased and was significantly different between treatments. The highest absolute weight was 479 g in treatment A (soaking for 2 hours) and the lowest absolute weight was 181.25 g in treatment K (control). The highest growth rate occurred on the 18th day, namely 9.24% and the lowest was in the K treatment (control) which was 1.3%.

Pertumbuhan rumput laut Kappaphycus alvarezii yang menggunakan tali ris senar secara vertikultur

The purpose of the study was to determine the growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed which was cultivated vertically using strings. The method is the use of the longline method vertically using strings. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with 3 treatments, namely different depths, and each treatment carried out 20 repetitions. Cultivation was carried out for 45 days, where seaweed growth measurements were carried out every 14 days. The highest absolute growth was in treatment A (2,675 grams) followed by treatment B (2,660 grams), treatment C (2480 grams). The highest daily growth rate was treatment B (6.79%) followed by treatment A (6.77%) and treatment C (6.55%). Furthermore, the results of the analysis showed that the absolute growth in treatments A and B was different from treatment C, as well as the daily growth rate which gave a very significant effect, where treatments A and B were very different from treatment C.

Analysis on carrageenan content of seaweed Kappaphycus Alvarezii at different water condition in Bantaeng District

Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii has high carrageenan content and highly use as a main ingredient in food industry, cosmetics, pharmacy and organic fertilizer. The research aimed to analyze the seaweed carrageenan content at different water conditions, locations and cultivation distance from coast line. The research conducted in Bantaeng district coastal water during. Experimental method applied and interview with seaweed farmer and also laboratory examination. Each station consists of 3 substations (distance from coast line, near, middle and far) in triplicate. Environmental parameters measured biweekly during 45 days’ cultivation periods per season. Samples collected and seaweed weight for carrageenan content analysis conducted at the beginning and at the end of experiment. Univariate analysis of variance applied to analyze the effects of seasons, locations and distance toward seaweed carrageenan content. Result of the study showed that seasons and distance were significantly (P<0.05) affect the seaweed carrageenan content. Carrageenan content were range 44.77 – 63.96%, fulfill the national standard of Ministry of Trade for 25 % as well as the international standard 40%. Carrageenan content were higher during rainy season at cultivation distance 1500 m from the coast line (P<0.05). Carrageenan content was highly correlated with sea current speed and phosphate content during rainy season while salinity and turbidity during dry season.

Acclimatization of transformed seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii carrying lysozyme gene in culture flask and the cultivation in floating net cage in Pangkep coastal

The in vitro transformation of the lysozyme gene in seaweed K. alvarezii has been successfully executed to increase the viability against ice-ice disease. There were two major stages in this research; (1) transformation of lysozyme gene in seaweed K. alvarezii which was carried out on laboratory scale and the cultivation of gene-transformed explants in the culture flask stored in “culture chamber”; (2) the acclimatization in floating net cages of green nets (mesh size of 1 mm) with cage size of 50 x 50 x 50 cm, the population density of 200 explants and cultivated for two weeks. The explants were then transferred to blue nets (mesh size of 2 mm) with a cage size of 50 x 50 x 50 cm for four weeks of rearing. The plants were then enlarged using a long-line method in the floating net cage, by tying the seaweed using a double line with a gap of 15 cm each. The measurement of weight, bud lengths, and water quality was carried out within 2 weeks. The result shows that the daily growth rate of the transformed seaweed during the regeneration stage in the culture flask was around 0.33-0.4%/day, meanwhile during the acclimatization stage in the green nets the was 0.65-1.6%/day, and even more, increased during the acclimatization stage in the blue nets with DGR of 2.28-2.3%/day. During the enlargement stage in the floating net cages, the lysozyme-transformed seaweed showed an even higher DGR with a value of 3.2-8.2%/day. The results of the integration of the lysozyme gene in seaweed were indicated by the presence of a 670 bp of amplification products, that is the same total length of the 35 S-F promoter fragments and Nos T-R in the expression vector. Based on these results, the lysozyme gene was successfully transformed in K. alvarezii seaweed.

The Effect of Feed Supplementation with Fermented Red Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) on Growth and Survival of White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Post-Larvae Culture

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of novel shrimp diet supplemention with fermented red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii on growth and survival of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) post-larvae culture. The research consisted of three consecutive steps: (1) preliminary study on Kappaphycus alvarezii fermentation, (2) feed formulation and proximate analysis, (3) performance test of commercial feed (C), commercial + 0.5% K. alvarezii (EF1), and commercial + 1.5% fermented K. alvarezii (EF2). Following 15 days of feeding, the highest biomass, specific growth rate and survival were achieved in EF2 treatment (1.60±0.21 g, 10.88±0.86%/d, 91.67±1.53%), significantly different from control (0.99±0.09 g, 7.72±0.63%/d, 47.00±5.00%) (p&lt;0.05). Overall, this study suggested that the dietary supplementation of 1.5% fermented K. alvarezii can enhance the growth and survival of whiteleg shrimp during the nursery phase.

Neuritogenic Activities of Various Kappaphycus alvarezii Extracts in Hippocampal Neurons

The carrageenophyte Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed is known to have neuritogenic activities. Post-harvest treatment of seaweed affects its biological activities. Five drying treatments of K. alvarezii, including oven-drying, sun-drying, freeze-drying, shade-drying, and salting followed by shade-drying, were evaluated for their effects on neuritogenic activities. We also evaluated the neuritogenic activity of different parts of K. alvarezii thalli and its carrageenan waste. Neuron cells of the 19th day pregnant rat fetuses were collected from the hippocampus by brain dissection. Neuron cells were isolated by dissociation of the hippocampal tissue. Cells were plated onto poly-DL-lysine-coated glass coverslips in 24-well plates and treated with extracts. All tested extracts were obtained from maceration using 95% ethanol. Freeze and shade-drying extracts exhibited significantly higher neuritogenic activities (p 0.05) compared to that of the vehicle control. Carrageenan waste also significantly promoted the neuritogenic activities (p 0.05) with an optimal dose at 1 µg mL-1. Old and young thalli showed insignificant differences in neuritogenic activities. The carrageenan waste extract retained neuritogenic activities. Thus, the utilization of carrageenan waste for neuritogenic material provides added value to the waste in the carrageenan industry. Freeze and shade dried K. alvarezii can be used as a neuritogenic agent to provide optimum biological activity.

Preparation and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activity of Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) based Herbal Hair Oil Formulation

The present uses of seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii are as human foods, cosmetics, fertilizers, and for the extraction of industrial gums, chemicals and most importantly seaweeds are rich in source of Omega-3 fatty acid. The aim of present study involves preparation of poly herbal hair oil using methanol extract of brown seaweed and the other herbal plants. The prepared herbal oil was subjected to phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, general characterization, physical and biological evaluation. The current studym involves preparation of poly herbal hair oil using Kappaphycus alvarezii, Aloe barbadensis miller, Murrays Koenigii and Ocimum tenuiflorum. The oil was prepared according to Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. The prepared formulations are assessed for primary skin irritation test on our forearm. The above said parameters were found to be good and within the standards. All the values in the evaluation of finished K. alvarezii based herbal oil showed that they are within the acceptable limits. It is a very good attempt to establish the herbal hair oil containing methanol extracts of red seaweed and the other herbal plants. Hence, it is concluded that the oil is beneficial in maintaining good growth of hairs, turning grey hairs to black, providing protection from dandruff, and results in lustrous looking hairs.

CONJUGATION WITH SILVER NANOPARTICLES ENHANCES ANTI-ACANTHAMOEBIC ACTIVITY OF KAPPAPHYCUS ALVAREZII.

Nanomedicine has the potential in enhancing the efficacy and bioavailability of anti-infective agents. Here we determined whether conjugation of the Malaysian cultivated seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii with silver-conjugated nanoparticles enhanced anti-acanthamoebic properties. Silver-conjugated K. alvarezii were successfully synthesized, followed by characterization with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and transmission electron microscopy. Amoebicidal effects were evaluated against Acanthamoeba castellanii, and cytotoxicity assays were performed using HaCaT cells. Viability assays revealed that silver nanoparticles conjugated with K. alvarezii extract exhibited significant antiamoebic properties (P < 0.05). Nano-conjugates induced the production of reactive oxygen species. Importantly, silver-conjugated extract inhibited amoeba-mediated host cell damage as established by lactate dehydrogenase release. Neither the nano-conjugates nor the extract showed cytotoxicity against human cells in vitro. Liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy revealed several molecules, including 2,6-nonadien-1-ol, N-desmethyl trifluoperazine, dulciol B, lucidumol A, acetoxolone, 2-[4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]-5-(octyloxy)phenol, C16 sphinganine, 22-tricosenoic acid, and β-dihydrorotenone, of which dulciol B and C16 sphinganine are known to possess antimicrobial activities. In summary, marine organisms are an important source of bioactive molecules with anti-acanthamoebic properties that can be enhanced by conjugating with silver nanoparticles. Natural products combined with nanotechnology using multifunctional nanoparticle complexes can deliver therapeutic agents effectively and hold promise in the development of new formulations of anti-acanthamoebic agents.