Seaweed Undaria Pinnatifida Research Articles

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.

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.

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.

Continuous microwave-assisted step-by-step extraction of bioactive water-soluble materials and fucoidan from brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida waste

Continuous microwave-assisted step-by-step extraction of bioactive water-soluble materials and fucoidan from brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida waste

Multifunctional Gelatin/Chitosan Electrospun Wound Dressing Dopped with Undaria pinnatifida Phlorotannin-Enriched Extract for Skin Regeneration.

The similarities of electrospun fibers with the skin extracellular matrix (ECM) make them promising structures for advanced wound dressings. Moreover, infection and resistance in wounds are a major health concern that may be reduced with antibacterial wound dressings. In this work, a multifunctional wound dressing was developed based on gelatin/chitosan hybrid fibers dopped with phlorotannin-enrich extract from the seaweed Undaria pinnatifida. The intrinsic electrospun structure properties combined with the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of phlorotannin-enrich extract will enhance the wound healing process. Electrospun meshes were produced by incorporating 1 or 2 wt% of extract, and the structure without extract was used as a control. Physico-chemical, mechanical, and biological properties were evaluated for all conditions. Results demonstrated that all developed samples presented a homogenous fiber deposition with the average diameters closer to the native ECM fibrils, and high porosities (~90%) that will be crucial to control the wound moist environment. According to the tensile test assays, the incorporation of phlorotannin-enriched extract enhances the elastic performance of the samples. Additionally, the extract incorporation made the structure stable over time since its in vitro degradation rates decreased under enzymatic medium. Extract release profile demonstrated a longstanding delivery (up to 160 days), reaching a maximum value of ~98% over time. Moreover, the preliminary antimicrobial results confirm the mesh’s antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In terms of biological characterization, no condition presented cytotoxicity effects on hDNF cells, allowing their adhesion and proliferation over 14 days, except the condition of 2 wt% after 7 days. Overall, the electrospun structure comprising phlorotannins-enriched extract is a promising bioactive structure with potential to be used as a drug delivery system for skin regeneration by reducing the bacterial infection in the wound bed.

Monthly fluctuations in the content and monosaccharide composition of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida sporophylls from northern Patagonia

The invasive brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida was first recorded in 1992 in Golfo Nuevo, northern Patagonia, Argentina (hereafter Undaria). Like other brown seaweeds, Undaria synthesizes fucoidans, a unique class of sulfated polysaccharides, which display an array of biological activities and have important commercial value. In this work we have measured the content, sulfate, and monosaccharide composition of fucoidans in Undaria sporophylls from Golfo Nuevo. These results were analyzed in relation to harvest month and development stage of algal thalli. Samples were collected between November 2015 and March 2016 and classified according to morphological traits into previously defined development stages. Acid extraction (0.01 M HCl, pH 2) was carried out at room temperature and at 70 °C. Average fucoidan content was 18.1% dry wt. and slightly increased with month progression and in senescent individuals. Average sulfate content in fucoidan extracts was 20.3% dry wt. decreasing with month and development. Predominant sugars were fucose and galactose averaging a total of 91 mol% of neutral sugars. This study confirms that sporophyll fucoidans from Patagonian Undaria are sulfated galactofucans. Fucoidan content significantly increases from 14.5 to 19.2% dry wt. with sporophyte development. Slight increments with month progression are not statistically significant. Molar proportion of neutral sugars is constant between maturity stages and varies slightly with month progression. Sulfate content of fucoidan decreased significantly with development and month progression. Pooled with previous reports about abundance and seasonality of Undaria in Patagonia, our results suggest that sporophylls could be harvested for fucoidan production at least during 5 months between November and March.

Development of Sprayable Sodium Alginate-Seaweed Agricultural Mulches with Nutritional Benefits for Substrates and Plants

Sprayable agricultural mulch suspensions were prepared from the combination of sodium alginate (Alg) and three different concentrations of the seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (A) microparticles: 0.5, 1, and 2 wt%. Growth parameters were measured in tomato plants cultivated under each type of mulches, including polyethylene (PE) as a control treatment. The aerial fresh and dry weights (FW and DW, respectively), chlorophyll (Chl) content, green canopy cover, and the anthocyanin content were determined in tomato plants at the end of the bioassays. The soil temperature and moisture were measured during the experiment. Besides, the impact of the different mulch treatments on soil microorganisms was assayed by measuring the relative abundance of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. Results indicated that the percentage of A in the mulch formulation was crucial to confer it with biostimulant properties. Alg with 1 wt% of A provided a significant increment in FW and DW and the Chl level of tomato plants, demonstrating that the developed formulations represent a useful material for horticulture production.

Chemical Composition and Rheological Properties of Polysaccharides Isolated from Different Parts of Brown Seaweed Undaria pinnatifida

Chemical Composition and Rheological Properties of Polysaccharides Isolated from Different Parts of Brown Seaweed Undaria pinnatifida

Study of the potential use of the invasive marine algae Undaria pinnatifida in the preliminary development of a functional textile

Seaweeds are considered to be an important source of relevant chemical substances or bioactive compounds of great usefulness in the medical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or food industry. Recently, some seaweed had been used to produce or incorporate in fibers in order to manufacture technical textiles in which functional ingredient of the seaweed are exploited in the health and body care area. The brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (Undaria) has an important nutritive value being consumed as food in several Asian countries. As well Undaria is required in cosmetic or dermatology medicine given the presence of other bioactive chemical substances known as phycocolloids. The objective of this study was to explore the potential use of Undaria in a preliminary development of a functional textile. A soft bilaminate textile with a high crease recovery and an efficient release of mucilage, was achieved using a fine dust (particle of <0.26 mm) of Undaria between two layers of nonwoven. The best combination of the two layers of nonwoven was laminate and fine spundbond. The extract of Undaria used in our experimentation had minerals and vitamins with positive effect to the human skin, besides it is no irritant when applied to healthy or abraded skin. Further research focused in the incorporation of this alga in nonwoven fibers is required. We expect to obtain a textile with a dermatologic use in the near future; so as to turn Undaria into a resource susceptible to exploitation given the specie is considered a worldwide plague.

Undaria pinnatifida improves obesity-related outcomes in association with gut microbiota and metabolomics modulation in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Dietary fiber has beneficial effects on obesity-related diseases and gut microbiota, contributing a key role in the interaction between dietary metabolism and host metabolism. Our objective was to investigate the cause of the improvement in multiple types of physiological states with seaweed Undaria pinnatifida treatment on high-fat diet-fed mice and to evaluate whether its consequent anti-adiposity and anti-hyperlipidemic effects are associated with gut microbiota and its metabolomics regulation. U. pinnatifida administration in our experiment was shown to significantly decrease high-fat diet-induced body weight gain, as well as epididymal and abdominal adiposity. U. pinnatifida intake also significantly reduced liver weight and serum triacylglycerol accumulation. We also found that improving effects of U. pinnatifida on high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunctions were associated with significant increase in specific bacteria, such as Bacteroides acidifaciens and Bacteroides ovatus, as well as metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. Our result provides a cheap dietary strategy to host metabolism improvement and obesity management. KEY POINTS: • U. pinnatifida improved adipose accumulation and lipid metabolism. • B. acidifaciens and B. ovatus contributed to the beneficial effects of U. pinnatifida. • SCFAs and TCA cycle intermediates were critical to the metabolic outcomes. • Our study provides a cheap dietary strategy for obesity management.

Characterization and hypoglycemic effects of sulfated polysaccharides derived from brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida

The brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharides show various biological activities, but their hypoglycemic activity and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Here, three fractions of sulfated polysaccharides Up-3, Up-4, and Up-5 were prepared by microwave-assisted extraction from U. pinnatifida. In vitro assays demonstrated that Up-3 and Up-4 had strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and Up-3, Up-4, and Up-5 could improve the glucose uptake in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells without affecting their viability. In vivo studies indicated Up-3 and Up-4 markedly reduced postprandial blood glucose levels. Up-U (a mixture of Up-3, Up-4, and Up-5), reduced fasting blood glucose levels, increased glucose tolerance and alleviated insulin resistance in HFD/STZ-induced hyperglycemic mice. Histopathological observation and hepatic glycogen measurement showed that Up-U alleviated the damage of the pancreas islet cell, reduced hepatic steatosis, and promoted hepatic glycogen synthesis. These findings suggest that Up-U could alleviate postprandial and HFD/STZ-induced hyperglycemia and was a potential agent for diabetes treatment.

Physiological and ultrastructural responses of the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida to triphenyltin chloride (TPTCL) stress

Triphenyltin chloride (TPTCL) is a well-known marine pollutant that may constitute major environmental threats to seaweed mariculture. In the present study, the toxic effects of TPTCL on physiology and ultrastructure of cultivated sporophytes of Undaria pinnatifida were investigated under different TPTCL concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 μg L−1. Significant negative effects of increased TPTCL concentration were detected in the relative growth rates, survival percentages and chlorophyll a contents of young and adult sporophytes. Low TPTCL concentrations could significantly stimulate the activities of enzymes related to nitrogen metabolism. The chloroplast, mitochondria and nucleus inside cells were greatly damaged by TPTCL. Meanwhile, significant increases of electron dense deposits and physodes were found. Additionally, young sporophytes exhibited greater tolerance to TPTCL stress than adult sporophytes. The results of this study indicate that coastal TPTCL pollution could reduce the productivity and quality of cultivated U. pinnatifida.

Fucoxanthin Isolated from Undaria pinnatifida Can Interact with Escherichia coli and lactobacilli in the Intestine and Inhibit the Growth of Pathogenic Bacteria

Fucoxanthin is a xanthophyll-type carotenoid that provides many benefits to human health. However, the mechanism by which fucoxanthin interacts with microbes and inhibits pathogenic bacteria is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of fucoxanthin isolated from the edible seaweed Undaria pinnatifida on pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and lactobacilli both in vitro and in vivo. Fucoxanthin strongly inhibited the growth of Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria but was less effective against Gram-negative bacteria. Fucoxanthin extracted from the crude mixture had a recovery rate of 93.38% and a purity of 82.70%, which were higher than those of fucoxanthin extracted using a previous method. Fucoxanthin also promoted the growth of intestinal microbes in mice. Fucoxanthinol, a metabolite of fucoxanthin, was generated in the culture media. Fucoxanthin can be deacetylated into fucoxanthinol not only by conventional digestive enzymes in the digestive tract, but also by E. coli and lactobacilli in the intestine. These results indicate that fucoxanthin interacts with and influences E. coli and lactobacilli in the intestine. Therefore, fucoxanthin isolated from Undaria pinnatifida possibly can be applied in human health maintenance.

Population genomics of the introduced and cultivated Pacific kelp Undaria pinnatifida: Marinas-not farms-drive regional connectivity and establishment in natural rocky reefs.

Ports and farms are well‐known primary introduction hot spots for marine non‐indigenous species (NIS). The extent to which these anthropogenic habitats are sustainable sources of propagules and influence the evolution of NIS in natural habitats was examined in the edible seaweed Undaria pinnatifida, native to Asia and introduced to Europe in the 1970s. Following its deliberate introduction 40 years ago along the French coast of the English Channel, this kelp is now found in three contrasting habitat types: farms, marinas and natural rocky reefs. In the light of the continuous spread of this NIS, it is imperative to better understand the processes behind its sustainable establishment in the wild. In addition, developing effective management plans to curtail the spread of U. pinnatifida requires determining how the three types of populations interact with one another. In addition to an analysis using microsatellite markers, we developed, for the first time in a kelp, a ddRAD‐sequencing technique to genotype 738 individuals sampled in 11 rocky reefs, 12 marinas, and two farms located along ca. 1,000 km of coastline. As expected, the RAD‐seq panel showed more power than the microsatellite panel for identifying fine‐grained patterns. However, both panels demonstrated habitat‐specific properties of the study populations. In particular, farms displayed very low genetic diversity and no inbreeding conversely to populations in marinas and natural rocky reefs. In addition, strong, but chaotic regional genetic structure, was revealed, consistent with human‐mediated dispersal (e.g., leisure boating). We also uncovered a tight relationship between populations in rocky reefs and those in nearby marinas, but not with nearby farms, suggesting spillover from marinas into the wild. At last, a temporal survey spanning 20 generations showed that wild populations are now self‐sustaining, albeit there was no evidence for local adaptation to any of the three habitats. These findings highlight that limiting the spread of U. pinnatifida requires efficient management policies that also target marinas.

Oral Administration of Edible Seaweed Undaria Pinnatifida (Wakame) Modifies Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Rats: A DNA Microarray Analysis.

Wakame is an edible seaweed that is a common constituent in the Japanese diet. Previous studies showed that wakame consumption is associated with the prevention of metabolic syndrome, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects are poorly understood. To determine if the expression of hepatic genes is affected by ingestion of the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (wakame), rats were fed a diet containing 0, 0.1, or 1.0 g per 100 g dried wakame powder for 28 days. Administration of 1% wakame significantly decreased serum total cholesterol levels. Hepatic gene expression was investigated using DNA microarray analysis, and the results showed that wakame suppresses the lipogenic pathway by downregulating SREBF-1. Moreover, bile acid biosynthesis and gluconeogenesis were promoted by upregulation of the PPAR signaling pathway, which leads to a reduction in the accumulation of cholesterol and promotion of β-oxidation. These results suggest that wakame ingestion affects glucose and lipid metabolism by altering the expression of SREBF-1 and PPAR signal-related genes.

Parámetros poblacionales del erizo de mar Arbacia dufresnii (Arbacioida, Arbaciidae) en golfos norpatagónicos invadidos por el alga Undaria pinnatífida (Laminariales, Alariaceae)

Population parameters of the sea urchin Arbacia dufresnii (Blainville, 1825) from North Patagonian gulfs invaded by kelp Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar, 1873. The Asian seaweed Undaria pinnatifida invaded Argentina in 1992 (Golfo Nuevo, Patagonia). Its range has expanded and it has changed the native benthic community. Sea urchins are usually generalist herbivores that have a key role in controlling seaweeds. Arbacia dufresnii is the most abundant sea urchin in the coastal areas of northern Patagonia. The aim of this study was to relate the population parameters of A. dufresnii to the presence of the invasive seaweed. In 2012 we sampled sites with different invasion stages (advanced: Golfo Nuevo, recently invaded: San José Gulf, Punta Tehuelche; no invasion: San José Gulf, Zona 39). Sea urchin density was higher in the invaded sites and varied with the seaweed cycle. In addition, there were variations in the size distribution in the invaded sites. The invasive algae probably affects urchin populations because it is a new source of food that changes environmental structure (it provides microhabitat for new recruits) and affects the native benthic community. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65(Suppl. 1): S101-S112. Epub 2017 November 01.

Bioethanol Production from Seaweed Undaria pinnatifida Using Various Yeasts by Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF)

Bioethanol Production from Seaweed Undaria pinnatifida Using Various Yeasts by Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF)

Antimicrobial effect of an Undaria pinnatifida composite film containing vanillin against Escherichia coli and its application in the packaging of smoked chicken breast

SummaryTo develop a value‐added product, we used the under‐utilised seaweed Undaria pinnatifida as a source material for the fabrication of a biodegradable film by extracting U. pinnatifida protein (UPP). UPP/gelatine composite films with different constituent ratios were prepared. In addition, the UPP/gelatine composite films containing vanillin (0.05%, 0.1% and 0.5%) were prepared as antimicrobial packaging material. To evaluate the utility of the UPP composite film containing 0.5% vanillin as food packaging material, smoked chicken breast samples inoculated with Escherichia coli were packed with the film and stored at 4 °C for 10 days. It was observed that packaging of smoked chicken breast with the UPP composite film containing vanillin decreased the population of the inoculated E. coli by 1.12 log CFU g−1 compared with that in the control sample. Thus, the UPP/gelatine composite film with added vanillin can be utilised as a packaging material for smoked chicken breast.

Undaria marching on; late arrival in the Republic of Ireland

The Asian invasive brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida was found for the first time in the Republic of Ireland in Kilmore Quay in Co. Wexford in July 2016. As this brown kelp is of considerable economic importance and is cultivated in Asia as well as in Europe, it opens up the discussion if this invasive species is socially acceptable to be cultivated in the Republic of Ireland for food and other purposes. This paper briefly examines the global economic importance, cultivation aspects compared to the European native equivalents such as Alaria esculenta and Saccharina latissima, cultivation yield, economic considerations and the ecological impact of the spread of Undaria into non-native areas. Based on the information and facts presented, it is concluded that Undaria from a physical, social and economic point of view can be cultivated in Ireland.

Development of an eco-protocol for seaweed chlorophylls extraction and possible applications in dye sensitized solar cells

Seaweeds are a reserve of natural dyes (chlorophylls a, b and c), characterized by low cost and easy supply, without potential environmental load in terms of land subtraction, and also complying with the requirements of an efficient waste management policy. In particular, the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida is a species largely present in the Venice Lagoon area, and for it a removal strategy is actually mandatory. In this paper, we set-up an eco-protocol for the best extraction and preparation procedures of the pigment, with the aim of finding an easy and affordable method for chlorophyll c extraction, exploring at the same time the possibility of using these algae within local sustainable management integrated strategies, among which the possible use of chlorophylls as a dye source in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is investigated. Experimental results suggest that the developed protocols are useful to optimize the chlorophyll c extraction, as shown by optical absorption spectroscopy measurements. The DSSCs built with the chlorophyll extracted by the proposed eco-protocol exhibit solar energy conversion efficiencies are similar to those obtained following extraction protocols with larger environmental impacts.