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Marine Drugs
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Biotechnology of Algae
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Biotechnology of Algae

A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Biotechnology Related to Drug Discovery or Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 15888

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Helena Amaro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: algal biotechnology; microalgae; cyanobacteria; seaweeds; bioactive compounds; algal process optimization; algal extraction; wastewater treatment; applications of algae biomass
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ana Catarina Guedes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
Interests: microalgae; cyanobacteria; macroalgae (seaweed); bioactive compounds; pigments; PUFAs; phenolic compounds; polysaccharides; secondary metabolites; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; antibacterial; antiviral; antitumoral
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,                

Algae are a diverse group of organisms with a vital role in the marine environment. Whereas microalgae constitute the basis of the marine and aquatic food chain, macroalgae provide countless coastal ecosystem services. Both significantly contribute to global primary production and play an important role in carbon sequestration. Algae are considered green cell factories as they provide a wide pool of biomolecules, cellular functions, and physiological features, with vast biotechnological potential. Moreover, algae are stated as an important tool towards the EU Bioeconomy and Blue Growth Strategy, which aims to implement a sustainable and circular bioeconomy in which blue biotechnology is among the priority targets.

Hence, this Special Issue will focus on algal technologies, methodologies, products, and services with efforts towards a blue economy. We welcome the submission of research articles, review articles, and short communications about marine algae (cyanobacteria, microalgae, and seaweeds) biotechnology, including:

  • Algal ecoservices;
  • Biorefinery strategy;
  • Circular bioeconomy;
  • New species or improvement of known species;
  • Optimization of high-value compounds;
  • Optimization of cultivation/production of algal biomass and their products.

Dr. Helena Amaro
Dr. Ana Catarina Guedes
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Marine Drugs is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bioactive compounds
  • biofuels
  • biomass production
  • biorefinery
  • circular economy
  • CO2 sequestrations
  • cosmetics
  • cyanobacteria
  • ecosystems services
  • food/feed
  • IMTA
  • LCA
  • macroalgae
  • nutraceuticals
  • pharmaceuticals
  • seaweed
  • water treatment

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 3152 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Therapeutical Potential of Asparagopsis armata Biomass: A Novel Approach for Acne Vulgaris Treatment
by Adriana P. Januário, Carina Félix, Rafael Félix, Katie Shiels, Patrick Murray, Patrícia Valentão and Marco F. L. Lemos
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(11), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22110489 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2634
Abstract
Acne vulgaris, a high-prevalence skin condition afflicting people, persists as a significant challenge in the absence of effective treatments and emerging antibiotic resistance. To address this pressing concern, exploration of innovative approaches is of the utmost importance. Asparagopsis armata, an invasive red [...] Read more.
Acne vulgaris, a high-prevalence skin condition afflicting people, persists as a significant challenge in the absence of effective treatments and emerging antibiotic resistance. To address this pressing concern, exploration of innovative approaches is of the utmost importance. Asparagopsis armata, an invasive red seaweed renowned for its diverse array of bioactive compounds, emerges as a promising candidate. This study seeks to elucidate the potential utility of A. armata biomass in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Crude extracts were obtained through solid–liquid extraction, and fractions were obtained using liquid–liquid extraction. The analyzed bioactivities included antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Also, chemical characterization was performed to identify free fatty acids and compounds through LC-MS and elements. The present findings unveil compelling attributes, including anti-Cutibacterium acnes activity, cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic effects, antioxidant properties, and its ability to reduce nitric oxide production with consequent anti-inflammatory potential. Additionally, chemical characterization provides insights into its mineral elements, free fatty acids, and diverse compounds. The observed antimicrobial efficacy may be linked to halogenated compounds and fatty acids. Cytoprotection appears to be associated with the presence of glycerolipids and glycosylated metabolites. Furthermore, its antioxidant activity, coupled with anti-inflammatory properties, can be attributed to phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids. This study underscores the potential of A. armata as a natural ingredient in skincare formulations, offering an important contribution to the ongoing battle against acne vulgaris. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotechnology of Algae)
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16 pages, 3145 KiB  
Article
Light Spectra, a Promising Tool to Modulate Ulva lacinulata Productivity and Composition
by Helena M. Amaro, Fernando Pagels, Rosa Melo, Antoine Fort, Ronan Sulpice, Graciliana Lopes, Isabel Costa and Isabel Sousa-Pinto
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(9), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22090404 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1095
Abstract
Light quality is a key factor affecting algal growth and biomass composition, particularly pigments such as carotenoids, known for their antioxidant properties. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming a cost-effective solution for indoor seaweed production when compared to fluorescent bulbs, allowing full control of [...] Read more.
Light quality is a key factor affecting algal growth and biomass composition, particularly pigments such as carotenoids, known for their antioxidant properties. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming a cost-effective solution for indoor seaweed production when compared to fluorescent bulbs, allowing full control of the light spectra. However, knowledge of its effects on Ulva biomass production is still scarce. In this study, we investigated the effects of LEDs on the phenotype of an Ulva lacinulata strain, collected on the Northern Portuguese coast. Effects of white (W), green (G), red (R), and blue (B) LEDs were evaluated for growth (fresh weight and area), photosynthetic activity, sporulation, and content of pigments and antioxidant compounds. The results showed that there were no significant differences in terms of fresh weight accumulation and reduced sporulation among the tested LEDs, while W light induced the highest expansion rate. Under G, U. lacinulata attained a quicker photoacclimation, and the highest content of pigments and total antioxidant activity; but with R and W, antioxidant compounds against the specific radicals O2•− and •NO were produced in a higher content when compared to other LEDs. Altogether, this study demonstrated that it is possible to modulate the bioactive properties of U. lacinulata by using W, R, and G light, opening the path to the production of biomass tailored for specific nutraceutical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotechnology of Algae)
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24 pages, 5183 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Potential of Invasive Species Sargassum muticum: Microwave-Assisted Extraction Optimization and Bioactivity Profiling
by Aurora Silva, Lucia Cassani, Maria Carpena, Catarina Lourenço-Lopes, Clara Grosso, Franklin Chamorro, Pascual García-Pérez, Ana Carvalho, Valentina F. Domingues, M. Fátima Barroso, Jesus Simal-Gandara and Miguel A. Prieto
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(8), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22080352 - 30 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3618
Abstract
Sargassum muticum (SM) poses a serious environmental issue since it is a fast-expanding invasive species occupying key areas of the European shoreline, disrupting the autochthonous algae species, and disturbing the ecosystem. This problem has concerned the general population and the scientific community. Nevertheless, [...] Read more.
Sargassum muticum (SM) poses a serious environmental issue since it is a fast-expanding invasive species occupying key areas of the European shoreline, disrupting the autochthonous algae species, and disturbing the ecosystem. This problem has concerned the general population and the scientific community. Nevertheless, as macroalgae are recognized as a source of bioactive molecules, the abundance of SM presents an opportunity as a raw material. In this work, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied as a tool for the optimization of the extraction of bioactive compounds from SM by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Five different parameters were used as target functions: yield, total phenolic content (TPC); and the antioxidant measurements of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and β-carotene bleaching (BC). After the optimal extraction conditions were determined (time = 14.00 min; pressure = 11.03 bar; ethanol = 33.31%), the chemical composition and bioactivity of the optimum extract was evaluated to appraise its antioxidant capability to scavenge reactive species and as a potential antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiproliferation, and neuroprotective agent. The results lead to the conclusion that MAE crude extract has bioactive properties, being especially active as an antiproliferation agent and as a nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenger. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotechnology of Algae)
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13 pages, 2648 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Heterotrophic Culture Conditions for the Microalgae Euglena gracilis to Produce Proteins
by Weiying Xie, Xiaojie Li, Huo Xu, Feng Chen, Ka-Wing Cheng, Hongbin Liu and Bin Liu
Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(10), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21100519 - 29 Sep 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2790
Abstract
Euglena gracilis is one of the few permitted edible microalgae. Considering consumer acceptance, E. gracilis grown heterotrophically with yellow appearances have wider food industrial applications such as producing meat analogs than green cells. However, there is much room to improve the protein content [...] Read more.
Euglena gracilis is one of the few permitted edible microalgae. Considering consumer acceptance, E. gracilis grown heterotrophically with yellow appearances have wider food industrial applications such as producing meat analogs than green cells. However, there is much room to improve the protein content of heterotrophic culture cells. In this study, the effects of nitrogen sources, temperature, initial pH, and C/N ratios on the protein production of E. gracilis were evaluated under heterotrophic cultivation. These results indicated that ammonium sulfate was the optimal nitrogen source for protein production. The protein content of E. gracilis cultured by ammonium sulfate increased by 113% and 44.7% compared with that cultured by yeast extract and monosodium glutamate, respectively. The manipulation of the low C/N ratio further improved E. gracilis protein content to 66.10% (w/w), which was 1.6-fold of that in the C/N = 25 group. Additionally, amino acid analysis revealed that the nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor (NTP) could be affected by nitrogen sources. A superior essential amino acid index (EAAI) of 1.62 and a balanced amino acid profile further confirmed the high nutritional value of E. gracilis protein fed by ammonium sulfate. This study highlighted the vast potency of heterotrophic cultured E. gracilis as an alternative dietary protein source. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotechnology of Algae)
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12 pages, 2051 KiB  
Article
Comparing the Ability of Secretory Signal Peptides for Heterologous Expression of Anti-Lipopolysaccharide Factor 3 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
by Huilin Zhuang, Yaohui Ou, Ruoyu Chen, Danqiong Huang and Chaogang Wang
Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(6), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21060346 - 4 Jun 2023
Viewed by 2004
Abstract
Anti-lipopolysaccharide factor 3 (ALFPm3) possesses a wide antimicrobial spectrum and high antibacterial and viral activities for broad application prospects in the aquaculture industry. However, the application of ALFPm3 is limited by its low production in nature, as well as [...] Read more.
Anti-lipopolysaccharide factor 3 (ALFPm3) possesses a wide antimicrobial spectrum and high antibacterial and viral activities for broad application prospects in the aquaculture industry. However, the application of ALFPm3 is limited by its low production in nature, as well as its low activity when expressed in Escherichia coli and yeast. Although it has been proven that its secretory expression can be used to produce antimicrobial peptides with strong antimicrobial activity, there is no study on the high-efficiency secretory expression of ALFPm3 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In this study, signal peptides ARS1 and CAH1 were fused with ALFPm3 and inserted into the pESVH vector to construct pH-aALF and pH-cALF plasmids, respectively, that were transformed to C. reinhardtii JUV using the glass bead method. Subsequently, through antibiotic screening, DNA-PCR, and RT-PCR, transformants expressing ALFPm3 were confirmed and named T-JaA and T-JcA, respectively. The peptide ALFPm3 could be detected in algal cells and culture medium by immunoblot, meaning that ALFPm3 was successfully expressed in C. reinhardtii and secreted into the extracellular environment. Moreover, ALFPm3 extracts from the culture media of T-JaA and T-JcA showed significant inhibitory effects on the growth of V. harveyi, V. alginolyticus, V. anguillarum, and V. parahaemolyticus within 24 h. Interestingly, the inhibitory rate of c-ALFPm3 from T-JcA against four Vibrio was 2.77 to 6.23 times greater than that of a-ALFPm3 from T-JaA, indicating that the CAH1 signal peptide was more helpful in enhancing the secreted expression of the ALFPm3 peptide. Our results provided a new strategy for the secretory production of ALFPm3 with high antibacterial activity in C. reinhardtii, which could improve the application potentiality of ALFPm3 in the aquaculture industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotechnology of Algae)
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16 pages, 2920 KiB  
Article
Bioconversion of Cheese Whey and Food By-Products by Phaeodactylum tricornutum into Fucoxanthin and n-3 Lc-PUFA through a Biorefinery Approach
by Giovanni Luca Russo, Antonio Luca Langellotti, Vito Verardo, Beatriz Martín-García, Maria Oliviero, Marco Baselice, Prospero Di Pierro, Angela Sorrentino, Sharon Viscardi, Luis Marileo, Raffaele Sacchi and Paolo Masi
Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(3), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21030190 - 19 Mar 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2818
Abstract
This study investigates the potential of utilizing three food wastes: cheese whey (CW), beet molasses (BM), and corn steep liquor (CSL) as alternative nutrient sources for the cultivation of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a promising source of polyunsaturated eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and [...] Read more.
This study investigates the potential of utilizing three food wastes: cheese whey (CW), beet molasses (BM), and corn steep liquor (CSL) as alternative nutrient sources for the cultivation of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a promising source of polyunsaturated eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the carotenoid fucoxanthin. The CW media tested did not significantly impact the growth rate of P. tricornutum; however, CW hydrolysate significantly enhances cell growth. BM in cultivation medium enhances biomass production and fucoxanthin yield. The optimization of the new food waste medium was conducted through the application of a response surface methodology (RSM) using hydrolyzed CW, BM, and CSL as factors. The results showed a significant positive impact of these factors (p < 0.005), with an optimized biomass yield of 2.35 g L−1 and a fucoxanthin yield of 3.64 mg L−1 using a medium composed of 33 mL L−1 of CW, 2.3 g L−1 of BM, and 2.24 g L−1 of CSL. The experimental results reported in this study showed that some food by-products from a biorefinery perspective could be utilized for the efficient production of fucoxanthin and other high-added-value products such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotechnology of Algae)
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