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Marine Drugs
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High-Value Algae Products
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High-Value Algae Products

A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine-Derived Ingredients for Drugs, Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 March 2025 | Viewed by 14713

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xiaxia Di

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
NIVA—Norsk Institutt for Vannforskning/Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway
Interests: algae; biomass; marine natural products; anti-inflammatory; bioactivity; biotechnology
Dr. Margarida Costa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
NIVA—Norsk Institutt for Vannforskning/Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway
Interests: microalgae; high-value biomass; secondary metabolites; bioactivity; biomass applications

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microalgae and macroalgae have drawn increasing research interest over the last few decades due to their abilities to produce high-value products such as carotenoids, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and proteins. They have become popular from both application and fundamental points of view as high-value compounds that can be applied in the formulation of numerous bioproducts such as nutraceuticals, animal feed, agriculture biofertilizers, cosmetics, biomedicine, and textile products. However, only a minute fraction of algae has been investigated and developed into applications. Given the vast taxonomic diversity of algae, most have not yet been explored, and therefore, we do not currently have full understanding of the associated chemical diversity. Hence, it is essential to expand upon the current paradigm in research to assess the potential of algae.

Therefore, we have organized this Special Issue “High-Value Algal Products” with the aim of collecting original research articles and review papers which focus on high-value products derived from microalgae and macroalgae. We welcome work on strain identification, culture optimization, and the extraction, isolation, structure elucidation, and potential application of high-value products.

Dr. Xiaxia Di
Dr. Margarida Costa
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

  • seaweed
  • microalgae
  • biochemical composition
  • cultivation
  • industrial application
  • biotechnology
  • biomass
  • biological activity

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2361 KiB  
Article
Nannochloropsis oceanica as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: Mapping the Effects of Cultivation Conditions on Biomass Productivity and Composition Using Response Surface Methodology
by Emil Gundersen, Jette Jakobsen, Susan Løvstad Holdt and Charlotte Jacobsen
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(11), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22110505 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1322
Abstract
Microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica presents a promising source of high-value food ingredients such as protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. To fully unlock its potential, a thorough understanding of how cultivation conditions affect both growth and the nutritional composition is required. Hence, this study [...] Read more.
Microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica presents a promising source of high-value food ingredients such as protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. To fully unlock its potential, a thorough understanding of how cultivation conditions affect both growth and the nutritional composition is required. Hence, this study aimed to test and model the effects of temperature, light intensity, and salinity on biomass productivity and the final contents of protein, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and vitamin K2 using response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM experiment revealed that the highest temperature and light intensity tested favored biomass productivity and protein content. According to the generated models, the two responses peaked with 0.135 g DM·L−1·day−1 and 0.559 g·g−1 DM, respectively, at 27 °C and 300–350 µmol·m−2·s−1. In contrast, the contents of both EPA and menaquinone-4 (MK-4), the only detected K vitamer, were stimulated at the lowest tested temperature. Based on the generated models, the two responses peaked with 0.037 g·g−1 DM and 89.3 µg·g−1 DM, respectively, at 19 °C combined with 3.0% salinity (EPA) or 120 µmol·m−2·s−1 (MK-4). Although additional optima may exist beyond the tested conditions, these findings provide valuable information on N. oceanica’s cellular response to changes in key cultivation conditions. Furthermore, it shows that two-stage cultivation may be needed to fully unlock the potential of this microalga as a future source of valuable lipid ingredients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Algae Products)
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15 pages, 4007 KiB  
Article
Effect of Reactive Oxygen Species Photoproduced in Different Water Matrices on the Photostability of Gadusolate and Mycosporine-Serinol
by Martin George Thomas, Sylvie Blanc, Mickael Le Bechec, Thierry Pigot and Susana C. M. Fernandes
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(10), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22100473 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 910
Abstract
In the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in mycosporines—UV-absorbing molecules—bringing important insights into their intrinsic properties as natural sunscreens. Herein, mycosporine-serinol and gadusol (enolate form)/gadusolate were exposed to UV radiation via a solar simulator and the photostability was assessed [...] Read more.
In the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in mycosporines—UV-absorbing molecules—bringing important insights into their intrinsic properties as natural sunscreens. Herein, mycosporine-serinol and gadusol (enolate form)/gadusolate were exposed to UV radiation via a solar simulator and the photostability was assessed in pure water and different natural matrices like river, estuary and ocean water. In general, this study revealed that the photodegradation of gadusolate and mycosporine-serinol was higher in natural matrices than in pure water due to the generation of singlet oxygen on UV irradiation. In pure water, in terms of photostability, both gadusolate and mycosporine-serinol were found to offer good protection and high performance in terms of photodegradation quantum yield ((0.8 ± 0.2) × 10−4 and (1.1 ± 0.6) × 10−4, respectively). Nonetheless, the photostability of mycosporine-serinol was found to be superior to that of gadusolate in natural water, namely, ocean, estuary and river. The present work highlights how mycosporine-serinol and gadusolate resist photodegradation, and supports their role as effective and stable UV-B sunscreens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Algae Products)
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25 pages, 3187 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Unfractionated Polysaccharides in Brown Seaweed by Methylation-GC-MS-Based Linkage Analysis
by Barinder Bajwa, Xiaohui Xing, Spencer C. Serin, Maria Hayes, Stephanie A. Terry, Robert J. Gruninger and D. Wade Abbott
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(10), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22100464 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2926
Abstract
This study introduces a novel approach to analyze glycosidic linkages in unfractionated polysaccharides from alcohol-insoluble residues (AIRs) of five brown seaweed species. GC-MS analysis of partially methylated alditol acetates (PMAAs) enables monitoring and comparison of structural variations across different species, harvest years, and [...] Read more.
This study introduces a novel approach to analyze glycosidic linkages in unfractionated polysaccharides from alcohol-insoluble residues (AIRs) of five brown seaweed species. GC-MS analysis of partially methylated alditol acetates (PMAAs) enables monitoring and comparison of structural variations across different species, harvest years, and tissues with and without blanching treatments. The method detects a wide array of fucose linkages, highlighting the structural diversity in glycosidic linkages and sulfation position in fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides. Additionally, this technique enhances cellulose quantitation, overcoming the limitations of traditional monosaccharide composition analysis that typically underestimates cellulose abundance due to incomplete hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose. The introduction of a weak methanolysis-sodium borodeuteride reduction pretreatment allows for the detection and quantitation of uronic acid linkages in alginates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Algae Products)
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16 pages, 3297 KiB  
Article
Brown Algae Ecklonia cava Extract Modulates Adipogenesis and Browning in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes through HO-1/Nrf2 Signaling
by Indyaswan T. Suryaningtyas, Dae-Sung Lee and Jae-Young Je
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(8), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22080330 - 23 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1150
Abstract
This study explores the anti-obesity effects of the ethyl acetate extract of Ecklonia cava (EC-ETAC) on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, focusing on its impact on adipogenesis, lipolysis, and adipose browning via the HO-1/Nrf2 pathway. Western blot analysis revealed that EC-ETAC significantly inhibited adipogenic transcription factors [...] Read more.
This study explores the anti-obesity effects of the ethyl acetate extract of Ecklonia cava (EC-ETAC) on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, focusing on its impact on adipogenesis, lipolysis, and adipose browning via the HO-1/Nrf2 pathway. Western blot analysis revealed that EC-ETAC significantly inhibited adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1) and lipogenesis-related proteins (FAS, LPL). Concurrently, EC-ETAC enhanced lipolytic markers (p-AMPK, p-HSL) and adipose browning-related proteins (UCP-1, PGC-1α), indicating its role in promoting lipolysis and adipose browning. The inhibition of HO-1 by zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) significantly reversed these effects, underscoring the critical role of HO-1 in mediating the anti-obesity properties of EC-ETAC. Additionally, fluorescence measurements and Oil Red O staining confirmed the reduction of lipid accumulation and oxidative stress upon EC-ETAC treatment. These findings suggest that EC-ETAC exerts its anti-obesity effects by modulating the HO-1/Nrf2 pathway, which is crucial for regulating adipogenesis, lipolysis, and adipose browning. This study highlights the potential of EC-ETAC as a natural therapeutic agent for obesity management and supports further research into its clinical applications. By targeting the HO-1/Nrf2 pathway, EC-ETAC could offer a novel approach to enhancing energy expenditure and reducing fat mass, thereby improving metabolic health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Algae Products)
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15 pages, 1335 KiB  
Article
Chemical and Antioxidant Properties of Solvent and Enzyme-Assisted Extracts of Fucus vesiculosus and Porphyra dioica
by Paulo Nova, Sara A. Cunha, Ana R. Costa-Pinto and Ana Maria Gomes
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(7), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22070319 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1119
Abstract
Extraction strategies impact the efficiency and nature of extracted compounds. This work assessed the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of ethanolic, hydroethanolic, and aqueous versus enzyme-assisted extracts (isolated or with the sequential use of alcalase®, cellulase®, and viscozyme® [...] Read more.
Extraction strategies impact the efficiency and nature of extracted compounds. This work assessed the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of ethanolic, hydroethanolic, and aqueous versus enzyme-assisted extracts (isolated or with the sequential use of alcalase®, cellulase®, and viscozyme®) of the macroalgae Fucus vesiculosus (brown, Phaeophyceae) and Porphyra dioica (red, Rhodophyta. For both macroalgae, enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) was the most efficient process compared to solvent-assisted extraction (SAE), independent of solvent. Fucus vesiculosus extraction yields were higher for EAE than for SAE (27.4% to 32.2% and 8.2% to 30.0%, respectively). Total phenolics content (TPC) was at least 10-fold higher in EAE extracts (229.2 to 311.3 GAE/gextract) than in SAE (4.34 to 19.6 GAE/gextract) counterparts and correlated well with antioxidant capacity (ABTS and ORAC methods), with EAE achieving values up to 8- and 2.6-fold higher than those achieved by SAE, respectively. Porphyra dioica followed F. vesiculosus’s trend for extraction yields (37.5% to 51.6% for EAE and 5.7% to 35.1% for SAE), TPC, although of a lower magnitude, (0.77 to 8.95 GAE/gextract for SE and 9.37 to 14.73 GAE/gextract for EAE), and antioxidant capacity. Aqueous extracts registered the highest DPPH values for both macroalgae, with 2.3 µmol TE/gextract and 13.3 µmol TE/gextract for F. vesiculosus and P. dioica, respectively. EAE was a more efficient process in the extraction of soluble protein and reducing sugars in comparison to SAE. Furthermore, an improved effect of enzyme-assisted combinations was observed for almost all analyzed parameters. This study shows the promising application of enzyme-assisted extraction for the extraction of valuable compounds from F. vesiculosus and P.dioica, making them excellent functional ingredients for a wide range of health and food industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Algae Products)
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19 pages, 2677 KiB  
Article
Optimizing the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Porphyra linearis (Rhodophyta): Evaluating Alkaline and Enzymatic Hydrolysis for Nutraceutical Applications
by Débora Tomazi Pereira, Paz García-García, Nathalie Korbee, Julia Vega, Francisco J. Señoráns and Félix L. Figueroa
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(6), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22060284 - 18 Jun 2024
Viewed by 3564
Abstract
Porphyra sensu lato is one of the most economically significant and widely cultured and consumed algae in the world. Porphyra species present excellent nutraceutic properties due to their bioactive compounds (BACs). This research aimed to find the most efficient aqueous extraction method for [...] Read more.
Porphyra sensu lato is one of the most economically significant and widely cultured and consumed algae in the world. Porphyra species present excellent nutraceutic properties due to their bioactive compounds (BACs). This research aimed to find the most efficient aqueous extraction method for BACs by examining alkaline and enzymatic hydrolysis. Alkaline hydrolysis with 2.5% sodium carbonate (SC) and at 80 °C proved optimal for extracting all BACs (phycobiliproteins, soluble proteins, polyphenols, and carbohydrates) except mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which were best extracted with water only, and at 80 °C. Enzymatic hydrolysis, particularly with the ‘Miura’ enzymatic cocktail (cellulase, xylanase, glycoside hydrolase, and β-glucanase), showed superior results in extracting phycoerythrin (PE), phycocyanin (PC), soluble proteins, and carbohydrates, with increases of approximately 195%, 510%, 890%, and 65%, respectively, compared to the best alkaline hydrolysis extraction (2.5% SC and 80 °C). Phenolic content analysis showed no significant difference between the ‘Miura’ cocktail and 2.5% SC treatments. Antioxidant activity was higher in samples from alkaline hydrolysis, while extraction of MAAs showed no significant difference between water-only and ‘Miura’ treatments. The study concludes that enzymatic hydrolysis improves the efficiency of BACs extraction in P. linearis, highlighting its potential for the nutraceutical industry, and especially with respect to MAAs for topical and oral UV-photoprotectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Algae Products)
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Review

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24 pages, 2371 KiB  
Review
Microalgal Phenolics: Systematic Review with a Focus on Methodological Assessment and Meta-Analysis
by Vasilis Andriopoulos and Michael Kornaros
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(10), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22100460 - 7 Oct 2024
Viewed by 3218
Abstract
A critical review and analysis of the literature relevant to the phenolic content of eucaryotic microalgae was performed. Several issues were identified and discussed. In summary, the main problems with the reporting on the phenolic content of microalgae are the following: (1) despite [...] Read more.
A critical review and analysis of the literature relevant to the phenolic content of eucaryotic microalgae was performed. Several issues were identified and discussed. In summary, the main problems with the reporting on the phenolic content of microalgae are the following: (1) despite its usefulness in the determination of phenolic content in plant samples, the Folin–Ciocalteu assay is non-suitable for microalgal research due to the high presence of interfering compounds in microalgal extracts such as chlorophyll and its derivatives in organic extracts and free aromatic amino acids or nucleotides in aqueous extracts; (2) while there is chromatographic evidence for the presence of simple phenolic acids in most microalgal clades, the lack of critical enzymes of phenolic biosynthesis in most microalgae, as well as the high variability of phenolic profiles even in the same genus, require more extensive research before conclusions are drawn; (3) the accumulation and metabolism of external phenolics by microalgae has been almost universally neglected in studies focusing on the phenolic content of microalgae, even when natural seawater or complex organic media are used in the cultivation process. Despite these issues, the literature focusing on the bioremediation of waste streams rich in phenolics through microalgae demonstrates the ability of those organisms to adsorb, internalize, and in many cases oxidize or transform a wide range of phenolic compounds, even at very high concentrations. Simple phenolics found in waste streams, such as olive mill waste, have been shown to enhance the antioxidant activity and various bioactivities of microalgal extracts, while complex biotransformation products of phenolics have also been characterized. In conclusion, the de novo biosynthesis of phenolic compounds via eucaryotic microalgae requires further investigation with better designed experiments and suitable analytical methods, while the response of microalgae to phenolic compounds in their growth medium is of great practical interest, both in terms of waste treatment and for the production of functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Algae Products)
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