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Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0

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A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2021) | Viewed by 54652

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Dr. Adele Cutignano

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Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy
Interests: natural products chemistry; bioactive metabolites; structural characterization; NMR; mass spectrometry; lipidomics
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Dr. Giovanna Romano

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Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
Interests: novel bioactive metabolites from marine microalgae for pharmaceutical; nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications; novel strategies to enhance industrial production of marine-derived compounds
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Drug discovery from cultivable microorganisms represents an environmentally friendly approach allowing to overcome the exploitation of marine resources by means of destructive collection practices. For this reason, the search for bioactive compounds from marine microalgae is still attracting a great deal of attention. Marine microalgae are an excellent source of carotenoids, lipids and ω-3 fatty acids, polysaccharides and vitamins, as well as being known producers of potent neurotoxins. Many of these microalgal compounds already find applications as nutraceuticals and food supplements, although increasing reports attest to the discovery of anti-cancer, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial compounds from lab-cultured species.

In consideration of the success of the Special Issue on "Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/marinedrugs/special_issues/bioactive_compounds_from_microalgae", and the relevant interest on the topic, we are pleased to announce the second version of this Special Issue.

We encourage the submission of research papers and reviews focused on bioactive compounds isolated from marine microalgae or inspired by natural compounds and produced by synthesis, highlighting novel structural features and bioactivities, from in vitro studies to biotechnological applications.

Dr. Adele Cutignano
Dr. Giovanna Romano
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.

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Related Special Issues

Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae in Marine Drugs (12 articles)
Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 3.0 in Marine Drugs

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New, Quick, and Simple Protocol to Evaluate Microalgae Polysaccharide Composition

by Antoine Decamp, Orane Michelo, Christelle Rabbat, Céline Laroche, Dominique Grizeau, Jérémy Pruvost and Olivier Gonçalves

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020101 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4504

Abstract

In this work, a new methodological approach, relying on the high specificity of enzymes in a complex mixture, was developed to estimate the composition of bioactive polysaccharides produced by microalgae, directly in algal cultures. The objective was to set up a protocol to target oligomers commonly known to be associated with exopolysaccharides’ (EPS) nutraceutical and pharmaceutical activities (i.e., rhamnose, fucose, acidic sugars, etc.) without the constraints classically associated with chromatographic methods, while maintaining a resolution sufficiently high to enable their monitoring in the culture system. Determination of the monosaccharide content required the application of acid hydrolysis (2 M trifluoroacetic acid) followed by NaOH (2 M) neutralization. Quantification was then carried out directly on the fresh hydrolysate using enzyme kits corresponding to the main monosaccharides in a pre-determined composition of the polysaccharides under analysis. Initial results showed that the enzymes were not sensitive to the presence of TFA and NaOH, so the methodology could be carried out on fresh hydrolysate. The limits of quantification of the method were estimated as being in the order of the log of nanograms of monosaccharides per well, thus positioning it among the chromatographic methods in terms of analytical performance. A comparative analysis of the results obtained by the enzymatic method with a reference method (high-performance anion-exchange chromatography) confirmed good recovery rates, thus validating the closeness of the protocol. Finally, analyses of raw culture media were carried out and compared to the results obtained in miliQ water; no differences were observed. The new approach is a quick, functional analysis method allowing routine monitoring of the quality of bioactive polysaccharides in algal cultures grown in photobioreactors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0)

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14 pages, 2365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Polyol-Polyol Super-Carbon-Chain Compound Containing Thirty-Six Carbon Stereocenters from the Dinoflagellate Amphidinium gibbosum: Absolute Configuration and Multi-Segment Modification

by Wan-Shan Li, Zeng Luo, Yan-Lan Zhu, Yi Yu, Jun Wu and Li Shen

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(12), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18120590 - 26 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2654

Abstract

A super-carbon-chain compound, named gibbosol C, featuring a polyoxygenated C₇₀-linear-carbon-chain backbone encompassing two acyclic polyol chains, was obtained from the South China Sea dinoflagellate Amphidinium gibbosum. Its planar structure was elucidated by extensive NMR investigations, whereas its absolute configurations, featuring the presence of 36 carbon stereocenters and 30 hydroxy groups, were successfully established by comparison of NMR data of the ozonolyzed products with those of gibbosol A, combined with J-based configuration analysis, Kishi’s universal NMR database, and the modified Mosher’s MTPA ester method. Multi-segment modification was revealed as the smart biosynthetic strategy for the dinoflagellate to create remarkable super-carbon-chain compounds with structural diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0)

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10 pages, 1981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) Activities of Monoterpene Hydroxy Lactones Isolated from the Marine Microalga Tisochrysis Lutea

by Katkam N. Gangadhar, Maria João Rodrigues, Hugo Pereira, Helena Gaspar, F. Xavier Malcata, Luísa Barreira and João Varela

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(11), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18110567 - 19 Nov 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3736

Abstract

Tisochrysis lutea is a marine haptophyte rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) and carotenoids (e.g., fucoxanthin). Because of the nutraceutical applications of these compounds, this microalga is being used in aquaculture to feed oyster and shrimp larvae. In our earlier report, T. lutea organic crude extracts exhibited in vitro cytotoxic activity against human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. However, so far, the compound(s) accountable for the observed bioactivity have not been identified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to isolate and identify the chemical component(s) responsible for the bioactivity observed. Bioassay-guided fractionation through a combination of silica-gel column chromatography, followed by preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC), led to the isolation of two diastereomers of a monoterpenoid lactone, namely, loliolide (1) and epi-loliolide (2), isolated for the first time in this species. The structural elucidation of both compounds was carried out by GC-MS and 1D (¹H and ¹³C APT) and 2D (COSY, HMBC, HSQC-ed, and NOESY) NMR analysis. Both compounds significantly reduced the viability of HepG2 cells and were considerably less toxic towards a non-tumoral murine stromal (S17) cell line, although epi-loliolide was found to be more active than loliolide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0)

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30 pages, 3035 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Types and Distribution of Bioactive Polyunsaturated Aldehydes in a Gradient from Mesotrophic to Oligotrophic Waters in the Alborán Sea (Western Mediterranean)

by Ana Bartual, María Hernanz-Torrijos, Iria Sala, María J. Ortega, Cristina González-García, Marina Bolado-Penagos, Angel López-Urrutia, Leonardo Romero-Martínez, Luís M. Lubián, Miguel Bruno, Fidel Echevarría and Carlos M. García

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(3), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18030159 - 12 Mar 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3599

Abstract

Polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs) are bioactive molecules suggested as chemical defenses and infochemicals. In marine coastal habitats, diatoms reach high PUA production levels during bloom episodes. Two fractions of PUA can usually be analyzed: pPUA obtained via artificial breakage of collected phytoplankton cells and dissolved PUA already released to the environment (dPUA). In nature, resource supply arises as a main environmental controlling factor of PUA production. In this work, we monitored the vertical distribution and daily variation of pPUA associated with large-size phytoplankton and dPUA, at three sites located in the Alborán Sea from mesotrophic to oligotrophic waters. The results corroborate the presence of large-size PUA producers in oligotrophic and mesotrophic waters with a significant (58%–85%) diatom biomass. In addition to diatoms, significant correlations between pPUA production and dinoflagellate and silicoflagellate abundance were observed. 2E,4E/Z-Heptadienal was the most abundant aldehyde at the three sites with higher values (17.1 fg·cell⁻¹) at the most oligotrophic site. 2E,4E/Z-Decadienal was the least abundant aldehyde, decreasing toward the oligotrophic site. For the first time, we describe the daily fluctuation of pPUA attributable to cellular physiological state and not exclusively to taxonomical composition. Our results demonstrate the persistence of threshold levels of dPUA deep in the water column, as well as the different chromatographic profiles of dPUA compared with pPUA. We propose different isomerization processes that alter the chemical structure of the released PUAs with unknown effects on their stability, biological function, and potential bioactivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0)

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13 pages, 10760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Algae Oil Treatment Protects Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) via ERK Signaling Pathway in Experimental Optic Nerve Ischemia

by Tzu-Lun Huang, Yao-Tseng Wen, Yu-Chieh Ho, Jia-Kang Wang, Kuan-Hung Lin and Rong-Kung Tsai

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(2), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18020083 - 27 Jan 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3097

Abstract

Background: We investigated the therapeutic effects and related mechanisms of algae oil (ALG) to protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in a rat model of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (rAION). Methods: Rats were daily gavaged with ALG after rAION induction for seven days. The therapeutic effects of ALG on rAION were evaluated using flash visual evoked potentials (FVEPs), retrograde labeling of RGCs, TUNEL assay of the retina, and ED1 staining of optic nerves (ONs). The levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β, TNF-α, Cl-caspase-3, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and p-ERK were analyzed by using western blots. Results: Protection of visual function in FVEPs amplitude was noted, with a better preservation of the P1–N2 amplitude in the ALG-treated group (p = 0.032) than in the rAION group. The density of RGCs was 2.4-fold higher in the ALG-treated group compared to that in the rAION group (p < 0.0001). The number of ED1-positive cells in ONs was significantly reduced 4.1-fold in the ALG-treated group compared to those in the rAION group (p = 0.029). The number of apoptotic RGCs was 3.2-fold lower in number in the ALG-treated group (p = 0.001) than that in the rAION group. The ALG treatment inhibited ERK activation to reduce the levels of iNOS, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Cl-caspase-3 and to increase the level of CNTF in the rAION model. Conclusion: The treatment with ALG after rAION induction inhibits ERK activation to provide both anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects in rAION. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0)

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Review

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26 pages, 1403 KiB

Open AccessReview

Comprehensive Utilization of Marine Microalgae for Enhanced Co-Production of Multiple Compounds

by Ruijuan Ma, Baobei Wang, Elvis T. Chua, Xurui Zhao, Kongyong Lu, Shih-Hsin Ho, Xinguo Shi, Lemian Liu, Youping Xie, Yinghua Lu and Jianfeng Chen

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(9), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18090467 - 16 Sep 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5577

Abstract

Marine microalgae are regarded as potential feedstock because of their multiple valuable compounds, including lipids, pigments, carbohydrates, and proteins. Some of these compounds exhibit attractive bioactivities, such as carotenoids, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, and peptides. However, the production cost of bioactive compounds is quite high, due to the low contents in marine microalgae. Comprehensive utilization of marine microalgae for multiple compounds production instead of the sole product can be an efficient way to increase the economic feasibility of bioactive compounds production and improve the production efficiency. This paper discusses the metabolic network of marine microalgal compounds, and indicates their interaction in biosynthesis pathways. Furthermore, potential applications of co-production of multiple compounds under various cultivation conditions by shifting metabolic flux are discussed, and cultivation strategies based on environmental and/or nutrient conditions are proposed to improve the co-production. Moreover, biorefinery techniques for the integral use of microalgal biomass are summarized. These techniques include the co-extraction of multiple bioactive compounds from marine microalgae by conventional methods, super/subcritical fluids, and ionic liquids, as well as direct utilization and biochemical or thermochemical conversion of microalgal residues. Overall, this review sheds light on the potential of the comprehensive utilization of marine microalgae for improving bioeconomy in practical industrial application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0)

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31 pages, 11898 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Analysis of Scientific Research Driving Microalgae Market Opportunities in Europe

by Judith Rumin, Elodie Nicolau, Raimundo Gonçalves de Oliveira Junior, Claudio Fuentes-Grünewald and Laurent Picot

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(5), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18050264 - 18 May 2020

Cited by 67 | Viewed by 8086

Abstract

A bibliographic database of scientific papers published by authors affiliated to research institutions worldwide, especially focused in Europe and in the European Atlantic Area, and containing the keywords “microalga(e)” or “phytoplankton” was built. A corpus of 79,020 publications was obtained and analyzed using the Orbit Intellixir software to characterize the research trends related to microalgae markets, markets opportunities and technologies that could have important impacts on markets evolution. Six major markets opportunities, the production of biofuels, bioplastics, biofertilizers, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and two fast-evolving technological domains driving markets evolution, microalgae harvesting and extraction technologies and production of genetically modified (GM-)microalgae, were highlighted. We here present an advanced analysis of these research domains to give an updated overview of scientific concepts driving microalgae markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0)

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12 pages, 686 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pheophorbide a: State of the Art

by Assunta Saide, Chiara Lauritano and Adrianna Ianora

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(5), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18050257 - 14 May 2020

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 7954

Abstract

Chlorophyll breakdown products are usually studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The chlorophyll derivative Pheophorbide a (PPBa) is a photosensitizer that can induce significant anti-proliferative effects in several human cancer cell lines. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for about 9.6 million deaths, in 2018 alone. Hence, it is crucial to monitor emergent compounds that show significant anticancer activity and advance them into clinical trials. In this review, we analyze the anticancer activity of PPBa with or without photodynamic therapy and also conjugated with or without other chemotherapic drugs, highlighting the capacity of PPBa to overcome multidrug resistance. We also report other activities of PPBa and different pathways that it can activate, showing its possible applications for the treatment of human pathologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0)

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16 pages, 1073 KiB

Open AccessReview

Algae-Derived Bioactive Compounds with Anti-Lung Cancer Potential

by Imen Saadaoui, Rihab Rasheed, Nabeel Abdulrahman, Touria Bounnit, Maroua Cherif, Hareb Al Jabri and Fatima Mraiche

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(4), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18040197 - 8 Apr 2020

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 7748

Abstract

Lung cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Natural molecules with anti-lung cancer potential are of a great interest and considered as very promising alternative to substitute or enhance the efficiency of the conventional drugs. Recently, algae as source of high value-added compounds are considered as very promising source of these bioactive molecules. These are secondary metabolites that consist mainly of derivatives of peptides, carbohydrates, and lipids with various structures. Accordingly, various mechanisms by which different algae molecules demonstrate attenuation of tumor angiogenesis were stated and discussed. The mode of action of the algae bioactives is closely related to their nature and chemical structure. Furthermore, this literature review considers the synergistic effect between microalgae bioactives and conventional drugs and discuss the economic feasibility of producing microalgae bioactives at large scale to conclude with some future perspectives related to algae-based drug discovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0)

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28 pages, 9687 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

A Bibliometric Analysis of Microalgae Research in the World, Europe, and the European Atlantic Area

by Judith Rumin, Elodie Nicolau, Raimundo Gonçalves de Oliveira Junior, Claudio Fuentes-Grünewald, Kevin J. Flynn and Laurent Picot

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(2), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18020079 - 26 Jan 2020

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6375

Abstract

A bibliographic database of scientific papers published by authors affiliated worldwide, especially focused in Europe and in the European Atlantic Area, and containing the keywords “microalga(e)” or “phytoplankton” was built. A corpus of 79,020 publications was obtained and analyzed using the Orbit Intellixir software to highlight the evolution of the research domain. Publication rates from 1960 to 2019, organization of the research, collaboration networks between countries and organizations, emerging and fading research concepts, major studied species, and associated concepts, as well as journals publishing microalgae research were considered. As a result, of the 79,020 papers published worldwide, 26,137 included authors from Europe (33% of world production) and 6989 from the European Atlantic Area (AA) (27% of European production, 9% of world production). The main worldwide scientific research topics found in this study were phytoplankton, community, bloom, diatoms, distribution, ecosystem, coastal, chlorophyll, zooplankton, photosynthesis, and primary production. At the European scale, the most studied topics were related to the environment, food, chemicals, pigments, protein, feed, and drugs. The highest scientific trends and market opportunities analysis identified bioplastics and biostimulants as top emerging concepts at the European level and agricultural, animal feed, and blue biotechnology at the European AA level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0)

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