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Marine Drugs
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High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications
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High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 52924

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. William Lindsey White

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Interests: seaweed; macroalgae; algae; nutritive value; gracilaria; seaweeds - culture; algae culture; biodiversity; seaweed biology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The production of seaweeds has markedly increased in the last few decades, with much of this being driven by commodity production in Asia for phycocolloids and human food. While there is increasing interest in Western countries in developing large-scale seaweed production, this is so far being hampered by high labor and transport costs, so there is increasing commercial interest in the development of high-value products from seaweeds, particularly for medical, cosmetic, and biotechnological applications. This commercial interest is mirrored in the research space, which is why Marine Drugs is launching a Special Issues entitled “High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications”.

As Guest Editor, I am inviting scientists to submit their latest research findings and review articles in this area in the form of high-quality manuscripts.

Prof. Dr. William Lindsey White
Guest Editor

Keywords

  • seaweeds
  • kelp
  • high-value
  • value-added
  • cosmetics
  • medical
  • biotechnological
  • blue economy

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 3477 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Bioproducts in Seaweeds via Sustainable Aquaculture: Antioxidant and Sun-Protection Compounds
by Doron Yehoshua Ashkenazi, Félix L. Figueroa, Nathalie Korbee, Marta García-Sánchez, Julia Vega, Shoshana Ben-Valid, Guy Paz, Eitan Salomon, Álvaro Israel and Avigdor Abelson
Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(12), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20120767 - 7 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 10698
Abstract
Marine macroalgae are considered an untapped source of healthy natural metabolites and their market demand is rapidly increasing. Intertidal macroalgae present chemical defense mechanisms that enable them to thrive under changing environmental conditions. These intracellular chemicals include compounds that can be used for [...] Read more.
Marine macroalgae are considered an untapped source of healthy natural metabolites and their market demand is rapidly increasing. Intertidal macroalgae present chemical defense mechanisms that enable them to thrive under changing environmental conditions. These intracellular chemicals include compounds that can be used for human benefit. The aim of this study was to test cultivation protocols that direct seaweed metabolic responses to enhance the production of target antioxidant and photoprotective biomaterials. We present an original integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) design, based on a two-phase cultivation plan, in which three seaweed species were initially fed by fish effluents, and subsequently exposed to various abiotic stresses, namely, high irradiance, nutrient starvation, and high salinity. The combined effect of the IMTA’s high nutrient concentrations and/or followed by the abiotic stressors enhanced the seaweeds’ content of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) by 2.3-fold, phenolic compounds by 1.4-fold, and their antioxidant capacity by 1.8-fold. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rose by 2.7-fold, and the chlorophyll and phycobiliprotein synthesis was stimulated dramatically by an order of magnitude. Our integrated cultivation system design offers a sustainable approach, with the potential to be adopted by emerging industries for food and health applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications)
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19 pages, 4345 KiB  
Article
Seaweed-Derived Polysaccharides Attenuate Heat Stress-Induced Splenic Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response via Regulating Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
by Wen-Chao Liu, Di-Pai Zhuang, Yue Zhao, Balamuralikrishnan Balasubramanian and Zhi-Hui Zhao
Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(6), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20060358 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2883
Abstract
With global warming, heat stress (HS) has become a worldwide concern in both humans and animals. The ameliorative effect of seaweed (Enteromorpha prolifera) derived polysaccharides (SDP) on HS-induced oxidative stress and the inflammatory response of an immune organ (spleen) was evaluated [...] Read more.
With global warming, heat stress (HS) has become a worldwide concern in both humans and animals. The ameliorative effect of seaweed (Enteromorpha prolifera) derived polysaccharides (SDP) on HS-induced oxidative stress and the inflammatory response of an immune organ (spleen) was evaluated using an animal model (Gallus gallus domesticus). In total, 144 animals were used in this 4-week trial and randomly assigned to the following three groups: thermoneutral zone, HS, and HS group supplemented with 1000 mg/kg SDP. Dietary SDP improved the antioxidant capacity and reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) of the spleen when exposed to HS, regulated via enhancing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) signaling. Furthermore, the inclusion of SDP reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviated HS-induced splenic inflammatory response by suppressing the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 signaling. These findings suggest that the SDP from E. prolifera can be used as a functional food and/or feed supplement to attenuate HS-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses of the immune organs. Moreover, the results could contribute to the development of high-value marine products from seaweed for potential use in humans and animals, owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications)
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11 pages, 2272 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Antioxidant Activity of Heated Mycosporine-like Amino Acids from Red Alga Dulse Palmaria palmata in Japan
by Yuki Nishida, Wataru Saburi, Yoshikatsu Miyabe, Hideki Kishimura and Yuya Kumagai
Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(3), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20030184 - 1 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3735
Abstract
We recently demonstrated the monthly variation and antioxidant activity of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) from red alga dulse in Japan. The antioxidant activity of MAAs in acidic conditions was low compared to that in neutral and alkali conditions, but we found strong antioxidant [...] Read more.
We recently demonstrated the monthly variation and antioxidant activity of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) from red alga dulse in Japan. The antioxidant activity of MAAs in acidic conditions was low compared to that in neutral and alkali conditions, but we found strong antioxidant activity from the heated crude MAA fraction in acidic conditions. In this study, we identified and characterized the key compounds involved in the antioxidant activity of this fraction. We first isolated two MAAs, palythine, and porphyra-334, from the fraction and evaluated the activities of the two MAAs when heated. MAAs possess absorption maxima at around 330 nm, while the heated MAAs lost this absorption. The heated MAAs showed a high ABTS radical scavenging activity at pH 5.8–8.0. We then determined the structure of heated palythine via ESI-MS and NMR analyses and speculated about the putative antioxidant mechanism. Finally, a suitable production condition of the heated compounds was determined at 120 °C for 30 min at pH 8.0. We revealed compounds from red algae with antioxidant activities at a wide range of pH values, and this information will be useful for the functional processing of food. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications)
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15 pages, 7537 KiB  
Article
A Dunaliella salina Extract Counteracts Skin Aging under Intense Solar Irradiation Thanks to Its Antiglycation and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
by Fabien Havas, Shlomo Krispin, Moshe Cohen, Estelle Loing, Morgane Farge, Thierry Suere and Joan Attia-Vigneau
Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(2), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20020104 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5360
Abstract
Glycation, and the resulting buildup of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), is recognized as a key driver of cumulative skin damage and skin aging. Dunaliella salina is a halophile microalga adapted to intense solar radiation through the production of carotenoids. We present a [...] Read more.
Glycation, and the resulting buildup of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), is recognized as a key driver of cumulative skin damage and skin aging. Dunaliella salina is a halophile microalga adapted to intense solar radiation through the production of carotenoids. We present a natural supercritical CO2 extract of Dunaliella salina rich in the colorless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene. The extract exhibited antiglycation and anti-inflammatory activities in ex vivo testing, showing strongly reduced formation of N-ε-carboxy-methyl-lysine with exposure to methylglyoxal, reduced AGE receptor levels, and significantly reduced interleukins 6 and 8. In a placebo-controlled clinical study under intense solar exposure, the extract significantly reduced the skin’s glycation scores and its sensitivity to histamine; key skin aging parameters were also significantly improved vs. placebo, including wrinkle counts and spots. These results demonstrate the value of this Dunaliella salina extract, rich in colorless carotenoids, as an antiglycative, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging active ingredient, including in high-irradiation contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications)
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19 pages, 2041 KiB  
Article
Seaweed Extracts: A Promising Source of Antibiofilm Agents with Distinct Mechanisms of Action against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
by Maya Rima, Jeanne Trognon, Laure Latapie, Asma Chbani, Christine Roques and Fatima El Garah
Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(2), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20020092 - 21 Jan 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4715
Abstract
The organization of bacteria in biofilms is one of the adaptive resistance mechanisms providing increased protection against conventional treatments. Thus, the search for new antibiofilm agents for medical purposes, especially of natural origin, is currently the object of much attention. The objective of [...] Read more.
The organization of bacteria in biofilms is one of the adaptive resistance mechanisms providing increased protection against conventional treatments. Thus, the search for new antibiofilm agents for medical purposes, especially of natural origin, is currently the object of much attention. The objective of the study presented here was to explore the potential of extracts derived from three seaweeds: the green Ulva lactuca, the brown Stypocaulon scoparium, and the red Pterocladiella capillacea, in terms of their antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa. After preparation of extracts by successive maceration in various solvents, their antibiofilm activity was evaluated on biofilm formation and on mature biofilms. Their inhibition and eradication abilities were determined using two complementary methods: crystal violet staining and quantification of adherent bacteria. The effect of active extracts on biofilm morphology was also investigated by epifluorescence microscopy. Results revealed a promising antibiofilm activity of two extracts (cyclohexane and ethyl acetate) derived from the green alga by exhibiting a distinct mechanism of action, which was supported by microscopic analyses. The ethyl acetate extract was further explored for its interaction with tobramycin and colistin. Interestingly, this extract showed a promising synergistic effect with tobramycin. First analyses of the chemical composition of extracts by GC–MS allowed for the identification of several molecules. Their implication in the interesting antibiofilm activity is discussed. These findings suggest the ability of the green alga U. lactuca to offer a promising source of bioactive candidates that could have both a preventive and a curative effect in the treatment of biofilms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications)
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20 pages, 1439 KiB  
Article
Valorization of the Red Algae Gelidium sesquipedale by Extracting a Broad Spectrum of Minor Compounds Using Green Approaches
by Natalia Castejón, Maroussia Parailloux, Aleksandra Izdebska, Ryszard Lobinski and Susana C. M. Fernandes
Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(10), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19100574 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5039
Abstract
Until now, the red algae Gelidium sesquipedale has been primarily exploited for agar production, leaving an undervalued biomass. In this work, the use of eco-friendly approaches employing ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and green solvents was investigated to valorize the algal minor compounds. The green [...] Read more.
Until now, the red algae Gelidium sesquipedale has been primarily exploited for agar production, leaving an undervalued biomass. In this work, the use of eco-friendly approaches employing ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and green solvents was investigated to valorize the algal minor compounds. The green methods used herein showed an attractive alternative to efficiently extract a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds in short extraction times (15 to 30 min vs. 8 h of the conventional method). Using the best UAE conditions, red seaweed extracts were characterized in terms of total phenolics (189.3 ± 11.7 mg GAE/100 g dw), flavonoids (310.7 ± 9.7 mg QE/100 g dw), mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) (Σ MAAs = 1271 mg/100 g dw), and phycobiliproteins (72.4 ± 0.5 mg/100 g dw). Additionally, produced algal extracts exhibited interesting antioxidant and anti-enzymatic activities for potential applications in medical and/or cosmetic products. Thus, this study provides the basis to reach a superior valorization of algal biomass by using alternative methods to extract biologically active compounds following eco-friendly approaches. Moreover, the strategies developed not only open new possibilities for the commercial use of Gelidium sesquipedale, but also for the valorization of different algae species since the techniques established can be easily adapted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications)
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18 pages, 3262 KiB  
Article
Extraction Procedure, Characteristics, and Feasibility of Caulerpa microphysa (Chlorophyta) Polysaccharide Extract as a Cosmetic Ingredient
by Meng-Chou Lee, Han-Yang Yeh and Wen-Ling Shih
Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(9), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19090524 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4298
Abstract
The green alga Caulerpa microphysa, which is native to Taiwan, has a relatively high economic value and a well-developed culture technique, and is used mainly as a foodstuff. Its extract has been shown to exhibit antitumor properties, but the polysaccharide content of [...] Read more.
The green alga Caulerpa microphysa, which is native to Taiwan, has a relatively high economic value and a well-developed culture technique, and is used mainly as a foodstuff. Its extract has been shown to exhibit antitumor properties, but the polysaccharide content of the extract and its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects and moisture-absorption and -retention capacity remain unknown. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of the polysaccharides in C. microphysa extract (CME) for use in cosmetics. The overall polysaccharide yield from the CME was 73.93% w/w, with four molecular weight fractions. The polysaccharides comprised 59.36 mol% mannose, 27.16 mol% glucose, and 13.48 mol% galactose. In addition, the CME exhibited strong antiallergic, wound-healing, transdermal-delivery, and moisture-absorption and -retention effects. In conclusion, the results suggested that CME potentially has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects and a good moisture capacity, which can be used in cosmetic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications)
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12 pages, 2971 KiB  
Article
Saringosterol from Sargassum fusiforme Modulates Cholesterol Metabolism and Alleviates Atherosclerosis in ApoE-Deficient Mice
by Ying Yan, Zhoumin Niu, Boyang Wang, Shangge Zhao, Chao Sun, Yuting Wu, Yuying Li, Hao Ying and Hongbing Liu
Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(9), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19090485 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4617
Abstract
Dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis is a major risk factor of atherosclerosis, which can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. Liver X receptor (LXR) α and β are transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily, which play important roles [...] Read more.
Dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis is a major risk factor of atherosclerosis, which can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. Liver X receptor (LXR) α and β are transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily, which play important roles in cholesterol homeostasis. Selectively activating LXRβ provides a promising strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Here, we employed atherosclerotic apoE-knockout mice to evaluate the effects of saringosterol, a phytosterol with potent and selective action for LXRβ, which we identified previously in edible marine seaweed Sargassum fusiforme. We found that saringosterol treatment reduced the atherosclerotic plaque burden without having undesirable adverse hepatic effects in apoE-deficient mice fed an atherogenic diet. Meanwhile, reduced serum levels of cholesterol, accompanied by altered expression of LXR-regulated genes involved in cholesterol absorption, transport, efflux, excretion, and elimination, were observed in apoE-knockout mice after saringosterol treatment. Together, our study not only establishes saringosterol as an effective cholesterol-lowering and anti-atherogenic phytosterol but also provides insights into the underlying mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications)
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Review

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15 pages, 3656 KiB  
Review
A Concise Review on the Potential Applications of Rugulopteryx okamurae Macroalgae
by Ligia Barcellos, Christopher K. Pham, Gui Menezes, Raúl Bettencourt, Nieta Rocha, Miguel Carvalho and Helena P. Felgueiras
Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21010040 - 3 Jan 2023
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4443
Abstract
The brown macroalgae of the species Rugulopteryx okamurae has reached European waters and the Strait of Gibraltar as an invasive species. The proliferation and colonization of the species in subtidal and intertidal zones of these regions imposes significant threats to local ecosystems and [...] Read more.
The brown macroalgae of the species Rugulopteryx okamurae has reached European waters and the Strait of Gibraltar as an invasive species. The proliferation and colonization of the species in subtidal and intertidal zones of these regions imposes significant threats to local ecosystems and additionally represents a significant socioeconomic burden related to the large amounts of biomass accumulated as waste. As a way to minimize the effects caused by the accumulation of algae biomass, investigations have been made to employ this biomass as a raw material in value-added products or technologies. The present review explores the potential uses of R. okamurae, focusing on its impact for biogas production, composting, bioplastic and pharmaceutical purposes, with potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and α-glucosity inhibitory activities being highlighted. Overall, this species appears to present many attributes, with remarkable potential for uses in several fields of research and in various industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications)
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17 pages, 376 KiB  
Review
Potential Beneficial Effects of Sargassum spp. in Skin Aging
by Min-Kyeong Lee, Heeyeon Ryu, Ji Yun Lee, Hyeon Hak Jeong, Jiwon Baek, Ji Yun Van, Myeong-Jin Kim, Won-Kyo Jung and Bonggi Lee
Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(8), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20080540 - 22 Aug 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5413
Abstract
Seaweeds are receiving much attention as a rich source of bioactive compounds with cosmeceutical potential. Recent studies have revealed that Sargassum spp., a genus of brown algae in the family Sargassaceae, has multiple functions in preventing and improving skin aging. Sargassum spp. contains [...] Read more.
Seaweeds are receiving much attention as a rich source of bioactive compounds with cosmeceutical potential. Recent studies have revealed that Sargassum spp., a genus of brown algae in the family Sargassaceae, has multiple functions in preventing and improving skin aging. Sargassum spp. contains many bioactive compounds, such as fucoidan, fucoxanthin, terpenoids, flavonoids, and meroterpenoids. These Sargassum spp. extracts and derivative compounds have excellent potential for skincare, as they exhibit skin health-promoting properties, including antioxidants, anti-inflammation, whitening, skin barrier repair, and moisturizing. Therefore, searching for bioactive compounds in marine resources such as Sargassum spp. could be an attractive approach to preventing and improving skin aging. The current review focused on the various biological abilities of Sargassum extracts or derived compounds for anti-skin aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Products from Seaweeds: Medical, Cosmetic, and Biotechnological Applications)
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