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Marine Algae: Exploring Their Nutritional, Health, and Nutraceutical Potential

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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: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 16270

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Dr. Leonel Pereira

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Marine Resources, Conservation and Technology, Marine Algae Laboratory, Centre for Functional Ecology—Science for People & the Planet (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: marine biotechnology; phycology; biodiversity; nutraceuticals
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Dr. Ana Marta Gonçalves

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1. Marine Resources, Conservation and Technology, Marine Algae Laboratory, Centre for Functional Ecology—Science for People & the Planet (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
2. Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Interests: marine biotechnology; biochemical pathways; nutritional content; trophic food webs; biomarkers; aquatic ecology; aquatic ecotoxicology; biosafety; microplastics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Marine algae (seaweed) are increasingly recognized for their rich nutritional profiles and their potential health benefits, positioning them as valuable components in the field of nutraceuticals. This Special Issue of Marine Drugs delves into the multifaceted roles of seaweed in human nutrition and health, exploring the bioactive compounds responsible for their therapeutic effects. Contributions will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including the biochemical composition of various seaweed species, their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, and their applications in functional foods and dietary supplements. Additionally, we invite research on the sustainability of seaweed harvesting and cultivation, as well as the development of innovative extraction and processing techniques to maximize their health benefits. This collection aims to enhance our understanding of seaweed as a vital resource for promoting human health and well-being, and to inspire further research and development in the field of marine nutraceuticals.

Dr. Leonel Pereira
Dr. Ana Marta Gonçalves
Guest Editors

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Keywords

seaweed
nutritional composition
health benefits
bioactive compounds
antioxidant properties
anti-inflammatory effects
anti-cancer potential
functional foods
dietary supplements
nutraceuticals
sustainability
extraction techniques
processing methods
human health

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploration of Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties, and Their Potential Efficacy Against HT29 Cell Lines in Dictyota bartayresiana

by Durairaj Swarna Bharathi, Andiyappan Boopathy Raja, Suganthi Nachimuthu, S. Thangavel, Karthik Kannan, Sengottaiyan Shanmugan and Vinaya Tari

Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(6), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23060224 - 23 May 2025

Viewed by 532

Abstract

This study investigates the rare seaweed alga Dictyota bartayresiana lamour for biological activity. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities were examined. An MTT assay was carried out to examine cytotoxicity activity against colon cancer cells. The HPTLC analysis was performed for four different extracts, which exhibited clear flavonoid band formation at 254 nm and 366 nm with varied ranges of R_f values: methanolic extract (R_f 0.87), acetone extract (R_f 0.82), and benzene (R_f 0.83). Methanolic Extract Fraction One (MEF1) has a distinct band formation at 366 nm, it is shown to have the highest inhibition (6.20 ± 0.53 mm) against Escherichia coli, and the MTT assay reveals that the aqueous extract of Dictyota bartayresiana extract has an IC₅₀ value of 300 µg/mL. It is divulged that methanolic extract shows the highest phytochemical compound level among the four extracts of Dictyota bartayresiana. A GC/MS analysis was employed to investigate the flavonoid profile of the crude seaweed extract. Although LC/MS is typically preferred for flavonoid analysis due to thermal sensitivity, GC/MS was used in this study owing to time constraints, with optimized conditions to reduce thermal degradation. The GC-MS analysis identified Quinoline and other flavonoids, suggesting potential bioactivity. The cytotoxicity activity of MEF1 shows that the development of a promising drug may be evaluated from a seaweed source. The present study provides excellent insight with the first report of the biologically active compound of Dictyota bartayresiana. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Algae: Exploring Their Nutritional, Health, and Nutraceutical Potential)

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19 pages, 2194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolite Profiling and Antioxidant Activities in Seagrass Biomass

by Pilar Garcia-Jimenez, Milagros Rico, Diana del Rosario-Santana, Vicent Arbona, Marina Carrasco-Acosta and David Osca

Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(5), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23050193 - 29 Apr 2025

Viewed by 737

Abstract

In this work, metabolite profiling of seeds and antioxidant analysis of fragments of two marine seagrasses, Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa, were carried out to identify metabolite signature involved in seed viability and to evaluate the potential of fragments as a source of bioactive compounds. Using HILIC/QTOF-MS, UHPLC-MS and spectrophotometric analysis, seed metabolites and polyphenols and antioxidant activities, such as those of radical scavenging (RSA), reduction (FRAP, CUPRAC) and complexation (CCA), of rhizome fragments were evaluated. Metabolite comparison between seeds revealed differences across development stages (germinated and non-germinated) and seed types (dormant and non-dormant), providing insights into metabolic activity potentially associated with germination processes and seed viability. Furthermore, polyphenol analysis showed the highest content of caffeic acid in mature leaves (17.00 ± 0.02 μg g⁻¹ dw for P. oceanica and 98.00 ± 0.03 μg g⁻¹ dw for C. nodosa). Total phenolic content was correlated with flavonoids and with reduction and complexation activities. The combination of radical scavenging activity and t_1/2 was higher in P. oceanica than C. nodosa and also surpassed the commercial synthetic antioxidant BHA. We conclude P. oceanica and C. nodosa exhibit distinct seed metabolite profiles related to germination and type of seeds, and that fragments are rich in antioxidants, with potential as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Algae: Exploring Their Nutritional, Health, and Nutraceutical Potential)

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22 pages, 19510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Brown Algae as a Capping Agent in the Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles to Enhance the Antibacterial Activities of Cotton Fabrics

by Eli Rohaeti, Helmiyati, Rasamimanana Joronavalona, Paulina Taba, Dewi Sondari and Azlan Kamari

Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(2), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23020071 - 7 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Research was conducted on the role of brown algae as a capping agent in the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, the characteristics of ZnO nanoparticles, and the effect of the addition of ZnO nanoparticles and/or silane compounds on antibacterial and antifungal activities. The synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles involved green synthesis, and then nanoparticles were characterized using UV/VIS/NIR, ATR-FTIR, XRD, PSA, and SEM-EDS, followed by the in situ deposition of ZnO nanoparticles on cotton fabrics and the addition of silane compounds. The characterization of modified and unmodified cotton fabrics and antibacterial and antifungal activity tests were carried out using the disc diffusion method through measurements of the diameter of the inhibition zone against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Malassezia furfur. The characterization of ZnO nanoparticles showed absorption at a wavelength of 357 nm; the number of waves was 450 cm⁻¹; the diffraction peak occurred at an angle of 36.14°; the crystal size was 15.35 nm; there was a heterogeneous particle distribution; the particle size was in the ranges of 1.74–706 nm (PSA) and 45–297 nm (SEM); and an irregular particle shape was noted. The results showed that the best antibacterial and antifungal activity was obtained in cotton + HDTMS + ZnO nanoparticles (K8) and cotton + ZnO nanoparticles+HDTMS/MTMS (K4). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Algae: Exploring Their Nutritional, Health, and Nutraceutical Potential)

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20 pages, 3444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Activities of Polysaccharide-Rich Extracts from the Irish Seaweed Alaria esculenta, Generated Using Green and Conventional Extraction Technologies, Against Foodborne Pathogens

by Ailbhe McGurrin, Rahel Suchintita Das, Arturo B. Soro, Julie Maguire, Noelia Flórez Fernández, Herminia Dominguez, Maria Dolores Torres, Brijesh K. Tiwari and Marco Garcia-Vaquero

Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23010046 - 18 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2206

Abstract

A rise in antimicrobial resistance coupled with consumer preferences towards natural preservatives has resulted in increased research towards investigating antimicrobial compounds from natural sources such as macroalgae (seaweeds), which contain antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer compounds. This study investigates the antimicrobial activity of compounds produced by the Irish seaweed Alaria esculenta against Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua, bacterial species which are relevant for food safety. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), ultrasound–microwave-assisted extraction (UMAE), and conventional extraction technologies (maceration) were applied to generate extracts from A. esculenta, followed by their preliminary chemical composition (total phenolic content, total protein content, total soluble sugars) and antimicrobial activity (with minimum inhibitory concentration determined by broth microdilution methods), examining also the molecular weight distribution (via high performance size exclusion chromatography) and oligosaccharide fraction composition (via high-performance liquid chromatography) of the polysaccharides, as they were the predominant compounds in these extracts, aiming to elucidate structure–function relationships. The chemical composition of the extracts demonstrated that they were high in total soluble sugars, with the highest total sugars being seen from the extract prepared with UAE, having 32.68 mg glucose equivalents/100 mg dried extract. Extracts had antimicrobial activity against E. coli and featured minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 6.25 mg/mL (in the case of the extract prepared with UAE) and 12.5 mg/mL (in the case of the extracts prepared with MAE, UMAE, and conventional maceration). No antimicrobial activity was seen by any extracts against L. innocua. An analysis of molar mass distribution of A. esculenta extracts showed high heterogeneity, with high-molecular-weight areas possibly indicating the presence of fucoidan. The FTIR spectra also indicated the presence of fucoidan as well as alginate, both of which are commonly found in brown seaweeds. These results indicate the potential of antimicrobials from seaweeds extracted using green technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Algae: Exploring Their Nutritional, Health, and Nutraceutical Potential)

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13 pages, 1710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extraction Optimization of Polysaccharides from Wet Red Microalga Porphyridium purpureum Using Response Surface Methodology

by Yi Chen, Qianmei Li, Bingqi Xu, Wenzhou Xiang, Aifen Li and Tao Li

Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(11), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22110498 - 4 Nov 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1932

Abstract

Porphyridium is a unicellular marine microalga that is rich in polysaccharides and has excellent biological activities. Optimizing the extraction of polysaccharides can significantly improve the value of Porphyridium biomass. In the present study, response surface methodology was employed to optimize the extraction conditions of polysaccharides, including extraction time, extraction temperature, and biomass-to-water ratio. Furthermore, microwave-assisted extraction was used to improve the yield of polysaccharides further. The results showed that increasing the extraction temperature and extraction time could enhance the yield of polysaccharides. The multiple regression analysis of RSM indicated that the model could be employed to optimize the extraction of polysaccharides. The optimal extraction time, extraction temperature, and biomass-to-water ratio were 45 min, 87 °C, and 1:63 g mL⁻¹, respectively. Under these optimal conditions, the maximum yield of polysaccharides was 23.66% DW, which well matched the predicted yield. The results indicated that the extraction temperature was the most significant condition affecting the yield of polysaccharides. The microwave-assisted extraction could further improve the yield of polysaccharides to 25.48% DW. In conclusion, hot water with microwave-assisted extraction was effective for polysaccharide extraction in P. purpureum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Algae: Exploring Their Nutritional, Health, and Nutraceutical Potential)

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19 pages, 2390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced Extraction Techniques and Physicochemical Properties of Carrageenan from a Novel Kappaphycus alvarezii Cultivar

by Madalena Mendes, João Cotas, Irene B. Gutiérrez, Ana M. M. Gonçalves, Alan T. Critchley, Lourie Ann R. Hinaloc, Michael Y. Roleda and Leonel Pereira

Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(11), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22110491 - 31 Oct 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3547

Abstract

Carrageenans are valuable marine polysaccharides derived from specific species of red seaweed (Rhodophyta) widely used as thickening and stabilizing agents across various industries. Kappaphycus alvarezii, predominantly cultivated in tropical countries, is the primary source of kappa-carrageenan. Traditional industrial extraction methods involve alkaline treatment for up to three hours followed by heating, which is inefficient and generates substantial waste. Thus, developing improved extraction techniques would be helpful for enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts, solvent costs, energy consumption, and the required processing time. In this study, we explored innovative extraction methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and supercritical water extraction (SFE), together with other extraction methods to produce kappa-carrageenan from a new strain of K. alvarezii from the Philippines. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy was employed to characterize the structure of the different carrageenan fractions. We also examined the physicochemical properties of isolated phycocolloids, including viscosity, and the content of fatty acids, proteins, and carbohydrates. For refined carrageenan (RC), both the traditional extraction method and the UAE method used 1 M NaOH. Additionally, UAE (8% KOH) was employed to produce semi-refined carrageenan (SRC). UAE (8% KOH) produced a high yield of carrageenan, in half the extraction time (extraction yield: 76.70 ± 1.44), and improved carrageenan viscosity (658.7 cP), making this technique highly promising for industrial scaling up. On the other hand, SFE also yielded a significant amount of carrageenan, but the resulting product had the lowest viscosity and an acidic pH, posing safety concerns as classified by the EFSA’s re-evaluation of carrageenan as a food additive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Algae: Exploring Their Nutritional, Health, and Nutraceutical Potential)

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Review

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67 pages, 6303 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioactive Compounds of Marine Algae and Their Potential Health and Nutraceutical Applications: A Review

by Emin Cadar, Antoanela Popescu, Ana-Maria-Laura Dragan, Ana-Maria Pesterau, Carolina Pascale, Valentina Anuta, Irina Prasacu, Bruno Stefan Velescu, Cezar Laurentiu Tomescu, Claudia Florina Bogdan-Andreescu, Rodica Sirbu and Ana-Maria Ionescu

Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(4), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23040152 - 31 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2468

Abstract

Currently, marine algae are still an under-exploited natural bioresource of bioactive compounds. Seaweeds represent a sustainable source for obtaining bioactive compounds that can be useful for the fabrication of new active products with biomedical benefits and applications as biomedicinals and nutraceuticals. The objective of this review is to highlight scientific papers that identify biocompounds from marine macroalgae and emphasize their benefits. The method used was data analysis to systematize information to identify biocompounds and their various benefits in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. The research results demonstrate the multiple uses of seaweeds. As pharmaceuticals, seaweeds are rich sources of bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, protein compounds, pigments, and polyphenols, which have demonstrated various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticoagulant, and potentially anticarcinogenic effects. Seaweed has gained recognition as a functional food and offers a unique set of compounds that promote body health, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In conclusion, the importance of this review is to expand the possibilities for utilizing natural resources by broadening the areas of research for human health and marine nutraceuticals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Algae: Exploring Their Nutritional, Health, and Nutraceutical Potential)

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24 pages, 1711 KiB

Open AccessReview

Anticancer Properties of Macroalgae: A Comprehensive Review

by Sara Frazzini and Luciana Rossi

Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(2), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23020070 - 7 Feb 2025

Viewed by 2138

Abstract

In recent years, the exploration of bioactive molecules derived from natural sources has gained interest in several application fields. Among these, macroalgae have garnered significant attention due to their functional properties, which make them interesting in therapeutic applications, including cancer treatment. Cancer constitutes a significant global health burden, and the side effects of existing treatment modalities underscore the necessity for the exploration of novel therapeutic models that, in line with the goal of reducing drug treatments, take advantage of natural compounds. This review explores the anticancer properties of macroalgae, focusing on their bioactive compounds and mechanisms of action. The key findings suggest that macroalgae possess a rich array of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (e.g., fucoidans and alginates), polyphenols (e.g., phlorotannins), and terpenoids, which exhibit diverse anticancer activities, such as the inhibition of cell proliferation, angiogenesis, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of the immune system. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of macroalgae’s anticancer potential, highlighting the most promising compounds and their mechanisms of action. While preclinical studies have shown promising results, further research is necessary to translate these findings into effective clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Algae: Exploring Their Nutritional, Health, and Nutraceutical Potential)

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