Search Results (3)

Macroalgae-derived oils offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional mineral oils and additives in lubricant formulation. Their favorable fatty acid profiles can contribute to mitigating the environmental impacts caused by using fossil-based products. This study evaluates the potential of Sargassum spp. oil, collected from the Mexican Caribbean, as a lubricity-enhancing additive in synthetic base oils. The impact of Sargassum spp. oil on viscosity and tribological performance was analyzed. The results indicated that Sargassum spp. oil has potential as an anti-wear additive since a formulation using 10% v/v Sargassum spp. oil in a synthetic lubricant (PAO6) resulted in a wear scar diameter value of 703.03 ± 15.56 µm, which is about 10% lower than PAO6 used as commercial synthetic control. Additionally, the formulation significantly enhanced the viscosity index, with a value of 169, which was notably higher than the control (137). The parameter of the coefficient of friction was significantly reduced from 0.1 to 0.08 (about 27%) when using the formulation with 10% v/v Sargassum spp. oil. These findings underline the potential of algae oils as additives in synthetic lubricants, promoting a transition towards greener products and reducing the environmental impact derived from conventional formulations of polyalphaolefins and esters. Full article

There have been beaching events of the marine alga pelagic sargassum in coastal regions of the Caribbean Sea, West African countries, and the north-northeast region of Brazil since 2011. Its presence has caused environmental and socioeconomic impacts while several studies were conducted in order to understand the causes of this phenomenon, as well as alternatives to mitigate its impacts. The objective of this research was to evaluate pelagic sargassum biomass from beaching as a raw material for the manufacture of medium-density multilayer particleboards, aiming for an application that can reduce the impacts generated by the disposal of this seaweed on beaches and landfills. These are composed of 30% sargassum particles in their inner layer and 70% sugarcane bagasse particles on their outer layers, which are bonded with castor-oil-based polyurethane resin. A physical and chemical characterization was carried out in order to evaluate sargassum particles while physical and mechanical tests were carried out in order to evaluate the panels. Results were subsequently compared with indications from different particleboard standards. A life cycle assessment was carried out to complement the feasibility study of these panels and to compare their different manufacturing processes. The multilayer panels met the minimum requirements for physical and mechanical properties established by regulations, indicating that the Sargassum spp. biomass can be used as filling. The life cycle assessment study indicates that sargassum panels produced in the Belém, PA, Brazil, region present lower environmental impacts in four of seven evaluated categories when compared to conventional panels. Given the results obtained, the use of sargassum from beaching events as raw material for panels can be presented as an alternative for reducing social, economic, and environmental impacts in the regions affected by these events. Full article

This study evaluates the effects of Sargassum pallidum polysaccharides (SPP) on the immune responses in a chicken model. The adjuvanticity of Sargassum pallidum polysaccharides in Newcastle disease (ND), infectious bronchitis (IB) and avian influenza (AI) was investigated by examining the antibody titers and lymphocyte proliferation following immunization in chickens. The chickens were administrated combined ND, IB and AI inactivated vaccines containing SPP at 10, 30 and 50 mg/mL, using an oil adjuvant vaccine as a control. The ND, IB and AI antibody titers and the lymphocyte proliferation were enhanced at 30 mg/mL SPP. In conclusion, an appropriate dose of SPP may be a safe and efficacious immune stimulator candidate that is suitable for vaccines to produce early and persistent prophylaxis. Full article