Search Results (105)

Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases through the excessive production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Although bromophenols from marine algae and various phenolic compounds exhibit strong anti-inflammatory activity, the biological properties of brominated vanillin derivatives remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of 2-bromo-5-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (2B5H4M), a brominated vanillin derivative structurally similar to marine bromophenols, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. 2B5H4M significantly reduced LPS-induced NO and PGE₂ production by suppressing the protein and mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). It also downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Mechanistically, 2B5H4M inhibited the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α, thereby preventing NF-κB nuclear translocation, and reduced the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. These findings demonstrate that 2B5H4M exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects by simultaneously blocking NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Although not algae-derived, the structural resemblance of 2B5H4M to marine bromophenols highlights its potential as a marine-inspired reference compound. This work suggests that 2B5H4M may serve as a promising lead scaffold for developing new phenolic anti-inflammatory agents and provides a foundation for future mechanistic and in vivo studies. Full article

Activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. However, the initial cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) analogs developed as STING agonists have shown limited efficacy in clinical trials, prompting interest in non-CDN small-molecule alternatives. In this study, we identified a novel series of bromophenol derivatives as effective STING agonists. Among these derivatives, OSBP63 robustly activated the STING signaling pathway, resulting in enhanced phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (p-IRF3) and increased secretion of interferon-β (IFN-β). Co-administration of Marine Bromophenol Derivative (OSBP63) with paclitaxel (PTX), a conventional anticancer drug, significantly suppressed B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) expression and protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation, thereby demonstrating pronounced anti-tumor activity in a mouse model of breast cancer. These findings suggest that OSBP63 represents a promising non-CDN small-molecule STING agonist candidate, offering a valuable lead for future anticancer therapeutic development. Full article

Tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) is the primary enzyme responsible for melanogenesis in mammals and enzymatic browning in food, creating a high demand for potent, safe inhibitors of this enzyme in the cosmetic, medical, and agricultural sectors. Conventional synthetic inhibitors often face limitations concerning their cytotoxicity and stability, necessitating the exploration of marine natural products (MNPs). Marine algae, comprising macroalgae (seaweeds) and microalgae (including cyanobacteria), represent an underexploited source of structurally diverse bioactives. Macroalgae, particularly brown species, yield complex phlorotannins, such as the non-competitive oligomer dieckol, which exhibits an IC50 of 2.16 µg/mL. Conversely, microalgae deliver high-potency, low-molecular-weight compounds, notably the synthesizable scytonemin monomer (ScyM) with an IC50 of 4.90 µM—significantly stronger than kojic acid. Mechanistic analysis, supported by molecular docking, reveals diverse modes of action, from the two-step slow binding of complex phlorotannins to the highly specific competitive binding of red algal bromophenols. Translational success requires the consistent application of green extraction techniques, such as Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs), and advanced delivery systems, like Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs), to ensure the stability and bioavailability of these compounds for future cosmeceutical and medical applications. Full article

Due to their excellent physicochemical properties, the nanoparticles (NPs) have been utilized in various potential applications, including environmental remediation, energy storage, and nanomedicine. In this work, the ultrasonic and manual stirring approaches were used to integrate yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs) into reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance their photocatalytic and anticancer properties. Pure Y₂O₃NPs, Y₂O₃/RGO NCs, and Y₂O₃/CNTs NCs were characterized using different analytical techniques, such as XRD, SEM, EDX with Elemental Mapping, FTIR, UV-Vis, PL, and DLS to investigate their improved structural, surface morphological, chemical bonding, optical, and surface charge properties. XRD data confirmed the successful integration of Y₂O₃into RGO and CNTs, with minor changes in crystallite sizes. SEM images with EDX analysis revealed that Y₂O₃NPs were uniformly distributed on RGO and CNTs, reducing aggregation. Chemical bonding and interactions between Y₂O₃and carbon materials were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis. UV and PL results suggest that the optical studies showed a shift in absorption peaks upon integration with RGO and CNTs. This indicates enhanced light absorption and modifications to the band gap between (3.79–4.40 eV) for the obtained samples. In the photocatalytic experiment, the degradation efficiency of bromophenol blue (BPB) dye for Y₂O₃RGO NCs was up to 87.3%, outperforming pure Y₂O₃NPs (45.83%) and Y₂O₃/CNTs NCs (66.78%) after 120 min of UV irradiation. Additionally, the MTT assay demonstrated that Y₂O₃/RGO NCs exhibited the highest anticancer activity against MG-63 bone cancer cells with an IC50 value of 45.7 µg/mL compared to Y₂O₃CNTs NCs and pure Y₂O₃NPs. This work highlights that Y₂O₃/RGO NCs could be used in significant applications, including environmental remediation and in vivo cancer therapy studies. Full article

Background: Marine macroalgae has been studied by our research group as alternative sources of bioactive compounds with promising antiparasitic activity, particularly against Schistosoma mansoni. Objectives: This study aimed to employ a metabolomics-based approach to identify anthelminthic active compounds from the macroalgae Laurencia aldingensis Saito and Womersley 1974 and Laurencia dendroidea J. Agardh 1852. Methods: The algae were extracted using a dichloromethane/methanol mixture, followed by liquid–liquid partitioning and sequential chromatographic fractionation using solvents of varying polarities. The resulting fractions were tested for biological activity against adult Schistosoma mansoni worms. Detailed chemical characterization of the extracts was conducted via HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, with subsequent data alignment and statistical analysis (Pearson correlation) to associate specific chemical compounds with the observed bioactivity. Results: Non-polar fractions (hexane and dichloromethane) exhibited significant anthelminthic activity, substantially reducing parasite viability and reproduction. Specific subfractions obtained from the dichloromethane fraction demonstrated notable activity. Metabolomic analysis revealed considerable chemical diversity, emphasizing the presence of bromophenols and halogenated sesquiterpenes, including potentially novel compounds with therapeutic potential against schistosomiasis. Conclusions: The metabolomics approach proved effective in identifying promising bioactive compounds from Laurencia spp. macroalgae with activity against S. mansoni. Full article

This study explores a green synthesis approach for creating a nanocomposite material consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles decorated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), utilizing Clitoria ternatea flower extract as a biogenic reducing agent. The objective was to leverage the phytochemicals present in the flower extract to form ZnO nanoparticles, enhance their properties through rGO integration, and evaluate their structural and photocatalytic characteristics. The nanocomposite was characterized using a comprehensive suite of techniques, including XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, DLS, zeta potential, SEM, and EDAX. To assess the in vitro biocompatibility, an MTT assay was performed on the normal fibroblast cell line 3T3L1. The nanocomposite exhibited minimal cytotoxicity with over 86% cell viability at concentrations up to 320 μg/mL. Additionally, hemolysis assays demonstrated that the nanocomposite induced less than 5% hemolysis, indicating excellent hemocompatibility. In an in vivo evaluation, zebrafish embryos exhibited no deformities, and the cumulative hatchability was also not affected up to a dose of 50 μg/mL. The exploration of environmental remediation was studied using bromophenol dye degradation, which showed a 65% dye degradation within 30 min of exposure to the composite and sunlight. The outcome of the study showed successful formation of ZnO and its composite with rGO (CT-rGO-ZnO), exhibiting excellent biocompatibility and improved photocatalytic properties. The material demonstrates promise for applications in environmental remediation and energy-related fields. The environmentally friendly nature of the synthesis approach also makes it a valuable contribution toward sustainable nanotechnology. Full article

Skin aging is mainly caused by external factors like sunlight, which triggers oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Natural halogenated flavonoids have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. Inspired by the macroalgae-derived bromophenol BDDE, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of structure-related chalcones (1–7). Chalcones 1 and 7 showed the least cytotoxicity in keratinocyte and macrophage cells. Chalcones 1, 2, 4, and 5 exhibited the most significant anti-inflammatory effects in murine macrophages after lipopolysaccharide stimulation, with chalcone 1 having the lowest IC₅₀ value (≈0.58 μM). A SNAP assay confirmed that chalcones do not exert their effects through direct NO scavenging. Symmetrical bromine atoms and 3,4-dimethoxy groups on both aromatic rings improved the anti-inflammatory activity, indicating a relevant structure–activity relationship. Chalcones 1 and 2 were selected for study to clarify their mechanisms of action. At a concentration of 7.5 μM, chalcone 2 demonstrated a rapid and effective inhibitory action on the protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), while chalcone 1 exhibited a gradual inhibitory action. Moreover, chalcone 1 effectively activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway with around a 3.5-fold increase at the end of 24 h at 7.5 μM, highlighting its potential as a modulator of oxidative stress responses. These findings place chalcone 1 as a promising candidate for skincare products targeting inflammation and skin aging. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by β-amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress—pathological features that pose significant challenges for the development of therapeutic interventions. Given these challenges, this review comprehensively evaluates the neuroprotective mechanisms of bioactive compounds derived from red algae, including polysaccharides and phycobiliproteins, which are considered a promising source of natural therapeutics for AD. Red algal constituents exhibit neuroprotective activities through multiple mechanisms. Sulfated polysaccharides (e.g., carrageenan, porphyran) suppress NF-κB-mediated neuroinflammation, modulate mitochondrial function, and enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Phycobiliproteins (phycoerythrin, phycocyanin) and peptides derived from their degradation scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activate antioxidant pathways (e.g., Nrf2/HO-1), thus mitigating oxidative damage. Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin) improve cognitive function through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), while phenolic compounds (bromophenols, diphlorethol) provide protection by targeting multiple pathways involved in dopaminergic system modulation and Nrf2 pathway activation. Emerging extraction technologies—including microwave- and enzyme-assisted methods—have been shown to optimize the yield and maintain the bioactivity of these compounds. However, the precise identification of molecular targets and the standardization of extraction techniques remain critical research priorities. Overall, red algae-derived compounds hold significant potential for multi-mechanism AD interventions, providing novel insights for the development of therapeutic strategies with low toxicity. Full article

The synthesis of cellulose extracted from agricultural waste, specifically almond and fig tree trimmings, and its combination with ZnO nanoparticles to form cellulose/ZnO composites was studied. These adsorbents/photocatalysts were fully characterized, confirming not only the effective deposition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the cellulose surface but also the improvement in homogeneity and lower agglomeration and size of ZnO particles grown on these fibers (crystallites were 43 ± 12 nm for pristine ZnO and 13–26 nm for composites). The efficacy of these composites was evaluated against methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and bromophenol blue (BB), this study being the first time that BB removal results have been reported using dual photo-adsorptive cellulosic composites. After 20 min, removals of approximately 45% were achieved for the anionic dyes MO and BB under UV light and up to 65% for MB with either applied radiation, indicating a clear adsorption mechanism for this cationic dye. A reusability study was conducted for the BB removal system, with only a 15–19% loss in BB removal capacity under UV irradiation after the third reuse. These results demonstrated the potential and efficiency of cellulose/ZnO composites as promising photocatalysts for textile wastewater treatment, providing a sustainable and interesting approach to mitigate dye pollution. Full article

Bromophenols (BPs), particularly those derived from marine sources, are known for their potent radical scavenging activity, effectively neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, their exact mechanism of action remains largely unexplored, limiting our understanding of their potential as natural antioxidants. In this study, the antiradical mechanisms of two BP derivatives (1 and 2), previously isolated from the marine red alga Polysiphonia urceolata, were systematically investigated using thermodynamic and kinetic calculations. Both compounds demonstrated potent hydroperoxyl radical (HOO^•) scavenging activity in polar and lipid environments, with rate constants surpassing those of the well-known antioxidant standards Trolox and BHT. In lipid media, BP 2 exhibited approximately 600-fold greater activity than BP 1, with rate constants of 9.75 × 10⁵ and 1.64 × 10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. In contrast, both BPs showed comparable activity in aqueous media, with rate constants of 3.46 × 10⁸ and 9.67 × 10⁸ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 1 and 2, respectively. Mechanistic analysis revealed that formal hydrogen atom transfer (f-HAT) is the predominant pathway for radical scavenging in both lipid and polar environments. These findings provide critical insights into the antiradical mechanisms of natural BPs and underscore the potential of BP 1 and BP 2 as highly effective hydroperoxyl radical scavengers under physiological conditions. Full article

The optimization of bioactive compound extraction from Fucus vesiculosus using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) via sonotrode was investigated to maximize phenolic recovery and antioxidant activity while promoting a sustainable process. Optimal conditions (40% v/v ethanol in water, 38 min, 36% amplitude) were selected to maximize phenolic recovery while considering environmental and energy sustainability by optimizing extraction efficiency and minimizing solvent and energy usage. HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis tentatively identified 25 phenolic compounds, including sulfated phenolic acids, phlorotannins, flavonoids, and halophenols, with some reported for the first time in F. vesiculosus, underscoring the complexity of this alga’s metabolome. The antioxidant activity of the optimized extract was evaluated through FRAP (143.7 µmol TE/g), DPPH (EC₅₀ 105.6 µg/mL), and TEAC (189.1 µmol Trolox/g) assays. The optimized process highlights F. vesiculosus as a valuable source of natural antioxidants, with potential applications in biotechnology, cosmetics, and food industries. Full article

Bromophenols, which belong to the family of phenolic compounds, are halogenated secondary metabolites characterized by the incorporation of bromine atoms into the phenol ring structure, resulting in unique chemical properties. These compounds, synthesized as secondary metabolites by algae, exhibit different isomeric forms due to bromine substitution at different positions within the phenol ring, showing variability among species. Bromine substitution not only confers specific chemical properties but also plays an important role in the ecological functions of bromophenols by inducing increased lipophilicity, which affects solubility and reactivity, an adaptive response to external conditions. Certain genera of red algae, such as Gracilaria and Rhodomela, have been identified as important sources of bromophenols. Research on bromophenols involves extraction, commonly using solvents such as methanol or methanol-dichloromethane, and identification and structural elucidation using advanced analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for the precise determination of structure and configuration. Bromophenols display diverse biological activities, highlighting antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiviral and antioxidant properties, which are closely related to their specific chemical structure. The importance of understanding the chemical group of bromophenols is underlined by their role in chemical defense mechanisms, contributing to potential biotechnological applications and broader contributions to the marine ecosystem. Therefore, this study is aimed to review the chemical characteristics and biological properties of bromophenols in red algae. Full article

Macroalgae are known as abundant sources of phytochemicals, which offer a plethora of beneficial biological properties. Besides being the most notable classes of compounds found in macroalgae, phlorotannins, bromophenols, and terpenoids comprise some of the most relevant for their biological properties. Phlorotannins, mainly prevalent in brown algae and structurally characterized as complex polyphenolic compounds derived from phloroglucinol units, possess robust antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities, modulated by factors such as the degree of polymerization and environmental conditions. Bromophenols, halogenated compounds found in algae and other marine organisms, exhibit significant antioxidant and antiviral properties. Their diverse structures and bromination patterns contribute to their potential as therapeutic and chemical defense agents. Pigments (chemically described as primary terpenoids) play a critical role in light absorption and energy transfer in macroalgae and are divided into three main groups: (i) carotenoids, which are primarily found in brown algae and provide photoprotective and antioxidant benefits; (ii) chlorophylls, known for facilitating the conversion of light into biological energy; and (iii) phycobilins, which are mostly found in red algae and play important roles in light absorption and energy transfer, besides providing remarkable health benefits. Finally, secondary terpenoids, which are particularly abundant in red algae (e.g., the Rhodomelaceae family) are central to cellular interactions and exhibit significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study represents a detailed analysis of the biosynthesis, structural diversity, and biological activities of these macroalgae metabolites, emphasizing their potential biological properties. Full article

The screening of 166 extracts from tropical marine organisms (invertebrates, macroalgae) and 3 cyclolipopeptides from microorganisms against yeast prions highlighted the potential of Verongiida sponges to prevent the propagation of prions. We isolated the known compounds purealidin Q (1), aplysamine-2 (2), pseudoceratinine A (3), aerophobin-2 (4), aplysamine-1 (5), and pseudoceratinine B (6) for the first time from the Wallisian sponge Suberea laboutei. We then tested compounds 1–6 and sixteen other bromotyrosine and bromophenol derivatives previously isolated from Verongiida sponges against yeast prions, demonstrating the potential of 1–3, 5, 6, aplyzanzine C (7), purealidin A (10), psammaplysenes D (11) and F (12), anomoian F (14), and N,N-dimethyldibromotyramine (15). Following biological tests on mammalian cells, we report here the identification of the hitherto unknown ability of the six bromotyrosine derivatives 1, 2, 5, 7, 11, and 14 of marine origin to reduce the spread of the PrP^Sc prion and the ability of compounds 1 and 2 to reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress. These two biological activities of these bromotyrosine derivatives are, to our knowledge, described here for the first time, offering a new therapeutic perspective for patients suffering from prion diseases that are presently untreatable and consequently fatal. Full article

Trametes hirsuta GMA-01 was cultivated in a culture medium supplemented with orange waste, starch, wheat bran, yeast extract, and salts. The fungus produced several holoenzymes, but the laccase levels were surprisingly high. Given the highlighted applicability of laccases in various biotechnological areas with minimal environmental impact, we provided a strategy to increase its production using response surface methodology. The immobilization of laccase into ionic supports (CM-cellulose, DEAE-agarose, DEAE-cellulose, DEAE-Sephacel, MANAE-agarose, MANAE-cellulose, and PEI-agarose) was found to be efficient and recuperative, showcasing the technical prowess of research. The crude extract laccase (CE) and CM-cellulose-immobilized crude extract (ICE) showed optimum activity in acidic conditions (pH 3.0) and at 70 °C for the CE and 60 °C for the ICE. The ICE significantly increased thermostability at 60 °C for the crude extract, which retained 21.6% residual activity after 240 min. The CE and ICE were successfully applied to sugarcane bagasse hydrolysis, showing 13.83 ± 0.02 µmol mL⁻¹ reducing sugars after 48 h. Furthermore, the CE was tested for dye decolorization, achieving 96.6%, 71.9%, and 70.8% decolorization for bromocresol green, bromophenol blue, and orcein, respectively (0.05% (w/v) concentration). The properties and versatility of T. hirsuta GMA-01 laccase in different biotechnological purposes are interesting and notable, opening several potential applications and providing valuable insights into the future of biotechnological development. Full article