Search Results (142)

Intraspecific variation in mitogenomes has provided the resolution to distinguish between morphologically indistinguishable species and highlight cryptic speciation. This level of variation is underexplored in introduced marine algae. This study evaluated the mitogenomic variability of Gracilaria vermiculophylla, one of the most invasive red algae in the Northern Hemisphere. Nine mitogenomes, comprising seven newly generated complete mitogenomes from Korea, Japan, and Morocco, plus two publicly available mitogenomes, were included in our analysis. The mitogenomes were highly conserved, ranged from 26,064 to 26,178 bp in length, and contained 52 genes comprising 25 protein-coding genes, three rRNAs, and 24 tRNAs. Nucleotide composition showed a strong AT bias (71.6%), with AT skew and GC skew values of 0.050 and 0.014–0.021, respectively. Pairwise divergences of cox2, rnl and rns rRNA were remarkably low, in a range of 0–0.06%, suggesting alternate markers for determining recent introductions. The phylogenetic relationship based on protein-coding genes revealed three shallow groups in G. vermiculophylla, which were correlated with distribution: two C groups from warm temperate sites and one T group from cold temperate sites. This result highlights mitogenomics as a new tool for the deeper understanding of phylogeography and invasion genetics of marine red algae. Full article

Native macroalgal proliferations are emerging as an additional pathway of ecosystem disruption in the Mediterranean Sea, alongside classic invasions by non-indigenous species. Here, we report an unprecedented, large-scale proliferation of the native red alga Dudresnaya verticillata at the Tremiti Islands Marine Protected Area (southern Adriatic Sea), where the species formed extensive filamentous mats across shallow rocks, seagrass meadows, rhodolith and corallith beds, and incoherent bottoms. Underwater surveys documented the widespread occurrence of D. verticillata across the archipelago, and a quantitative photographic analysis was carried out at a representative site characterized by multiple habitat types across the observed depth range of proliferation (10–25 m). Stratified photographic transects were used to estimate percent cover, quantify substrate associations, and evaluate co-occurring benthic components. Taxonomic identification was supported by ad hoc sampling and morphological characters. Overall, D. verticillata covered a mean of 48.7 ± 19.3% of the investigated area, with total cover differing significantly with depth. The highest mean cover occurred at 10–15 m on infralittoral rocky bottoms (60.8 ± 17.4%; 0–90%), intermediate values were recorded at 20–25 m on biogenic/incoherent substrates (49.0 ± 21.3%; 0–100%), and the lowest cover was observed at 15–20 m within a Posidonia oceanica meadow (38.7 ± 15.0%; 0–81%). Degradation forms were detected at all depths, but their relative contribution increased at 20–25 m. These results document a sustained native proliferation with elevated spatial dominance, characterized by rapid expansion and high local cover, highlighting the need to incorporate native “outbreak” dynamics into monitoring and management initiatives in the Mediterranean Sea. Full article

Macroalgae are essential components of marine ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, primary productivity, and the functioning of coastal habitats. In the northeast Atlantic Macaronesian archipelagos (Azores, Madeira, Selvagens, Canary Islands, Cabo Verde), they hold significant ecological and economic value and have recently emerged as key indicators of environmental change. This oceanic region faces increasing pressure from multiple stressors, including climate change, invasive species, habitat degradation, and other anthropogenic impacts, driving shifts in coastal ecosystems and the simplification of structurally complex habitats such as marine forests. To assess the current state of knowledge on Macaronesian macroalgae and identify gaps relevant to conservation and management, we conducted a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines. Our results show strong but uneven foundational knowledge, with the Azores and Canary Islands accounting for roughly 80% of publications. Research is dominated by fundamental studies in ecology and taxonomy, while applied research (e.g., resource exploitation, aquaculture, toxicology, and climate-change impacts) remains limited. Red algae and a few dominant orders (Ceramiales, Fucales, Dictyotales) are well represented, whereas green algae and less conspicuous taxa are understudied. Future research should expand geographic coverage, broaden taxonomic scope using molecular tools, strengthen applied research, standardize monitoring frameworks, and align scientific output with management needs. Full article

The progressive degradation of surface waters should become one of the most important problems requiring an urgent solution. One of the methods developed is filtering water through loose, degraded sediments, blooms of cyanobacteria or algae, or a bed of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) waste or hemp fibers. The conducted tests on the percolation of water samples and/or water with sediment from surface waters at sites with different ecological statuses indicate the possibility of using hemp waste for the reclamation of water reservoirs and rivers. The effect of filtration is a rapid improvement in water quality and, consequently, an improvement in the ecological status. The best result was achieved for a small freshwater reservoir with a large number of algae and loose degraded sediment. The initial turbidity value was at the limit of the device’s measurement capability, reaching 9991 NTU. After filtration through the hemp waste bed, the turbidity dropped to 42.52 NTU, a 99.57% decrease. The remaining parameters, C, TDS, and pH, were not subject to significant variability as a result of filtering. Excessive amounts of organic matter, which create a problem for surface waters, are removed. Due to the carrier (hemp waste), which is organic waste, any possible release of small amounts into the aquatic environment will not pose a threat. After applying filtration, a decision can be made on further actions regarding the water reservoir or river: Self-renewal of the reservoir or further percolation using, for example, mill gauze or cleaning the reservoir with other, non-invasive methods. After the filtering procedure, the hemp waste, enriched with organic matter and water remaining in the waste, can be used for composting or directly for soil mulching (preliminary tests have yielded positive results). A hemp waste filter effectively removes Chronomus aprilinus larvae (Chrinomidae) from water. This result indicates the possibility of removing mosquito larvae in malaria-affected areas. The use of hemp filters would reduce the amount of toxic chemicals used to reduce mosquito larvae. Improving the ecological status of surface waters by filtering contaminants with hemp waste filters can reduce the need for chemical treatment. The use of natural, biological filters enables sustainable surface water management. This is crucial in today’s rapidly increasing chemical pollution of surface waters. Full article

Biofouling is the accumulation of marine organisms on submerged surfaces and has negatively impacted several industries while aiding in the spread of invasive species. Traditional antifouling paints, such as tributyltin and copper-based paints, have proven toxic to marine environments, necessitating the use of novel, less toxic alternatives. Previous research has shown that antifouling paints made from essential oil-rich superfruits and medicinal herbs have been effective in preventing precipitation accumulation, including bacterial and mineral accumulation. This study examined the antifouling potential of spirulina and fucus, two algae rich in antioxidants and essential oils. Extracts were analyzed for antioxidant and essential oil content before being subjected to a three-week-long antifouling test. A post-test surface analysis was then performed, and the precipitation count per mm of slide was calculated, followed by a comparison with previous extracts from superfruits and medicinal herbs. After testing, fucus has a minimum bacterial count of 41.4 ± 2.0 per mm in freshwater and 14.0 ± 0.7 per mm in saltwater. Spirulina had a minimum precipitation count of 13.9 ± 2.8 per mm for freshwater and 6.6 ± 1.3 per mm for saltwater. As such, spirulina performed better than fucus, superfruits, and medicinal herbs in both saltwater and freshwater, except for when compared to results from ginger extracts in saltwater. Full article

Simonkolleite (Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂·H₂O), a layered double hydroxide, is used as a fast dry coating that can be applied onto different surfaces. Due to its rapid crystallization, some problems remain during its application, e.g., crack formation, low hardness, and limited compressive strength. To solve these challenges, we propose the harnessing of brown algae, a natural plague of the Caribbean, as a filler for Simonkolleite coatings. The influence of the addition of brown algae on the structural and morphological properties of the coatings was studied, with particular emphasis on their potential for improved durability and functional performance. The addition of the algae to the coatings favored microstructural compaction, resulting in a denser and mechanically more stable coating that exhibited higher hardness and compressive strength. Also, the presence of chlorophyll in the algae could promote light utilization for other emerging applications. Full article

The development of biohybrid micro-robots represents a groundbreaking advancement in targeted drug delivery for cancer therapy, offering unprecedented precision and reduced systemic toxicity. These microscale robots integrate synthetic materials with biological components such as bacteria, algae, red blood cells, or spermatozoa, capitalizing on the inherent motility, biocompatibility, and targeting capabilities of living organisms. This hybridization enables active navigation through complex biological environments, overcoming physiological barriers such as the blood–brain and endothelial junctions that impede traditional nanoparticle-based systems. In this study, we propose a multi-functional biohybrid micro-robotic platform composed of magnetically actuated synthetic chassis coated with doxorubicin-loaded lipid vesicles and tethered to Magnetospirillum magneticum for propulsion and tumor-homing capabilities. The results underscore the promise of biohybrid micro-robots as intelligent, minimally invasive agents for next-generation oncological therapies, capable of delivering chemotherapeutics with enhanced spatial and temporal accuracy. Future work will focus on clinical translation pathways, biosafety evaluations, and scalability of production under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Full article

Background: Marine-derived secondary metabolites such as phlorotannins from the edible brown alga Ecklonia cava exhibit diverse bioactivities. However, their mechanisms in inflammation-associated cancer remain insufficiently understood. Methods: This study explored the anticancer potential of three major phlorotannins (dieckol, 7-phloroeckol, and 8,8′-bieckol) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vitro validation in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Results: Computational analyses revealed stable binding of phlorotannins to IL-17RA, with 7-phloroeckol and 8,8′-bieckol preferentially engaging loop-proximal regions of the receptor, while dieckol interacted with spatially distinct residues. In SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells, phlorotannins suppressed migration and invasion by approximately 40 to 60%, accompanied by reduced MMP expression linked to IL-17RA–Act1 signaling attenuation and by increased TIMP1 expression in association with transient ERK1/2 activation. In TAMs, phlorotannins attenuated pro-tumorigenic cytokine production and polarization marker expression, indicating suppression of tumor-supportive immune activity. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings demonstrate that E. cava-derived phlorotannins exert anti-metastatic effects through dual regulation of IL-17RA/Act1 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, offering mechanistic insight into their therapeutic potential against inflammation-driven malignancies. Full article

Marine algae are a prolific bioactive peptide source with a broad pharmacological potential. We characterized MP28, a cationic peptide isolated from the green alga Bryopsis plumosa. Structural modeling indicated a predominantly amphipathic α-helix (residues 3–16) flanked by flexible termini and stabilized by intramolecular disulfide bonds, a motif typical of membrane-active anticancer peptides. Functionally, MP28 demonstrated potent activity against non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines (A549, H460, H1299) without affecting non-tumorigenic lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). In vitro, MP28 decreased cell viability and clonogenic growth and suppressed migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry revealed increased early/late apoptotic fractions, accompanied by caspase-9 activation, consistent with engagement of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In a mouse xenograft model, MP28 treatment significantly reduced tumor size compared with that of controls. Collectively, MP28 may be a potent anticancer peptide that exhibits selective cytotoxicity and low toxicity toward normal cells. Full article

The rapid spread of the invasive brown macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae has caused severe ecological and economic damage along the European coasts. Efforts to mitigate its impact have been largely ineffective, highlighting the need for alternative strategies to valorise this invasive species. This study explores the use of R. okamurae aqueous extract (RO extract) as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent for the green synthesis of gold (Au@RO), silver (Ag@RO), and platinum (Pt@RO) nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were extensively characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results confirmed the successful formation of spherical and stable nanoparticles. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the RO extract was determined before and after the synthesis of the nanoparticles by the determination of the reducing power, total phenolic content and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Notably, Pt@RO showed the highest enhancement in antioxidant activity among the nanoparticles synthesized. The findings demonstrate that R. okamurae can be repurposed as a valuable bioresource for the environmentally friendly production of metal nanoparticles with promising applications. Full article

Microcystis aeruginosa formed in natural water bodies grow in aggregate particles, while Microcystis aeruginosa commonly used in scientific research grow in a single-celled discrete state during cultivation. To elucidate the factors and mechanisms of Microcystis aeruginosa entering the “cell-aggregate” survival state in the natural environment, we focused on studying the influence of biological factors in their living environment (coexisting bacteria) on the aggregation behavior and growth characteristics of Microcystis aeruginosa. The bacterial strain A20, which can promote the aggregative behavior of Microcystis aeruginosa, was isolated from the water of Taihu Lake, where a cyanobacterial bloom broke out. A20 was identified as Priestia megaterium. Results showed that A20 could significantly drive Microcystis aeruginosa to form sac-like aggregate structures and promote the increase of aggregate particle size from 3–7 μm to 180 μm. The coexistence of bacteria and algae exhibited a dynamic stage adaptation strategy, with A20 promoting the transition of Microcystis aeruginosa from “high-chlorophyll, low-photochemical efficiency growth and proliferation” to “stable survival and maintenance of chlorophyll and photochemical efficiency in fluctuating changes” adaptation strategies. The coexistence of bacteria and algae significantly intensified the release of humic acid-like, fulvic acid-like, and protein-like substances from Microcystis aeruginosa, with the most significant increase in small-molecule fulvic acid-like substances. This is probably related to the endogenous metabolic stress response of Microcystis aeruginosa during A20 invasion, as well as the utilization and transformation of autotrophic Microcystis aeruginosa metabolites by heterotrophic bacteria A20. This study contributes to the study of microbial interactions underlying bloom outbreaks and can be useful for developing community-targeted algal control technologies. Full article

In freshwater ecosystems, cross-trophic interactions among biological communities underpin ecosystem stability and functionality. In arid and semi-arid rivers, however, hydrological fluctuations, invasive species, and other perturbations exacerbate the complexity of biological processes. To systematically assess the community structure of fish, eukaryotic plankton, and prokaryotic microorganism in the Irtysh River basin, this study employed environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for monitoring. High-throughput sequencing of taxa within the study area was conducted via eDNA metabarcoding, coupled with random forest and linear mixed models to dissect the effects of community structure. The eDNA approach effectively unraveled spatial patterns of biodiversity and identified taxon-specific diversity hotspots: invasive fish exerted a facilitative effect on algae and suppressed the richness of protozoa, fungi, and heterotrophic microorganisms, yet had minimal impact on the dominant structure of autotrophic microorganisms. These findings provide a scientific basis for basin-scale ecological management, emphasizing the necessity of balancing habitat preservation and invasive-species control to safeguard ecosystem functionality. Full article

Background: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is adjacent to two vital marine ecosystems; the semi-enclosed Arabian Gulf and the largely landlocked Red Sea. Dinoflagellates are repeatedly found in these bodies of marine water, which serve as significant routes for cargo ships. Through these ships and ballast water, invasive dinoflagellate species and their cysts are introduced. They compete with indigenous species for nutrients and space, cause massive fish kill-off and disturb the ecological balance and biodiversity. To address these threats, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) set forth guidelines intended to curtail the dissemination of such detrimental organisms. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was one of the co-signatory countries to this Convention. Methods of detection and monitoring include microscopy, molecular characterization and remote sensing, which are employed for the detection and monitoring of these harmful algae, in order to avert disasters such as fish die-offs. The results of several reports confirmed the presence of number of dinoflagellates in both the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, some of which are toxin producers, with certain species being highlighted as invasive species whose presence requires a high level of alert. Discussion: The monitoring, the change in engineering of cargo ships and the introduction of advanced surveillance methods, together with the proper treatments of ballast water, are all important security elements that ensure the safe disposal of ballast water without introducing harmful species. Full article

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a histologic marker of pancreatic cancer and a potential therapeutic target. This study aimed to characterize a novel sulfated agarose-derived oligosaccharide (DP9) from marine algae, Gracilaria lemaneiformis, evaluate its Gal-3 inhibitory activity, and investigate its anti-pancreatic cancer mechanisms. Through controlled acid hydrolysis, a series of odd-numbered oligosaccharides (DP3-11) were obtained, in which DP9 showed the strongest Gal-3 inhibition in hemagglutination assays. Structural analysis confirmed DP9’s unique composition including an alternating β (1→4)-D-galactose and α (1→3)-3,6-anhydro-L-galactose backbone, featuring partial 6-O-methylation on β-D-galactose and 6-O-sulfation on 3,6-anhydro-α-L-galactose residues. Molecular docking revealed DP9’s binding to Gal-3’s carbohydrate recognition domain through key hydrogen bonds (His158, Arg162, Lys176, Asn179 and Arg186) and hydrophobic interactions (Pro117, Asn119, Trp181 and Gly235), with the sulfate group enhancing binding affinity. In vitro studies demonstrated DP9’s selective anti-pancreatic cancer activity against BxPC-3 cells, including inhibition of cell proliferation; S-phase cell cycle arrest; induction of apoptosis; and suppression of migration and invasion. Mechanistically, DP9 attenuated the Gal-3/EGFR/AKT/FOXO3 signaling pathway while showing minimal cytotoxicity to normal cells. This study first demonstrated that agarose-derived odd-numbered oligosaccharides (DP9) can serve as effective Gal-3 inhibitors, which proved its potential as a marine oligosaccharide-based therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer. Full article

The beneficial effects of algae on plant growth are widely known, so the combination of coconut fiber with algae waste from a species such as Caulerpa prolifera, which is an invasive species in the Mar Menor, could become an ideal substrate for leafy vegetable cultivation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an “algae waste + coconut fiber” combination in different proportions on the cultivation of iceberg lettuce. The proportions studied consisted of 0% algae waste + 100% coconut fiber (0% AW), 50% algae waste + 50% coconut fiber (50% AW), 75% algae waste + 25% coconut fiber (75% AW), and 100% algae waste + 0% coconut fiber (100% AW). Physiological parameters were evaluated. The results obtained showed that the mixture of algae waste and coconut fiber is a great alternative in the production of iceberg lettuce, since the proportion of 50% AW considerably improved the size of the lettuce (54.4%), the total phenol concentration (24.8%), the antioxidant activity (28.2%), the total sugars (14.1%) and reduced its nitrate concentration (24.6%), with respect to the 0% AW plants. These findings support the feasibility of reusing Caulerpa prolifera as a bio-enriched substrate for high-quality lettuce production. Full article