Search Results (1,414)

Marine invertebrates, such as sponges, corals, mollusks and sea squirts, are appropriate climate-change descriptors on sublittoral rocks. The present study assesses the diversity, relative abundance and health condition of epibenthic invertebrates inhabiting sublittoral rocky habitats within the Natura 2000 network (Chalkidiki, north Aegean), after the 2021 marine heatwaves. Samplings were made with non-destructive techniques in autumn 2021 by diving along vertical belt transects (up to 30 m). Fourteen stations were surveyed, revealing 56 macroscopic invertebrates, 16 algae and 15 reef-associated fishes. Richness showed increased values at the deepest and steepest cliffs. Reefs were the dominant habitat type, hosting different facies of infralittoral algae and coralligenous biocenoses. Three algal (Halimeda tuna, Peyssonelia squamaria, Lithophyllum strictiforme) and 12 invertebrate (Aplysina aerophoba, Chondrilla nucula, Chondrosia reniformis, Ircinia variabilis, I. oros, Sarcotragus foetidus, Spongia officinalis, Balanophyllia europaea, Cladocora caespitosa, Pinna nobilis, Spondylus gaederopus, Microcosmus sabatieri) species were found in partial or full necrosis. According to relevant data collected about 20 years ago, the biota had higher diversity without signs of necrosis. Sarcotragus foetidus, I. variabilis, B. europaea, C. caespitosa and S. gaederopus were the most affected by necrosis species over the surveyed area. They represent appropriate climate change descriptors to assess the resilience of Mediterranean MPAs, being priority species in marine conservation. Full article

Certain sacoglossan sea slugs, often known as “solar-powered sea slugs”, are a group of marine gastropods that have the unique ability to photosynthesize by stealing functional chloroplasts from algae. The sacoglossan Elysia papillosa can maintain functional chloroplasts for up to two weeks after feeding. The microbiome of these slugs may play a crucial role in their metabolism, immunity, development, but more importantly their photosynthesis. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was conducted on four samples of E. papillosa in order to characterize their microbiome. Sequences were classified and relative abundance was quantified with Centrifuger and functional data was examined using SqueezeMeta. Bacteria were analyzed by taxonomic groups and hypothesized function to the sea slug was determined with literature analysis. All samples were dominated by phyla Actinomycetota, Bacillota, Patescibacteriota, and Pseudomonadota. The presence of the phyla Bacteroidota and Bacillota was notable in all samples, which contain species known to produce enzymes that break down polysaccharides. It is possible that these bacteria could assist in degradation of the polysaccharide xylan found in the cell walls of Penicillus, the algal food source of E. papillosa. One species that was found in all samples was Cutibacterium acnes which has been shown to be an important component of the gut microbiota in other marine invertebrates and may provide the host with vitamin B12 and other beneficial nutrients. Many of these bacteria may be opportunistic rather than commensal. As a result, more research is required to describe the interactions between the slug and its microbiome, but this preliminary report provides a valuable starting point for identifying the microbiome make-up to further understanding of these relationships. Full article

The rapid growth of technology is not only providing ease in life but also increasing energy demands. To meet these requirements, fossil fuel sources are primarily used in different parts of the world. To efficiently satisfy energy demands, many countries are installing offshore floating photovoltaic plants. But installing FPVs on a large scale hinders the ability of sunlight, which is a necessary element for marine life food, to reach the depths of the sea. This research study aims to assess the impact on algae growth of varying irradiance resulting from offshore photovoltaic power plants. A mathematical model is developed using differential equations to examine the population dynamics of aquatic organisms that depend on algae as their primary food source. To determine the impact of irradiance on algae growth, a simulation is done on five different irradiance coverage levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). The simulation is conducted in MATLAB R2020a, and the ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are solved by using multiple factors that are considered to gauge the growth of algae in a low-irradiance environment. The simulation results show a significant decay in algae growth due to irradiance blockage and an increasing number of days. The developed simulated model shows that 100% coverage leads to rapid exponential decay in the population growth of algae, up to 94.95% in 100 days. When 50% solar panel coverage is considered, the algae population increases from 100 g to about 305.56 g over 100 days, corresponding to a 205.56% increase. Lastly, in the absence of solar panel coverage, the algae population grows rapidly from 100 g to approximately 997.77 g, which represents an 897.77% increase. This scenario reflects the natural logistic growth of algae when sufficient sunlight and environmental resources are available. Algae decaying over an increasing number of days will disturb the entire marine life ecosystem and impact many endangered species that depend on algae. Full article

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins, some of which exhibit significant anti-tumor activity. Siye is a lectin derived from the red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii that was previously discovered using an artificial intelligence-guided genome mining strategy and shown to exert cytotoxic effects against several human cancer cell lines, including breast adenocarcinoma HCC1937. Based on the presence of shared glycopatterns between breast and colon cancers, we hypothesized that Siye may also exhibit anti-tumor activity against colon cancer cells. The cytotoxic effect of Siye on human colon cancer HCT116 cells was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (Bax, Bcl-2, Casp3, Casp8, Casp9, and TP53) were determined by qRT-PCR. Competitive inhibition assays using mannan were performed to assess the role of cell surface glycan binding. Siye significantly reduced the viability of HCT116 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC₅₀ value of 14.065 μg/mL (=0.488 μM). Flow cytometry revealed that Siye promoted both early and late apoptosis in HCT116 cells, whereas in HCC1937 cells, the effect was primarily on early apoptosis. Mechanistically, Siye significantly upregulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax (p < 0.05) and Casp9 (p < 0.001) in HCT116 cells, while in HCC1937 cells, Casp9 expression was significantly increased (p < 0.001). Morphological changes, including cell rounding and agglutination, were observed within 4 h of Siye treatment in both cell lines and were attenuated by co-treatment with mannan, suggesting that Siye-induced morphological changes are associated with binding to cell surface glycans. This study suggests that the red algal lectin Siye exerts anti-tumor effects against colon cancer HCT116 cells by inducing caspase-associated apoptosis. The differential apoptotic response between HCC1937 and HCT116 cells suggests cell-type-specific mechanisms. These findings extend the known anti-tumor activity spectrum of AI-discovered red algal lectin Siye and provide a basis for further investigation of its glycan-associated cellular effects and marine drug discovery potential. Full article

Marine macroalgae are widely distributed renewable resources that offer substantial economic and environmental benefits. This review comprehensively examines seaweeds from the phyla Chlorophyta, Heterokontophyta, and Rhodophyta, highlighting key advances and persistent challenges. Global seaweed production is highly concentrated: Asia accounts for 97% of the total, with China as the dominant producer. These seaweeds synthesize a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including sulfated polysaccharides, phlorotannins, terpenoids, proteins, peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments. Notably, brown algae represent the richest source of both phlorotannins and polyunsaturated fatty acids. To recover these valuable compounds efficiently, a range of advanced green extraction techniques have been developed, such as enzyme-assisted, microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and supercritical fluid extraction, along with natural deep eutectic solvents. These methods consistently outperform conventional approaches in terms of yield, extraction time, and environmental sustainability. The isolated compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of validated pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, antitumor, and antiviral effects. Consequently, they have found diverse applications in functional foods, biomedicine, cosmetics, agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental protection. Despite this promise, critical challenges remain in elucidating structure–activity relationships, developing scalable and sustainable extraction protocols, and advancing clinical translation. Future research should prioritize the discovery of novel marine bioactives, the enzymatic production of oligosaccharides, efficient purification of algal proteins and peptides, and the scaling-up of industrial processes to fully realize the pharmaceutical and biotechnological potential of marine macroalgae. Full article

Wound healing is a complex, multi-stage process governed by tightly regulated molecular mechanisms. However, effective regenerative therapies remain with limitations. This study presents a novel marine-derived biocomposite, JPC-ALG-CT, designed to improve wound healing through synergistic bioactive mechanisms. The material incorporates collagen extracted from the jellyfish Rhizostoma pulmo, chitosan derived from the crab Pachygrapsus mormoratus, and polysaccharide-rich extracts from the green alga Cladophora vagabunda, all sourced from the Black Sea. The study is based on the biochemical analysis of these three marine-derived components, highlighting the collagen content of jellyfish, the polysaccharides present in algae, and the bioactive properties of chitosan. The biochemical and physico-chemical properties of each component were characterized, with particular emphasis on the structural features of jellyfish collagen and the functional bioactivity of chitosan and algal polysaccharides. The research findings are supported by the identification of the collagen type extracted from jellyfish, as well as by the characterization of chitosan and green algal extracts. The resulting composite demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, indicating its potential to integrate key processes involved in wound repair, including inflammation control and microbial protection. In vitro studies using fibroblast and keratinocyte models showed that the JPC-CT-ALG biocomposite supported cell viability at lower tested concentrations and promoted scratch closure in cell monolayers, suggesting preliminary wound-relevant biological activity. These findings suggest that the combined marine-derived components interact to enchance wound healing at the cellular level. This work evidenced the potential of marine biomaterials as sources for next-generation regenerative therapies and supports further investigation into their molecular mechanisms and in vivo applications for improved wound care. Full article

Biofilm formation enables marine Vibrionaceae spp. to survive and adapt in dynamic coastal environments, yet their seasonal and substrate-related biofilm dynamics remain poorly understood. Our study investigated the seasonal distribution, biofilm-forming capacity, and phylogenetic diversity of cultivable Vibrionaceae isolated across four seasons from multiple marine substrates (sand, rocks, algae, and glass plate-associated biofilms) at Huiquan Beach, Qingdao. Biofilm formation was evaluated using a crystal violet microtiter plate assay, and taxonomic identification using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 176 Vibrionaceae isolates were identified, representing the Splendidus and Harveyi clades and a distinct Photobacterium lineage. Biofilm formation varied significantly with season and substrate type, with spring and summer isolates generally exhibiting stronger biofilm-forming capacity than the autumn and winter isolates. Stable substrates, such as algae and rocks, supported more consistent biofilm development than sand and glass plate-associated biofilms. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that biofilm-forming capacity was distributed across multiple clades, indicating strain-level variability. Notably, Vibrio echinoideorum was detected across all seasons and substrates, indicating ecological generalism. These findings provide insights into seasonal and substrate-associated patterns of cultivable Vibrionaceae in coastal biofilms. However, because environmental parameters were not directly measured, interpretations of environmental influences remain correlative. Full article

Plant-derived bioactive peptides have garnered widespread interest for their functions in managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders. This study investigated the lipid-lowering activity and underlying mechanisms of VPIIMH, a hexapeptide derived from Chlorella pyrenoids, using in vitro enzymatic assays, Caenorhabditis elegans models, and network pharmacology. In vitro, VPIIMH acted as a reversible non-competitive inhibitor of pancreatic lipase, achieving an inhibition rate of 43.17 ± 1.47% at 8.0 mg/mL. Molecular docking revealed that this inhibition likely occurs through ionic bonds between VPIIMH and PL (1LPB) at Arg256. In a high-fat C. elegans model, treatment with 0.5 mg/mL VPIIMH significantly reduced fat accumulation by 37.2% and triglyceride levels by 26.9%. Furthermore, VPIIMH extended the lifespan of C. elegans under oxidant stress by 40.3% and under heat stress by 17.5%. Network pharmacology predicted that VPIIMH targets nine core proteins, which were classified into three synergistic modules: the SIRT1-PPAR for core regulation, the RAS for systemic coordination, and the inflammatory target (CCR5, MMP9, EGFR) for microenvironment support. This study elucidates the multi-target and multi-pathway mechanism of VPIIMH, suggesting its potential application in combating obesity and related lipid metabolism disorders. These findings provide a scientific basis for the development of VPIIMH as a functional food ingredient targeting metabolic health. Full article

The demand for naturally derived ingredients in cosmetics is constantly growing, with marine algae emerging as promising candidates due to their rich antioxidant and protective metabolites. Skin aging, driven by oxidative stress, impaired hydration, and weakening of the dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ), manifests as dryness, loss of elasticity, and reduced density. Conventional synthetic antioxidants raise safety concerns, highlighting the need for effective natural alternatives. Ecklonia cava, an edible brown seaweed abundant in phlorotannins, has been reported to possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, yet its effects on key molecular markers of hydration and DEJ integrity remain underexplored. In this study, we standardized an E. cava extract (ECE) and evaluated its antioxidant activity, gene regulatory effects, and clinical efficacy. ECE was standardized by measuring total polyphenols and flavonoids, evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay, and shown to upregulate DEJ-related genes, reinforcing dermal–epidermal cohesion. A randomized clinical trial further confirmed that topical application of ECE improved hydration, elasticity, and density compared with placebo, with benefits evident within weeks. Collectively, these findings establish ECE as a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient capable of protecting the skin while enhancing structural and functional aspects of skin health, supporting its potential application in anti-aging skincare. Full article

Background: Oil spills have dramatically increased, causing significant damage and pollution to marine ecosystems. The entry of petroleum hydrocarbons into the ocean may lead to the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs). The amino acid changes in harmful algae after oil spills remain unclear. Methods: In order to study the effect of oil spills on the amino acid mechanism of typical causative species, the composition and relative abundance of amino acids in Heterosigma akashiwo were investigated under different water accommodated fractions (WAFs) of 180# fuel oil. Results: Random forest prediction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon toxicity to microalgae identified pyrene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, and fluoranthene as significant contributors. A total of 16 species of amino acids were detected in Heterosigma akashiwo, among which alanine, proline, aspartic acid, cysteine, lysine, and histidine were the predominant ones. As the concentration of the WAF increased, alanine abundance decreased significantly, indicating that the WAF disrupted the metabolic balance of alanine, with the degree of interference being positively correlated with exposure concentration. With the increase in culture time, the abundance of cysteine increased at 1%, 3%, and 5% WAFs, whereas the cysteine increased and then decreased at 7% and 10% WAFs. The abundance of aspartic acid and lysine showed no obvious pattern with culture time under WAF stress. Significant increases in the abundance of proline and histidine were observed in the WAF treatments. Conclusions: This study investigated the impact of oil spill pressure on the amino acid content of harmful algae, providing a scientific basis for understanding the potential impact of oil spills on the occurrence of HABs. Full article

Xanthophylls are oxygenated carotenoids widely distributed in photosynthetic microorganisms, plants, algae, and certain invertebrates, where they function as key photoprotective and antioxidant pigments. Among them, xanthophylls containing vicinal 1,2-diol moieties exhibit unique chemical reactivity that enables reversible coordination with boron species naturally present in marine and terrestrial environments. The formation of cyclic borate esters between boron and diol-containing xanthophylls induces structural and electronic modifications that may enhance pigment stability and functional performance. Emerging evidence suggests that boron–xanthophyll complexes display improved resistance to photooxidative degradation, enhanced singlet oxygen quenching capacity, and increased radical-scavenging activity compared with their uncomplexed counterparts. In addition, boron coordination can influence molecular conformation, polarity, and supramolecular organization within lipid bilayers, thereby promoting membrane stabilization under conditions of high light exposure and oxidative stress. Together, these effects indicate a cooperative role of boron complexation in amplifying the intrinsic photoprotective and antioxidant properties of xanthophylls. A deeper understanding of the structural basis and biological implications of boron–xanthophyll interactions may provide new insights into adaptive stress tolerance in marine and photosynthetic organisms, as well as guide the development of advanced photoprotective systems for biomedical and technological applications. Full article

The global demand for sustainable protein sources has led to increased interest in macroalgae, particularly red seaweed, due to their rich nutritional content and bioactive compounds, which translates into a wide range of biotechnological applications. This study compares the biochemical profiles, specifically pigments and proteins, as well as antioxidant activity, of four red seaweed species, namely Nitophyllum punctatum, Chondria coerulescens, Plocamium cartilagineum and Sphaerococcus coronopifolius. The aim was to compare wild and cultivated biomasses to identify optimal cultivation strategies for maximizing their value. The results show that culture conditions have a significant impact on pigment and protein content, as well as antioxidant potential, for all species. While all cultured species showed increased protein content, specific responses in pigment production and antioxidant activity were clearly species-dependent. These results highlight the specific culture conditions required to produce pigments or antioxidant activities on a species-by-species basis. As these four red seaweed species remain relatively underexplored, further targeted research is required to refine cultivation methods and enhance our understanding of their biotechnological value. Full article

Marine macroalgae, microalgae, and associated microorganisms are increasingly recognised as valuable sources of bioactive compounds with applications across biotechnology and health. The environmental and ecological conditions they inhabit shape their metabolite diversity, leading to the production of high-value compounds such as sulphated polysaccharides, lipids, pigments, phenolics, and peptides. These compounds exhibit conserved biological activities that underpin potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and pro-regenerative effects with strong potential for translation. Although external factors drive rich metabolite diversity, continual variation can also lead to translational constraints including heavy-metal accumulation, inconsistency in extract composition, and regulatory complexity. This review examines the environmental drivers of metabolite diversity and the functional potential of bioactives derived from marine algae. We focus on their translational application within four areas of growing interest: nutraceuticals, cosmetics, regenerative medicine, and oncology, where emerging evidence suggests their promise as next-generation bioactive ingredients and therapeutic leads. In addition, insights from Irish and Welsh Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are collated to identify key bottlenecks in commercialisation and the requirements for effective marine biodiscovery pipelines. We consider the importance of controlled cultivation, standardised analytics, preclinical testing platforms, and collaborative innovation ecosystems and highlight the need for coordinated scientific, technical, and regulatory advances to unlock the full translational potential of marine-derived compounds. Full article

Benthic foraminifera, single-cell marine organisms found worldwide, represent an important component of seabed ecosystems. Due to their sensitivity to environmental pollution, they are often used as bioindicators, providing an efficient tool in toxicity studies. Among the pollutants affecting marine coastal and estuarine environments, persistent flame retardants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are frequently found. Low-level exposure to BDE-47, a PBDE congener, is known to affect organismal development. In this framework, this study aims to assess the effects of BDE-47 exposure on benthic foraminifera from coastal marine environments. Foraminifera specimens belonging to the symbiont-bearing Peneroplidae family were sampled and exposed to two different BDE-47 concentrations for up to 48 h. Vitality indicators such as changes in pseudopodial activity, movement, reproduction, loss of symbiont algae, and occasional mortality events were monitored during the experiment. Exposure to BDE-47 induced alterations in pseudopodial activity, movement, reproduction, and symbiont retention, with the progressive loss of vitality and limited mortality at increasing exposure levels, highlighting the sensitivity of this species to BDE-47. These findings suggest the harmful repercussions of PBDE pollution on marine coastal ecosystems, affecting benthic organisms and potentially contributing to biomagnification processes within the food web, with possible implications for human health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by excessive adipose accumulation and dysregulated lipid and glucose homeostasis. Marine brown algae contain diverse bioactive compounds with potential metabolic benefits; however, the in vivo anti-obesity effects of Padina minor remain insufficiently characterized. Methods: This study evaluated the effects of P. minor ethanolic extract on adipose metabolism and metabolic parameters in obese rats induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Male Wistar rats (n = 36) were rendered obese via HFD and treated with P. minor extract (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg BW) for 4 weeks, with orlistat (30 mg/kg BW) serving as a reference control. Body weight, food intake, Lee index, visceral fat mass, serum lipid profile, and glucose levels were assessed, alongside protein expression of PPARγ, CNR1, and ESR1 (ELISA) and gene expression of Pparγ and Adipor1 (qPCR). Phytochemical constituents were analyzed using GC–MS and LC–MS/MS. Results: P. minor extract significantly attenuated body weight gain, adiposity indices, and visceral fat accumulation compared with HFD controls (p < 0.05), and improved metabolic profiles by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels while increasing HDL-cholesterol. At the molecular level, treatment was associated with decreased PPARγ and CNR1 expression and increased Adipor1 and ESR1 expression. The highest dose (100 mg/kg BW) produced effects comparable to orlistat. Phytochemical analysis identified flavonoids and phenolic acids, including quercetin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Conclusions: Padina minor ethanolic extract improves metabolic parameters and adipose tissue characteristics in HFD-induced obese rats, potentially through modulation of pathways related to adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, supporting its potential as a marine-derived nutraceutical candidate for obesity management; however, further studies are required to confirm its mechanisms and clinical relevance. Full article