Search Results (232)

This paper investigates the cultural, spiritual, and ecological use and value of fish by-products in the material practices of Alaska Native (Indigenous Peoples are the descendants of the populations who inhabited a geographical region at the time of colonisation and who retain some or all of their own social, economic, cultural, and political institutions. In this paper, I use the terms “Indigenous” and “Native” interchangeably. In some countries, one of these terms may be favoured over the other.) and Greenlandic Inuit women. It aims to uncover how fish remnants—skins, bones, bladders, vertebrae, and otoliths—were transformed through tanning, dyeing, and sewing into garments, containers, tools, oils, glues, and adornments, reflecting sustainable systems of knowledge production rooted in Arctic Indigenous lifeways. Drawing on interdisciplinary methods combining Indigenist research, ethnographic records, and sustainability studies, the research contextualises these practices within broader environmental, spiritual, and social frameworks. The findings demonstrate that fish-based technologies were not merely utilitarian but also carried symbolic meanings, linking wearers to ancestral spirits, animal kin, and the marine environment. These traditions persisted even after European contact and the introduction of glass trade beads, reflecting continuity and cultural adaptability. The paper contributes to academic discourse on Indigenous innovation and environmental humanities by offering a culturally grounded model of zero-waste practice and reciprocal ecology. It argues that such ancestral technologies are directly relevant to contemporary sustainability debates in fashion and material design. By documenting these underexamined histories, the study provides valuable insight into Indigenous resilience and offers a critical framework for integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into current sustainability practices. Full article

Marine biomass, particularly from waste streams, by-products, underutilized, invasive, or potential cultivable marine species, offers a sustainable source of high-value biopolymers such as collagen and chitin. These macromolecules have gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, functional versatility, and broad applicability across health, food, wellness, and environmental fields. This review highlights recent advances in the uses of marine-derived collagen and chitin/chitosan. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we analyze how these applications contribute to sustainability, particularly in SDGs related to responsible consumption and production, good health and well-being, and life below water. Furthermore, we contextualize the advancement of product development using marine collagen and chitin/chitosan within the European Union’s Blue bioeconomy strategies, highlighting trends in scientific research and technological innovation through bibliometric and patent data. Finally, the review addresses challenges facing the development of robust value chains for these marine biopolymers, including collaboration, regulatory hurdles, supply-chain constraints, policy and financial support, education and training, and the need for integrated marine resource management. The paper concludes with recommendations for fostering innovation and sustainability in the valorization of these marine resources. Full article

In recent decades, there has been a marked surge in the development of marine-by-product-derived ingredients for cosmetic applications, driven by the increasing demand for natural, sustainable, and high-performance formulations. Marine animal by-products, particularly those from fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, represent an abundant yet underutilized source of bioactive compounds with notable potential in cosmeceutical innovation. Generated as waste from the fishery and seafood-processing industries, these materials are rich in valuable bioactives, such as chitosan, collagen, peptides, amino acids, fatty acids, polar lipids, lipid-soluble vitamins, carotenoids, pigments, phenolics, and mineral-based substrates like hydroxyapatite. Marine by-product bioactives can be isolated via several extraction methods, and most importantly, green ones. These compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of skin-health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-wrinkle, anti-hyperpigmentation, and wound-healing properties. Moreover, applications extend beyond skincare to include hair, nail, and oral care. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis of bioactives obtained from marine mollusks, crustaceans, and fish by-products, emphasizing modern extraction technologies with a focus on green and sustainable approaches. It further explores their mechanisms of action and documented efficacy in cosmetic formulations. Finally, the review outlines current limitations and offers future perspectives for the industrial valorization of marine by-products in functional and environmentally-conscious cosmetic development. Full article

Marine biomass represents a valuable yet underexploited resource for the development of high-value biomaterials. Recent advances have highlighted the significant potential of marine-derived polysaccharides, proteins, and peptides in biomedical applications, most notably in drug delivery and wound healing. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current research on the extraction, processing and pharmaceutical valorization of these biopolymers, with a focus on their structural and functional properties that allow these materials to be engineered into nanocarriers, hydrogels, scaffolds, and smart composites. Key fabrication strategies such as ionic gelation, desolvation, and 3D bioprinting are critically examined for their role in drug encapsulation, release modulation, and scaffold design for regenerative therapies. The review also covers preclinical validation, scale-up challenges, and relevant regulatory frameworks, offering a practical roadmap from sustainable sourcing to clinical application. Special attention is given to emerging technologies, including stimuli-responsive biomaterials and biosensor-integrated wound dressings, as well as to the ethical and environmental implications of marine biopolymer sourcing. By integrating materials science, pharmaceutical technology and regulatory insight, this review aims to provide a multidisciplinary perspective for researchers and industrial stakeholders seeking sustainable and multifunctional pharmaceutical platforms for precision medicine and regenerative therapeutics. Full article

Oceans are increasingly viewed as a new frontier for economic development, contributing to the bridge between food industry, sea bioeconomy, and health. Nowadays, oceans are under attention as a strategy for creating opportunities and driving innovation, and their vital importance will become even more evident in the years to come. Therefore, it is crucial to study oceans under a holistic approach, taking the maximum value of their abundant resources in a sustainable way. As such, blue bioeconomy is the path forward, since it is a development strategy that meets the economic potential without compromising the environmental health. A special look needs to be taken at the underutilized resources and by-products, which hold unexploited value. For instance, green macroalgae are widespread marine macroalgae that lack industry applications, despite being rich in biopolymers (polysaccharides) and antioxidants. Moreover, fish by-products are also rich sources of biopolymers, mostly proteins. Thus, among other potential uses, raw materials could be explored to produce functional edible coatings under a blue bioeconomy approach. A detailed characterization of raw materials is the first step for the development of value-added products. These topics will be addressed in this review. Full article

Peptides play a crucial role in the development of pharmaceuticals and functional foods. Multiple studies have shown that natural bioactive peptides possess antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. Marine bioactive peptides, especially those sourced from fish, constitute a substantial reservoir of these molecules. Although considerable research has been undertaken on fish-derived peptides, studies specifically concerning those from tuna are limited. Tuna, a marine fish of high nutritional value, generates substantial by-product waste during fishing and processing. Therefore, it is essential to conduct an evaluation of the advancements in study on tuna-derived active peptides and to offer a perspective on the direction of future investigations. This review integrates prospective bioactive peptides derived from tuna and reports contemporary strategies for their investigation, including extraction, purification, screening, identification, and activity evaluation procedures, including Yeast Surface Display (YSD) and molecular docking. This review seeks to promote the continued investigation and application of bioactive peptides derived from tuna. Full article

Algal and cyanobacterial blooms are anticipated to increase in frequency, duration, and geographic extent as a result of environmental changes, including climate warming, elevated nutrient concentrations, and increased runoff in both marine and freshwater ecosystems. The eutrophication of aquatic environments represents a substantial threat to human health. As eutrophication progresses, airborne algae and cyanobacteria, particularly harmful genera originating from aquatic environments, are released into the atmosphere and may pose potential risks to human health. Furthermore, respiratory distress has been documented in individuals exposed to aerosols containing harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins. This review investigates the generation of aerosolised harmful algal blooms, their responses to environmental factors, and their associated health risks. Evidence suggests that airborne algae, cyanobacteria, and their toxins are widespread. When these are aerosolised into micrometre-sized particles, they become susceptible to atmospheric processing, which may degrade the HAB toxins and produce byproducts with differing potencies compared to the parent compounds. Inhalation of aerosolised HAB toxins, especially when combined with co-morbid factors such as exposure to air pollutants, could present a significant health risk to a considerable proportion of the global population. A more comprehensive understanding of the chemical transformations of these toxins and the composition of harmful algal and cyanobacterial communities can improve public safety. Full article

As the global demand for eco-friendly food ingredients grows, marine macroalgae emerge as a valuable resource for multiple applications using a circular bioeconomy approach. In this study, green macroalgae Ulva flexuosa, naturally accumulated in aquaculture ponds as a residual biomass (by-product) of shrimp and oyster farming, were investigated regarding their bioactivity, chemical composition, and antioxidant properties. The use of aquaculture by-products as raw materials not only reduces waste accumulation but also makes better use of natural resources and adds value to underutilized biomass, contributing to sustainable production systems. For this, a comprehensive approach including the evaluation of its composition and environmentally friendly extraction of bioactive compounds was conducted and discussed. Green macroalgae exhibited high fiber (37.63% dry weight, DW) and mineral (30.45% DW) contents. Among the identified compounds, palmitic acid and linoleic acid (ω-6) were identified in the highest concentrations. Pigment analysis revealed a high concentration of chlorophylls (73.95 mg/g) and carotenoids (17.75 mg/g). To evaluate the bioactivity of Ulva flexuosa, ultrasound-assisted solid–liquid extraction was performed using water, ethanol, and methanol. Methanolic extracts showed the highest flavonoid content (59.33 mg QE/100 g), while aqueous extracts had the highest total phenolic content (41.50 mg GAE/100 g). Ethanolic and methanolic extracts had the most potent DPPH scavenging activity, whereas aqueous and ethanolic extracts performed best at the ABTS assay. Overall, we show the upcycling of Ulva flexuosa, an underexplored aquaculture by-product, as a sustainable and sensible strategy for multiple value-added applications. Full article

Nowadays, there is wide advocacy for a transition to circular economic models. Fly Ash (FA) in particular is a major by-product of coal combustion and its annual waste has reached one million tonnes. Cenospheres (CSs) are considered as possibly the most valuable element within FA. Thus, in this research, polymeric foam replication was employed to fabricate ceramic foams based on a CS matrix, for potential biomedical applications. For the fabrication of foams, four types of natural marine sponges were used as templates along with a binder agent. The specimens were sintered at 1200 °C for 1 h. The results were encouraging as the specimens obtained retained the given shape and geometry. Further research will enhance the potential of such materials for future use in biomedical engineering. Full article

Rare-earth elements (REEs), including lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium, are important for advanced technologies such as renewable energy systems, electronics, medical diagnostics, and precision agriculture. Despite their relative crustal abundance, REE extraction is impeded by complex geochemical behavior, dispersed distribution, and environmental challenges. This review presents a comprehensive overview of REE geochemistry, mineralogy, and major deposit types including carbonatites, alkaline igneous rocks, laterites, placer deposits, coal byproducts, and marine sediments. It also highlights the global distribution and economic potential of key REE projects. The integration of machine learning has further enhanced exploration by enabling deposit classification and geochemical modeling, especially in data-limited regions. Environmental and health challenges associated with REE mining, processing, and electronic waste (e-waste) recycling are studied, along with the expanding use of REEs in agriculture and medicine. Some recycling efforts offer promise for supply diversification, but significant technological and economic barriers remain. Ensuring a secure and sustainable REE supply will require integrated approaches combining advanced analytics, machine learning, responsible extraction, and coordinated policy efforts. The present review offers a general overview that can be useful for informing future studies and resource-related discussions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Poultry meat is a popular and nutritious food, valued for its high protein content and healthy fat profile. However, like other animal products, it can contain pharmaceutical residues, including coccidiostats, antimicrobials commonly used to prevent parasitic infections caused by Eimeria species. While most monitoring focuses on raw meat, it is important to understand how these compounds behave during cooking to assess potential health risks better and ensure food safety. Methods: This study examined how five different cooking methods (roasting, grilling, and microwaving, beer and wine marinating) affect the levels of eight coccidiostat residues in 45 samples of poultry muscle collected from a supermarket located in the center of mainland Portugal from May to July 2024. After applying different cooking procedures, ionophore and synthetic coccidiostat residue levels were measured using solid–liquid extraction followed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Results are expressed as percentages of the original concentrations: 100% indicates stability, values above 100% suggest a relative increase (often due to moisture loss), and values below 100% reflect a decrease, likely from heat degradation. Results: Roasting, grilling, and microwaving all increased residue concentrations—up to 198.5%, 180.1%, and 158.4%, respectively. In contrast, marinating meat in wine or beer before cooking reduced residues to 73.1% and 72.0%, suggesting a mitigating effect. The initial concentration also influenced the outcome: samples fortified at the maximum residue limit (MRL) had an overall higher mean concentration after cooking (148.3%,) than those fortified at twice the MRL (2 MRL), which averaged 124.5%. Conclusions: These results show that cooking can significantly alter coccidiostat residue levels depending on the cooking procedures and initial concentration. Ongoing monitoring and further research are essential to better understand how cooking affects these residues and their by-products. This knowledge is key to improving food safety practices and refining consumer health risk assessments. Full article

The extraction of bioactive compounds from marine natural products has gained increasing attention due to their diverse applications, such as in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Yet, low extraction yields and toxicity associated with common solvents are a major bottleneck. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have emerged as promising green alternatives to conventional organic solvents, offering advantages such as biodegradability, greater environmental and economic sustainability, low toxicity, and enhanced extraction selectivity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the principles, physicochemical properties, and applications of DESs/NADESs to obtain bioactive compounds from marine organisms. Among the most recent works, it is possible to verify the success of NADESs to extract carrageenan from the seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii; pigments from Palmaria palmata; and polyphenols and proteins from different brown seaweeds. NADESs have also shown high potential to extract other valuable compounds from marine by-products, such as chitin from crabs and shrimp shells, and also lipids and proteins from different fish species and protein rich extracts from tilapia viscera. The challenges for DESs/NADESs use at industrial scale are also discussed, and success cases are revealed, highlighting their potential as game changers for extracting bioactive compounds from marine organisms and driving the development of innovative biotechnological products. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including heart failure (HF), hypertension, myocardial infarction (MI), and atherosclerosis, are increasingly linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis and its metabolic byproducts. HF, affecting over 64 million individuals globally, is associated with systemic inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction, exacerbating disease progression. Similarly, hypertension and MI correlate with reduced microbial diversity and an abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria, contributing to vascular inflammation and increased cardiovascular risk. Atherosclerosis is also influenced by gut dysbiosis, with key microbial metabolites such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) playing crucial roles in disease pathogenesis. Emerging evidence highlights the therapeutic potential of natural compounds, including flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, curcumin, and marine-derived bioactives, which modulate the gut microbiota and confer cardioprotective effects. These insights underscore the gut microbiota as a critical regulator of cardiovascular health, suggesting that targeting dysbiosis may offer novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and optimize microbiome-based interventions for improved cardiovascular outcomes. Full article

Background: Red macroalgal flour resulting from commercial phycocolloid extraction has been shown to include valuable preservative compounds. Methods: This study focused on the preservative effect of a gelatin-based packaging system including Gelidium sp. flour during refrigerated storage of Trachurus trachurus fillets. Different microbial and chemical indices related to quality loss were determined in fish muscle during a 6-day storage period at 4 °C. Results: Compared with gelatin-packaged control samples, those packaged in the system including the algal flour presented significantly lower microbial development (aerobic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, and proteolytic bacteria) and significantly lower chemical indices related to microbial development (pH and trimethylamine). With respect to lipid oxidation, there was significantly greater retention of peroxides and significantly lower formation of secondary oxidation products in the samples packaged with the algal flour. Additionally, the algal flour group presented significantly less lipid hydrolysis. Conclusions: A preservative effect was derived from the addition of Gelidium flour to a gelatin-based packaging system during refrigerated storage of T. trachurus. This study supports the practical and valuable use of Gelidium sp. flour and addresses the current global interest in natural sources of preservative compounds and the use of marine byproducts. Full article

The marine environment, covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, serves as a reservoir of bioactive molecules, including peptides and proteins. Due to the unique and often extreme marine conditions, these molecules exhibit distinctive structural features and diverse functional properties, making them promising candidates for therapeutic applications. Marine-derived bioactive peptides, typically consisting of 3 to 40 amino acid residues—though most commonly, 2 to 20—are obtained from parent proteins through chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, or gastrointestinal digestion. Like peptides, protein hydrolysates from collagen, a dominant protein of such materials, play an important role. Peptide bioactivities include antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and anti-cancer effects as well as immunoregulatory and wound-healing activities. These peptides exert their effects through mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition, receptor modulation, and free radical scavenging, among others. Fish, algae, mollusks, crustaceans, microbes, invertebrates, and marine by-products such as skin, bones, and viscera are some of the key marine sources of bioactive proteins and peptides. The advancements in the extraction and purification processes, e.g., enzymatic hydrolysis, ultrafiltration, ion-exchange chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and molecular docking, facilitate easy identification and purification of such bioactive peptides in greater purity and activity. Despite their colossal potential, their production, scale-up, stability, and bioavailability are yet to be enhanced for industrial applications. Additional work needs to be carried out for optimal extraction processes, to unravel the mechanisms of action, and to discover novel marine sources. This review emphasizes the enormous scope of marine-derived peptides and proteins in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and functional food industries, emphasizing their role in health promotion and risk reduction of chronic diseases. Full article