Search Results (115)

The skeletal muscle system is particularly susceptible to degenerative and inflammatory processes that threaten mobility, quality of life, and systemic health. Marine plants, including brown, red, and green algae, are valuable yet understudied sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential against skeletal muscle inflammation and degeneration. This narrative review provides the first overview of polyphenols, polysaccharides, carotenoids, and multiminerals derived from marine plants, with a particular focus on their effects on skeletal muscle, bone, and joint tissues. It highlights both the therapeutic potential and the limitations of marine plant-derived bioactive compounds in the musculoskeletal system. The compounds discussed, such as phlorotannins, ulvan, fucoidan, carotenoids, spirulina derivatives, and Aquamin, modulate key signaling pathways, including NF-κB, JAK/STAT3, and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Among these, MAPK emerges as the most consistently affected axis across all compound classes, leading to a reduction in TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and oxidative stress markers. These bioactive compounds have been shown in both in vitro and in vivo models to reduce muscle catabolism, enhance osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, and reduce cartilage inflammation. Despite favorable safety, biocompatibility, and biodegradability profiles, current evidence shows that systemic applications significantly dominate over local delivery, highlighting the untapped potential of localized delivery strategies. Overall, this narrative review underscores the growing importance of marine plant-derived bioactives as promising natural agents for maintaining musculoskeletal integrity and alleviating degenerative disorders. Full article

As global interest in sustainable nutrition grows, algae have emerged as a promising functional food resource. This review analyzes the nutritional value of edible algae, with a particular focus on protein-rich microalgae, and synthesizes current clinical evidence regarding their health benefits. Algae have been demonstrated to provide a broad spectrum of physiologically active nutrients, encompassing a range of vitamins and minerals as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant molecules and various bioactive compounds including dietary fiber. These nutrients have been linked to improved cardiovascular and metabolic health, enhanced immune function, and anti-inflammatory effects. A particular emphasis is placed on algal proteins as a novel alternative to traditional dietary proteins. Genera such as Spirulina and Chlorella offer high-quality, complete proteins with amino acid profiles and digestibility scores comparable to those of animal and soy proteins, thereby supporting muscle maintenance and overall nutritional status. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that the ingestion of microalgae can stimulate muscle protein synthesis and improve lipid profiles, blood pressure, and inflammation markers, indicating functional benefits beyond basic nutrition. Algal proteins also contain bioactive peptides with antioxidative properties that may contribute to positive outcomes. This review synthesizes current studies, which demonstrate that algae represent a potent, sustainable protein source capable of enhancing dietary quality and promoting health. The integration of algae-based products into plant-forward diets has the potential to contribute to global nutritional security and long-term public health. However, the available clinical evidence remains heterogeneous and is largely based on small, short-term intervention studies, with substantial variability in algae species, processing methods and dosages. Consequently, while the evidence suggests the possibility of functional effects, the strength of the evidence and its generalizability across populations remains limited. 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

Chikungunya fever (CHIKV) has reemerged as a serious global health problem worldwide. Currently, no antiviral drugs are available for the prevention or treatment of CHIKV infection. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the anti-CHIKV potential of the alga Spirulina maxima. Extracts were obtained by maceration using solvents of different polarities (hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol). The cytotoxic activity of the extracts was evaluated using the MTT assay, which demonstrated that none of the extracts had a cytotoxic effect on VERO and BJ cell lines. The anti-CHIKV effect was evaluated using a plate assay with VERO, HepG2, and BJ cell lines. The results showed that the methanol extract had the best anti-CHIKV effect, completely inhibiting viral replication at a concentration of 15 µg/mL in all three cell lines. Furthermore, the addition time assay suggested that the mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of some processes at the beginning of the infection, such as the entry or early replication of the virus. In conclusion, SP contains molecules that could provide a basis for future research on the development of new drug therapies against CHIKV. Full article

Algae-derived bioactives have emerged as promising nutraceuticals due to their ability to modulate key molecular pathways under physiological stress. Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina), a cyanobacterium widely recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is proposed as a functional supplement to preserve smooth muscle physiology. Progressive strength training (PST) can induce oxidative stress and disrupt electromechanical coupling in the uterus, potentially impairing female reproductive function. This study investigated whether supplementation with A. platensis prevents PST-induced uterine dysfunction and elucidated the molecular mechanisms involved. Virgin Wistar rats were divided into five groups: sedentary with saline (GS), sedentary with A. platensis (GAP100), adapted control (GC), PST-trained (GT), and PST-trained with A. platensis (GTAP100). An eight-week water-jump PST protocol was applied. Uterine contractile responses were recorded in isolated organ baths after cumulative KCl stimulation, in the absence or presence of pathway-specific inhibitors targeting nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase, NADPH oxidase, or superoxide dismutase. Histological evaluations of uterine and ovarian tissues were also performed. PST increased contractile efficacy and myometrial thickness, associated with oxidative stress and activation of NO, COX, and NADPH oxidase pathways. Supplementation with A. platensis attenuated these alterations by enhancing NO signaling, stimulating relaxant prostanoids, and reducing superoxide production. These protective effects were abolished by inhibitors, confirming mechanistic involvement. Overall, our findings provide molecular evidence that A. platensis supplementation preserves uterine smooth muscle physiology under high-intensity resistance training, supporting its potential as a nutraceutical strategy for female reproductive health. Full article

Phycocyanin (PC) is a type of alga-derived protein which exerts the role of light harvesting in Spirulina and Cyanophyta cells. Studies have widely proved that phycocyanin exhibits antineoplastic functions, while investigations on its bioactive peptides remain poorly documented. In previous work, three phycocyanin-derived peptides (PCPs: PCP1-3), which exerted anticancer effects in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, were successfully identified. In consideration of the in vitro instability of bioactive peptides, this study firstly investigated the stabilization and function of phycocyanin-derived peptides loaded by nanoparticles (NPs). Herein, Lipid-core NPs (PCPs@LEC–CS–PEG, diameter less than 100 nm) were prepared by interfacial deposition of a polymer using lecithin (LEC, liposome core shell), chitosan (CS, coating material) and polyethylene glycol (PEG, stabilizer). The results indicate that the embedding of LEC liposomes could significantly increase the stability of PCPs through promoting their resistance to high temperature (68.256 ± 3.26%), pH (60.17 ± 3.67%) and protease. Moreover, the modification of NPs by PEG and CS could enhance the protective effects on PCPs. Furthermore, in vitro phenotypic experiments confirmed that the inclusion of PCPs@PEG-CS–LEC NPs also significantly increased the inhibitory activities of PCPs against multiple NSCLC cells including A549, H1299 and LTEP-a2 cells, compared with non-embedded PCPs. The results of this work could lay a theoretical foundation for the further development and utilization of peptides derived from phycocyanin, and also for the investigation of the antineoplastic effects of bioactive peptides. Full article

Extracting bioactives from algae is essential for sustainable solutions aimed at enhancing human health. This study pioneers a multidimensional approach that simultaneously compares ultrasound-assisted carotenoid extraction from spray-dried (SD) and solar-dried (SolD) Spirulina platensis, evaluating both food-grade and emerging green biosolvents, validated through COSMO-SAC predictions and optimized using RSM. The SD sample showed higher carotenoid yields with most solvents, consistent with particle size data indicating less aggregation than SolD. Solvent efficacy varied depending on drying method and carotenoid type; acetone was optimal for zeaxanthin and β-carotene from SD and β-carotene from SolD, while methanol and ethanol were more effective for zeaxanthin in SolD. The green solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) demonstrated excellent carotenoid affinity in COSMO-SAC predictions and ranked as the second most effective solvent in the SD sample, underscoring its potential as a sustainable alternative. RSM models using 2-MeTHF (SD) and ethanol (SolD) showed excellent prediction accuracy (R² > 98%). Optimized extraction conditions yielded ~4-fold higher total carotenoid recovery compared to non-optimized conditions. Combining computational tools and experiments offers an effective strategy to optimize sustainable extraction of health-promoting carotenoids from Spirulina. Full article

In Australasian countries such as New Zealand, algae consumption is gaining in popularity within consumer markets. Beverages containing macro-algae, like kelp, and those containing micro-algae, such as spirulina, are considered novel products. While consumer preferences for algae-based products are well explored, less attention has been given to beverages, despite their importance for consumers, specifically those interested in health and well-being. The present study is dedicated to this research gap and investigates the key factors driving and hindering New Zealand consumers’ willingness to drink, pay a price premium, and spread word of mouth about micro-algae-based beverages, such as tea, smoothies, and cuppa soups. Theoretically, the present study is grounded in a seminal Australasian driver and barrier model of seaweed consumption. The current research design both confirms and extends the consumer behaviours previously examined. An online consumer study was distributed and collected via an opt-in panel provider, resulting in 437 responses. Consumers mirroring the NZ population in age, gender, and household income were the target sample, and descriptive statistics and a quantitative analysis via a partial least squares structural analysis served as the methodological foundation for the study. Food neophilia and involvement with algae were significant drivers for all three behavioural intentions investigated. Food neophobia was a significant inhibitor to the willingness to drink but not significantly related to the willingness to pay a price premium or spread word of mouth. Consumer perceptions of product attributes were a significant driver of New Zealand consumers’ willingness to spread word of mouth. The study provides best practice recommendations for marketers in Australasian beverage industries. In terms of its theoretical merit, two aspects stand out. Micro-algae beverages are an emerging beverage product category in Australasian markets, requiring wider exploration and complementary consumer research dedicated to algae-based food items. The focus on food neophobia and neophilia is original, as it helps to understand the barriers and drivers essential to beverages. In contrast to food items, beverages cannot hide novel ingredients such as micro-algae, making them simultaneously more appealing to food neophilic consumers and extremely challenging to food neophobic consumers. Full article

The present study investigates dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) incorporating natural extracts from the microalgae Spirulina and Chlorella as photosensitizers. TiO₂-based electrodes were prepared and immersed in methanolic algae extracts for 24 and 48 h. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed absorption peaks near 400 nm and 650 nm, characteristic of chlorophyll. Electrochemical analyses, including photochronoamperometry and open-circuit potential, confirmed the photosensitivity and charge transfer capabilities of all systems. The cell sensitized with Chlorella after 48 h of immersion exhibited the highest energy conversion efficiency (0.0184% ± 0.0015), while Spirulina achieved 0.0105% ± 0.0349 after 24 h. Chlorella’s superior performance is attributed to its higher chlorophyll content and enhanced light absorption, facilitating more efficient electron injection and interaction with the TiO₂ surface. Although the efficiency remains lower than that of conventional silicon-based solar cells, the results highlight the potential of natural colorants as sustainable and low-cost alternatives for photovoltaic applications. Nonetheless, further, improvements are required, particularly in dye stability and anchorage, to improve device performance. This research reinforces the viability of natural photosensitizers in DSSC technology and supports continued efforts to optimize their application. Full article

Cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae)-based dietary supplements are commonplace, but cyanobacteria-enhanced foods, such as spirulina crackers, are just appearing on New Zealand supermarket shelves. While much research has been devoted to consumer attitudes towards macro-algae-based products, little research has been devoted to micro-algae-based or cyanobacteria-enhanced consumer products. The current study, following the Capability–Opportunity–Motivation to Behaviour theory, examines likely consumer drivers of favouring or disfavouring spirulina crackers. These drivers include food neophilia, food neophobia, perception of sustainability and health-related product attributes, involvement with algae and an exploratory driver, snacking behaviour. Fully supported drivers (related to increased favour and decreased disfavour) included food neophilia and perception of sustainability and health-related product attributes. Algae involvement was only related to increased favour, and food neophobia was not supported. Surprisingly, snacking behaviour was related to increased disfavour of spirulina crackers. Both theoretical and managerial implications are offered. Full article

The demand for sustainable animal production is increasing. Microalgae such as Chlorella and Spirulina show promise as sustainable and functional ingredients in animal (poultry) feed. However, little is known about consumer perceptions regarding the use of algae in broiler diets and potential effects of algae on chicken meat. Residents of Flanders (Belgium) were surveyed to evaluate consumer knowledge, attitudes and willingness to buy chicken meat produced with algae-supplemented feed. Demographic data were collected, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to assess influencing factors (n = 275 respondents who purchase chicken meat). While most respondents (69.6%) had tasted macroalgae (seaweed), only 11.4% and 24.6% indicated having tasted Chlorella and Spirulina before, respectively. Health, taste and safety were the most important drivers for consuming algae. Meat quality was the most important factor when purchasing chicken meat, while organic production was least valued. Regarding algae-fed chicken, 72.5% expressed willingness to purchase meat labeled as such, and 83.7% would buy algae-fed chicken regardless of its color. Sustainability beliefs significantly influenced willingness to accept a yellower meat color (β = 0.42 to 0.66, p < 0.001). Educational level and age also played a role, with higher-educated consumers showing greater acceptance. The influence of age was also related to the price of the meat, with consumers over 30 expressing a greater willingness to pay more than young people (under 30). Despite limited general knowledge about microalgae, the consumers surveyed are open to the idea of algae-fed chicken meat, particularly when it is framed as more sustainable. Clear ingredient labeling and consumer education may further support market acceptance. Full article

This study presents a sustainable approach for synthesizing high-performance activated carbon from Spirulina Alga through hydrothermal carbonization followed by chemical activation using potassium hydroxide. The resulting activated carbon exhibited a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 1747 m²/g and a total pore volume of 1.147 cm³/g, with micropore volume accounting for 0.4 cm³/g. Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and gas adsorption analyses confirmed the presence of hierarchical micro- and mesoporosity as well as favorable surface functional groups. The synthesized carbon was used to fabricate electrodes for membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) along with cation and anion-selective membranes, which were then tested with saline water (500–5000 ppm) and synthetic hard water (898 ppm of total salts). The salt adsorption capacity (SAC) reached 25 (batch) to 40 (continuous) mg/g, while rapid adsorption rates with average salt adsorption rates (ASARs) values exceeding 10 (batch) to 30 (continuous) mg·g⁻¹·min⁻¹ during early stages were obtained. Batch MCDI experiments demonstrated a higher SAC compared to continuous operation, with non-monotonic trends in SAC observed as a function of feed concentration. Ion adsorption kinetics were influenced by ion valency, membrane selectivity, and pore structure. The specific energy consumption (SEC) was calculated as 8–21 kJ/mol for batch and 0.1–0.5 kJ/mol for continuous process. These performance metrics are on par with or surpass those reported in the recent literature for similar single-electrode CDI configurations. The results demonstrate the viability of using Alga-derived carbon as an efficient and eco-friendly electrode material for water desalination technologies. Full article

The challenges associated with climate change have led to the need for pro-environmental behaviors, including the consumption of sustainable novel foods. Despite the importance of sustainable food for the environment, there is still a need to further investigate the psychological determinants of consumer behavior change putatively able to promote the use of novel foods. In line with this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of readiness to change (RTC) in shaping the intention to consume sustainable foods (e.g., chia seeds and edible insects). RTC refers to a valuable construct composed of seven different dimensions, namely perceived importance of the problem/change, motivation, self-efficacy, effectiveness of proposed solution, social support, action and involvement, and perceived readiness. In keeping with this, a cross-sectional study was conducted by collecting from 1252 participants through an online and anonymous survey. In line with the aim above, a linear discriminant analysis was performed to explore potential non-linear relationships between RTC and novel food consumption. The results highlighted certain RTC dimensions (e.g., perceived importance of the problem, action, and self-efficacy) able to positively support the intention to consume novel foods (e.g., chia seeds and spirulina algae). In conclusion, the study pointed out evidence regarding psychological determinants in terms of RTC able to improve sustainable behaviors, namely the use of novel foods. In the context of sustainability, the present study represents a groundwork for the implementation of future studies in this field of research as well as the development of future policies aimed at promoting awareness and encouraging the adoption of sustainable eating behaviors. Full article

The experiments in this study investigated the toxicity of naphthenic acids (NAs) on the algal culture Spirulina platensis. The tests monitored the progression of the algal suspension in media contaminated with various concentrations of naphthenic acids. The evolution of the algal culture during the metabolism of NAs was investigated. The monitoring also included the determination of the values of some parameters during the biodegradation process (pH, conductivity, cell viability, dissolved oxygen). Optical density measurements (OD₆₀₀) were used to quantify the growth of Spirulina platensis, alongside the determination of the sedimentation index (IS). Cell viability was assessed microscopically using TEM and optical microscopy. The results facilitated the estimation of the percentage of cell growth inhibition and the inhibitory concentration value, determined by estimating ECb50 (concentration of NAs corresponding to 50% inhibition). The chemical quantification of naphthenic acids in the samples analyzed was performed by calculating the acidity value (AV) and characterizing the naphthenic acids through FTIR analysis. The graphical representation of ECb50 was established by extrapolating to a concentration of 110 mg/mL of naphthenic acids. We have demonstrated that pollution caused by NAs can be mitigated by the algae Spirulina platensis, which can metabolize these compounds and thus biodegrade them. Full article

There is growing interest in adding marine algae to poultry feed rations. The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of various inclusions of Sargassum sp., Gracilaria sp., and Spirulina sp. on productive performance, serum proteins, liver proteins, meat quality, and antioxidant activity in broiler chickens. There were seven dietary treatments (TRTs) as follows: TRT 1 was the control group without algae; TRT 2 was enriched with Sargassum sp. at 1% of the diet; TRT 3 with Sargassum sp. at 2% of the diet; TRT 4 with Gracilaria sp. at 0.5% of the diet; TRT 5 with Gracilaria sp. at 1% of the diet; TRT 6 with Spirulina sp. at 5% of the diet; TRT 7 with Spirulina sp. at 7.5% of the diet. Each treatment was replicated ten times, with 17 birds per replicate, and the analyses were performed in triplicates. Results of the feed rations proximate analyses revealed that the formulated diets contained the required amounts of protein, fat, fiber, ash, and moisture, to be fed to the broiler chickens. There was no effect of marine algae on the production performance parameters of the birds. All the enriched birds performed normally as the control group. It was shown that enriching the broiler diet with 1% Sargassum sp. Induced an increase in the total serum proteins, while Gracilaria sp. algal inclusion reduced the total serum proteins, compared to the control group. At five weeks of age, enriching broiler diets with 5% Spirulina sp. resulted in a higher concentration of total serum protein-C than the control group and the group enriched with 7.5% inclusion. Enriching the diet of 3- wks old broilers with Sargassum sp. at 2% elevated the proportions of serum LFABP. The maximum proportion of omega 6 fatty acid (∑n-6) was observed in the group of birds that received the control diet, while the proportion of omega 3 fatty acid (∑n-3) was highest in the algae-enriched groups. The results showed that all algal inclusions lowered the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (∑n-6:∑n-3). Enriching broiler chickens with Spirulina at 5% and 7.5% increased the HDL concentration, compared to the control group. The palatability of meat for color, texture, flavor, appearance, smell, and overall acceptability was not negatively affected by algal inclusions. All algal inclusions enhanced the anti-oxidative status of broilers and lipid oxidative stability of the stored feed rations. In general, it can be concluded that marine algal inclusions showed no effect on the productive performance of the broiler chickens and can be used without any detrimental effects in poultry feed rations. Full article