Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of fucoidan from the brown alga Lessonia trabeculata (Lessoniaceae) on breast cancer spheroids / Actividad antitumoral e inmunomoduladora de fucoidan del alga parda Lessonia trabeculata (Lessoniaceae) en esferoides de cáncer de mama

Abstract Introduction: The therapeutic benefits of the brown algae fucoidan in the treatment of breast cancer have attracted considerable interest in recent years. However, research using spheroids which provide relevant results in trials for antitumor and immunomodulatory products because they adequately simulate the tumor microenvironment, is limited. Objective: To evaluate the antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of Lessonia trabeculata fucoidan (LtF), native to the Peruvian Sea, on two types of multicellular tumor spheroids. Methods: The study was conducted from January to December 2021. Two types of spheroides were elaborated: from 4T1 tumor cells (MTS), and from 4T1 tumor cells+mouse splenocytes (MTSs). The antitumor activity of LtF was evaluated in MTS by quantifying cell viability with MTT. Immunomodulatory activity was determined in MTSs using the IC50 for two types of treatment: simple, fucoidan alone (LtF) and combined, fucoidan+doxorubicin (LtF+Dox). Pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, TGF-β) cytokine production was quantified by sandwich ELISA 72 h after treatment. Dox was used as positive control in all assays. Results: LtF exerted antitumor activity as evidenced by increased necrotic zone and cell debris formation compared to the untreated control. Antitumor activity was concentration dependent between 100 and 6 000 μg/ml. In MTSs, simple treatment increased IL-6 and decreased IL-10 and TGF-β production. The combined treatment significantly reduced TGF-β production. In both treatments and Dox, there was an increase in IL-6 compared to the untreated control. The highest production of IL-10 and TGF-β was observed in the untreated control, compatible with a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Conclusions: LtF is a good candidate for the treatment of breast cancer and can immunomodulate the tumor microenvironment alone or in combination with Dox.

Resumen Introduccción: Los beneficios terapéuticos del fucoidan de algas pardas en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama han despertado gran interés en los últimos años. Sin embargo, las investigaciones con esferoides son limitadas, éstos proporcionan resultados relevantes en ensayos de productos antitumorales e inmunomoduladores porque simulan adecuadamente el microambiente tumoral. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad antitumoral e inmunomoduladora del fucoidan de Lessonia trabeculata (LtF), nativa del Mar Peruano, en dos tipos de esferoides tumorales multicelulares. Métodos: El estudio se realizó de enero a diciembre de 2021. Se elaboraron dos tipos de esferoides: con células tumorales 4T1 (MTS) y con células tumorales 4T1+esplenocitos de ratón (MTSs). La actividad antitumoral de LtF se evaluó en MTS cuantificando la viabilidad celular con MTT. La inmunomodulación se determinó en MTSs utilizando la IC50 para dos tipos de tratamiento: simple, fucoidan solo (LtF) y combinado, fucoidan+doxorubicina (LtF+Dox). La producción de citoquinas proinflamatorias (TNF-α, IL-6) y antiinflamatorias (IL-10, TGF-β) se cuantificó mediante ELISA sándwich 72 h post-tratamiento. En todos los ensayos se utilizó Dox como control positivo. Resultados: En los MTS, el LtF ejerció actividad antitumoral evidenciada por aumento de la zona necrótica y formación de restos celulares respecto al control no tratado. La actividad antitumoral fue concentración-dependiente entre 100 y 6 000 μg/ml. En los MTSs, con el tratamiento simple se incrementó IL-6 y disminuyeron IL-10 y TGF-β. El tratamiento combinado redujo significativamente la producción de TGF-β. Los dos tratamientos y Dox incrementaron IL-6 respecto al control no tratado. La mayor producción de IL-10 y TGF-β se observó en los no tratados, compatible con un microambiente tumoral altamente inmunosupresor. Conclusiones: El LtF es un buen candidato para tratar el cáncer de mama y puede inmunomodular el microambiente tumoral solo o en combinación con Dox.

Spectral analysis and Antibacterial activity of the bioactive principles of Sargassum tenerrimum J. Agardh collected from the Red sea, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia / Análise espectral e atividade antibacteriana dos princípios bioativos de Sargassum tenerrimum J. Agardh coletados no mar Vermelho, Jazan, Reino da Arábia Saudita

Seaweeds are a major marine resource that can be explored to develop novel pharmaceutical molecules. The present study showed the presence of unique bioactive components in the petroleum ether extract (PEE) and methanolic extract (ME) of Sargassum tenerrimum. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis suggested that the PEE of S. tenerrimum contained antibacterial biomolecules: hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, 17-pentatriacontene, dasycarpidan-1-methanol, and acetate (ester). However, the ME of S. tenerrimum exhibited better antibacterial effect than the PEE due to the presence of the bioactive compounds 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester, tetratetracontane, 1-docosene, 1,2-benzenediol, and benzoic acid. Thus, promising antibacterial molecules can be isolated from S. tenerrimum for better therapeutic use.

As algas marinhas são um importante recurso marinho que pode ser explorado para desenvolver novas moléculas farmacêuticas. O presente estudo mostrou a presença de componentes bioativos únicos no extrato etéreo de petróleo (PEE) e no extrato metanólico (ME) de Sargassum tenerrimum. A análise por cromatografia gasosa espectrometria de massa sugeriu que o PEE de S. tenerrimum continha biomoléculas antibacterianas: ácido hexadecanoico, éster metílico, 17-pentatriaconteno, dasycarpidan-1-metanol e acetato (éster). Entretanto, o ME de S. tenerrimum exibiu melhor efeito antibacteriano do que o PEE devido à presença dos compostos bioativos ácido 1,2-benzenodicarboxílico, éster diisooctil, tetratetracontano, 1-docosene, 1,2-benzoenodiol e ácido benzoico. Assim, moléculas antibacterianas promissoras podem ser isoladas de S. tenerrimum para melhor uso terapêutico.

Analysis of the Total Level of Flavonoids in the Brown Algae ( Phaeophyceae ) Extract as Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Abstract Objective: To determine the total level of flavonoids in brown algae extract Padina sp., Sargassum sp., and Turbinaria sp., which could serve as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug. Material and Methods: This is an experimental study with a one-shot case study research design. The study sample consisted of three species of brown algae, namely, Padina sp., Sargassum sp., and Turbinaria sp. The study samples were obtained from Saugi Island, Pangkep, Regency. The sampling method used was convenience sampling. The total flavonoid level in the three extracts of brown algae samples was determined at three concentrations (150 ppm, 300 ppm, and 450 ppm) with three replicates. The analysis used a colorimetric method, a spectrophotometer and aluminium chloride as the reagent. Results: The total level of flavonoids in Padina sp. was the highest at 0.894 ± 0.027%, compared to the levels of 0.786 ± 0.075% in Sargassum sp. and 0.745 ± 0.016% in Turbinaria sp. Conclusion: Padina sp. had the highest total flavonoid levels compared to Sargassum sp. and Turbinaria sp. Flavonoid compounds from brown algae have the potential to be used as analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Cytotoxic activity of extract and active fraction of Turbinaria decurrens Bory on colon cancer cell line HCT-116 / Actividad citotóxica del extracto y la fracción activa de Turbinaria decurrens Bory en la línea celular de cáncer de colon HCT-116

Turbinaria deccurrens Bory contains bioactive compound that is beneficial for health. Turbinaria deccurrens Bory is one of many species of brown seaweed that grows in Indonesian marine life and has been known to have cytotoxic activity. The aim of this study is to determine fucoxantin content and the cytotoxic activity of extract and fraction T. decurrens on colon cancer cell lines. Cytotoxic assay of ethanolic extract, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanolic fractions against HCT-116 by MTS assay using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Fucoxantin content in extract and fraction were analyzed using Reversed-Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis. Extract and fraction of T. decurrens contain fucoxanthin with the highest content of fucoxanthin was in ethyl acetate fraction. CCK-8 assay showed that extract, n-hexane and ethyl acetate fraction inhibited the growth of HCT-116. Brown seaweed Turbinaria decurrens was potential as an anticolon cancer agent.

Turbinaria deccurrens Bory contiene compuestos bioactivos que son beneficiosos para la salud. Turbinaria deccurrens Bory es una de muchas especies de algas pardas que crecen en aguas marinas de Indonesia y se ha estudiado su actividad citotóxica. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el contenido de fucoxantina y la actividad citotóxica del extracto y la fracción de T. decurrens en líneas celulares de cáncer de colon. Se llevó a cabo un ensayo citotóxico de extracto etanólico, nhexano, acetato de etilo y fracciones etanólicas contra HCT-116 mediante ensayo MTS utilizando Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). El contenido de fucoxantina en el extracto y la fracción se analizaron usando cromatografía líquida de alta resolución de fase reversa (RP-HPLC). El extracto y la fracción de T. decurrens contienen fucoxantina conmayor contenido de fucoxantina en la fracción de acetato de etilo. El ensayo CCK-8 mostró que la fracción de extracto, n-hexano y acetato de etilo inhibía el crecimiento de HCT-116. El alga marrón Turbinaria decurrens es un agente potencial contra el cáncer de colon.

Alginate overproduction and biofilm formation by psychrotolerant Pseudomonas mandelii depend on temperature in Antarctic marine sediments

Background: In recent years, Antarctica has become a key source of biotechnological resources. Native microorganisms have developed a wide range of survival strategies to adapt to the harsh Antarctic environment, including the formation of biofilms. Alginate is the principal component of the exopolysaccharide matrix in biofilms produced by Pseudomonas, and this component is highly demanded for the production of a wide variety of commercial products. There is a constant search for efficient alginate-producing organisms. Results: In this study, a novel strain of Pseudomonas mandelii isolated from Antarctica was characterized and found to overproduce alginate compared with other good alginate producers such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Alginate production and expression levels of the alginate operon were highest at 4°C. It is probable that this alginate-overproducing phenotype was the result of downregulated MucA, an anti-sigma factor of AlgU. Conclusion: Because biofilm formation is an efficient bacterial strategy to overcome stressful conditions, alginate overproduction might represent the best solution for the successful adaptation of P. mandelii to the extreme temperatures of the Antarctic. Through additional research, it is possible that this novel P. mandelii strain could become an additional source for biotechnological alginate production.

Anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of Hizikia fusiformis via multicellular signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells

In this study we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of Hizikia fusiformis [HF] extracts in lipopolysaccharide [LPS]-induced RAW 264.7 cells. We extracted HF using solvent and sub-critical water techniques. In results, HF extracts inhibited nitric oxide [NO] production in cell-free and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. HF210 [extract prepared with sub critical water at 210[degree]C] was most effective. The HF210 extract dose-dependently inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase expression [iNOS] and nuclear factor kappa [NF-kB] p65 translocation from cytosol to the nucleus. Furthermore, HF210 extract dose-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase [p38 MAPK], Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK], and signal transducers and activators of transcription [STAT]-1in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Thus, our results suggest that anti-inflammatory effects of HF210 extract showed a noticeable distinction by regulation of multiple signaling pathways in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells

Antioxidant activities of crude phlorotannins from Sargassum hemiphyllum / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Brown algae are well known as a source of biologically active compounds, especially those having antioxidant activities, such as phlorotannins. In this study we examined the antioxidant activities of crude phlorotannins extracts (CPEs) obtained from Sargassum hemiphyllum (SH) and fractionated according to the molecular weights. When CPEs were administrated at a dose of 30 mg/kg to Kunming mice pre-treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), the levels of oxidative stress indicators in the liver, kidney and brain were significantly reduced in vivo. All the components of various molecular weight fractions of CPEs exhibited greater scavenging capacities in clearing hydroxyl free radical and superoxide anion than the positive controls gallic acid, vitamin C and vitamin E. Particularly, the components greater than 30 kD obtained from ethyl acetate phase showed the highest antioxidant capacities. These results indicated that SH is a potential source for extracting phlorotannins, the algal antioxidant compounds.

Protective effect of phloroglucinol against gamma radiation-induced oxidative stress in hair follicles

When exposed to gamma-rays, hair follicular cells immediately go through apoptosis, which hampers their rapid differentiation essential for the regeneration of hair. Phloroglucinol (PG) is a phenolic compound of Ecklonia cava, brown algae abundant in Jeju island, Korea. Containing plentiful polyphenols, PG is known for its instructive effects by inhibiting apoptosis, scavenging oxygen radicals, and protecting cells against oxidative stress. In this study, we demonstrate that PG rescues radiosensitive hair follicular cells from gamma radiation-induced apoptosis and DNA damage. To identify protective capacity of PG on hair follicles, we irradiated with 8.5 Gy (1.5 Gy/min) of gamma-rays to the whole body of C57BL/6 mice at day 6 after depilation with or without PG. In mice exposed to radiation, the expression of proapoptotic molecule p53 was downregulated in the skin of PG treated group. On immunohistochemical observation of the skin, PG inhibited the immunoreactivity of p53 and cleaved caspase-3. PG treatment protected hair follicular cells from cell death due to gamma-radiation. Our results suggest that PG presents radioprotective effects by inhibiting apoptosis of radiosensitive hair follicular cells and can protect hair follicular cells from gamma-ray induced damage.

Phlorotannins from Brown Algae: inhibition of advanced glycation end products formation in high glucose induced Caenorhabditis elegans.

Advanced Glycation End products (AGE) generated in a non enzymatic protein glycation process are frequently associated with diabetes, aging and other chronic diseases. Here, we explored the protective effect of phlorotannins from brown algae Padina pavonica, Sargassum polycystum and Turbinaria ornata against AGEs formation. Phlorotannins were extracted from brown algae with methanol and its purity was analyzed by TLC and RP-HPLC-DAD. Twenty five grams of P. pavonica, S. polycystum, T. ornata yielded 27.6±0.8 µg/ml, 37.7 µg/ml and 37.1±0.74 µg/ml of phloroglucinol equivalent of phlorotannins, respectively. Antioxidant potentials were examined through DPPH assay and their IC50 values were P. pavonica (30.12±0.99 µg), S. polycystum (40.9±1.2 µg) and T. ornata (22.9±1.3 µg), which was comparatively lesser than the control ascorbic acid (46±0.2 µg). Further, anti-AGE activity was examined in vitro by BSA-glucose assay with the extracted phlorotannins of brown algae (P. pavonica, 15.16±0.26 µg/ml; S. polycystum, 35.245±2.3 µg/ml; T. ornata, 22.7±0.3 µg/ml), which revealed the required concentration to inhibit 50% of albumin glycation (IC50) were lower for extracts than controls (phloroglucinol, 222.33±4.9 µg/ml; thiamine, 263 µg/ml). Furthermore, brown algal extracts containing phlorotannins (100 µl) exhibited protective effects against AGE formation in vivo in C. elegans with induced hyperglycemia.

Más que curar, prevenir: surgimiento y primera etapa de los Centros de Higiene Infantil en la Ciudad de México, 1922-1932 / Prevention rather than cure: the emergence and first stage of the Centros de Higiene Infantil in Mexico City, 1922-1932

Este trabajo aborda las principales características del surgimiento y primeros diez años de funcionamiento de los Centros de Higiene Infantil, establecimientos dependientes del Departamento de Salubridad Pública desde 1922 en la Ciudad de México y que tuvieron como objetivo atender a las madres, desde el periodo de gestación, y a los niños, desde el nacimiento hasta los dos años de edad. Revisa las acciones que dieron origen a este proyecto y su consolidación. Analiza la estructura de estos Centros, las características de las madres y los niños que atendieron, así como las funciones que realizaron médicos y enfermeras enfatizando la noción de prevención de las enfermedades infantiles, para finalmente mostrar un primer balance acerca de los alcances y limitaciones que tuvieron.

This article deals with the main features of the emergence and first ten years of the Centros de Higiene Infantil, facilities run by the Departamento de Salubridad Pública from 1922 on in Mexico City with the goal of providing care for mothers from pregnancy onwards and children from birth to two years of age. It reviews the actions that gave rise to this project and how it became established. It analyzes the structure of these centers, the characteristics of the mothers and children seen there and the functions performed by doctors and nurses, stressing the notion of preventing childhood illnesses, and ends with a first assessment of the effects and limitations of these centers.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Fucoidan with Blocking NF-kappaB and STAT1 in Human Keratinocytes Cells

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide is found in several types of edible brown algae. It has shown numerous biological activities; however, the molecular mechanisms on the activity against atopic dermatitis have not been reported yet. We now examined the effects of fucoidan on chemokine production co-induced by TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma, and the possible mechanisms underlying these biological effects. Our data showed that fucoidan inhibited the TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma-induced production of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophagederived chemokine (MDC) mRNA in human keratinocytes HaCaT cells. Also, fucoidan suppressed phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, fucoidan significantly inhibited activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) phosphorylation. These data indicate that fucoidan shows anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the expression of TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma-induced chemokines by blocking NF-kappaB, STAT1, and ERK1/2 activation, suggestive of as used as a therapeutic application in inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis.

ERK Activation by Fucoidan Leads to Inhibition of Melanogenesis in Mel-Ab Cells

Fucoidan, a fucose-rich sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed in the class Phaeophyceae, has been widely studied for its possible health benefits. However, the potential of fucoidan as a possible treatment for hyperpigmentation is not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of fucoidan on melanogenesis and related signaling pathways using Mel-Ab cells. Fucoidan significantly decreased melanin content. While fucoidan treatment decreased tyrosinase activity, it did not do so directly. Western blot analysis indicated that fucoidan downregulated microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and reduced tyrosinase protein expression. Further investigation showed that fucoidan activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, suggesting a possible mechanism for the inhibition of melanin synthesis. Treatment with PD98059, a specific ERK inhibitor, resulted in the recovery of melanin production. Taken together, these findings suggest that fucoidan inhibits melanogenesis via ERK phosphorylation.

Antibacterial Activity of Two Brown Algae (Cystoseira compressa and Padina pavonica) Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained from two brown algae (Cystoseira compressa (Esper) Gerloff et. Nizamuddin) and Padina pavonica (Linnaeus) Thivy) have been investigated for their ability to inhibit 35 hospital isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plant were effective on MRSA. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of the ethanolic extract with the greatest antibacterial activity were those of Cystoseira compressa MIC 3.2-6.3mg/mL and MBC 6.3-25mg/mL, respectively.

Dynamic Cr(III) uptake by Macrocystis pyrifera and Undaria pinnatifida biomasses

Background: The increased industrial activity has resulted in the discharge of large amount of pollutants including non-degradable metals into the environment. Chromium is produced in several industrial processes and it can be found in the environment in two stable oxidation states, Cr(VI) and Cr(III). Cr(VI) is more hazardous due to its carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on living organisms. Although much less toxic, Cr(III) can also exert genotoxic effects under prolonged or severe exposure. It can be separated from the solution by precipitation but biosorption using brown algae seems to be an effective and sustainable treatment technique owing to its cost-effectiveness and environmental friendly characteristics. Macrocystis pyrifera and Undaria pinnatifida are two marine brown macroalgae with high capability of removing heavy metals including Cr(III) in batch mode of operation. In this work packed bed biosorption of Cr(III) by M. pyrifera and U. pinnatifida biomasses was evaluated. Results: The shapes of the breakthrough curves were rather different for each biomaterial. Parameters like the breakthrough time (t b) andzone mass transfer (MTZ) showed that U. pinnatifida has greater affinity for Cr(III). The maximum adsorption capacity at the exhaustion operating time (t e) demonstrated that M. pyrifera has higher retention capacity of Cr(III). The experimental data were fitted to Thomas, Yoon-Nelson and Dose-Response models. The best correlation coefficient (0.94 or 0.96) was obtained with Dose-Response that accurately describes the uptake behaviour of Cr(III) on the seaweed biomasses under different experimental conditions. The FT-IR spectra evidenced that Cr(III) adsorption occurred mainly by interaction between metal and carboxylate groups present on both the seaweed surfaces. Conclusions: M. pyrifera and U. pinnatifida biomasses are efficient biosorbents for Cr(III) adsorption under a continuous mode of operation although differences between uptake capacities suggest different mechanisms involved in the biosorption.

Biological activity and chemical constituents of red and brown algae from the Persian Gulf

Different solvent extracts of a red algae, Hypnea flagelliformis,and two brown algae, Cystoseira myrica and Sargassum boveanum, collected from the Persian Gulf coast were subjected to different bioassays including: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] free radical scavenging assay, antibacterial and antifungal activity by thin layer chromatography [TLC]-bioautography, agar disc diffusion [ADD] and nutrient-broth micro-dilution [NBMD] bioassays. The water extracts were found to have the most antioxidant activity.The antibacterial minimum inhibitory concentrations [MIC] of the active extracts were determined for the susceptible organisms, Staphylococcus aurous and Bacillus subtilis, using NBMD bioassays.The active substances were identified as free fatty acids [FFA] using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [GC-MS] and after derivatization to their methyl esters, their concentrations were measured using GC- flame ionization detection [GC-FID]. In addition to the fatty acids, fucosterol, cholesterol and 22-dehydroxychlosterol were detected as the major sterols in S. boveanum extract using GC-MS analyses

Evaluation of phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of brown seaweeds belonging to Turbinaria spp. (Phaeophyta, Sargassaceae) collected from Gulf of Mannar

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the antioxidant activities and total phenolic contents of brown seaweeds belonging to Turbinaria spp. [Turbinaria conoides (T. conoides) and Turbinaria ornata (T. ornata) collected from Gulf of Mannar of southeastern coast of India in various in vitro systems.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The antioxidant activity was evaluated using different in vitro systems, viz., 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2'-azino-bis-3 ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS), H2O2/HO radical scavenging, Fe(2+) ion chelating ability, and reducing potential. Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to determine the total phenolic content of the extracts, and the results were expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalents (GE)/g of the seaweed extracts. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances assay was employed to assess the ability of the seaweed extracts to inhibit lipid oxidation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of T. conoides registered significantly higher phenolic content (105.97 mg GE/g) than that of T. ornata (69.63 mg GE/g). Significantly higher antioxidant potential as determined by DPPH (64.14%) radical scavenging activity was registered in EtOAc fraction of T. ornata. A higher ABTS(•+) radical scavenging (IC50 3.16 µg/mL), Fe(2+) chelating (IC50 0.46 mg/mL), H2O2 scavenging (IC50 4.25 mg/mL), lipid peroxidation inhibitory (TBARS, IC50 0.21 mg/mL), and reducing abilities (IC50 52.67 mg/mL) (P<0.05) were realized in EtOAc fraction of T. ornata than other fractions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study indicated the potential use of T. conoides and T. ornata as candidate species to be used as food supplements/functional foods to increase shelf-life of food items for human consumption, and nutraceuticals to deter deleterious free radical-induced life-threatening diseases.</p>

Advances in algae tool enzymes: alginate lyases / 生物工程学报

Marine can be considered as a rather unexplored source of biological material. Production of algal oligosaccharides by using valuable enzymes from marine origin has become an important way to utilize marine resources. As one of algal tool enzymes, the use of alginate lyases has been focused mainly on development and application of alginate oligosaccharides with bioactive function in recent years. In this paper, we reviewed the research of alginate lyases over the past decade in several aspects, including their origin, diversity, substrate specification, mode of action, structure and catalysis mechanism, assay of enzyme activity, enzyme characterization, as well as our own experience on this subject. At the end of the review, the application prospects of alginate lyases are presented.

Biosorption of uranium in a continuous flow packed bed column using Cystoseira indica biomass

Uranium [2] biosorption from aqueous solution by Cystoseira indica biomass was studied in a packed bed column. The uptake capacity of uranium was investigated by natural and different pretreated biomasses. Results showed 0.1 M CaCl[2] solution at pH=4, used as pretreatment, increased the uptake capacity more than 30% [371.39 mg/g]. Cations concentration measurement in the effluent solution, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence analyses on biosorbents proved that ion exchange is the main biosorption mechanism. The elution efficiency for uranium desorption was determined for various chemical agents in a batch system. Among these eluants, 0.1 M HCl exhibited elution efficiency greater than 78%. Also, biomass regeneration by 0.1 M HCl was studied in a continuous system. The obtained results confirmed that reusability of this biomass is conceivable. Thus, Cystoseira indica can be used in the packed bed column as a potential biosorbent for treatment of uranium polluted aqueous solutions

Evaluation of antioxidant properties of a new compound, pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6'-bieckol isolated from brown algae, Ecklonia cava

In this study, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of the natural antioxidative compound, pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6'-bieckol (PPB) isolated from brown algae, Ecklonia cava was assessed in vitro by measuring the radical scavenging activities (DPPH, alkyl, hydroxyl, and superoxide) using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, and DNA damage assay. According to the results of these experiments, the scavenging activity PPB against difference radicals was in the following order: DPPH, alkyl, hydroxyl, and superoxide radicals (IC50; 0.90, 2.54, 62.93 and 109.05 microM). The antioxidant activities of PPB were higher than that of the commercial antioxidant, ascorbic acid. Furthermore, PPB effectively inhibited DNA damage induced by H2O2. These results suggest that the natural antioxidative compound, PPB, can be used by the natural food industry.