Phlorotannins-bioactivity and extraction perspectives.

Phlorotannins, a seaweed based class of polyphenolic compounds, have proven to possess potential bioactivities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, neuroprotection etc. These bioactivities have further increased demand globally and sustainable techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction, microwave assisted extraction, enzyme assisted extraction, extraction using deep eutectic solvents etc. are being explored currently for production of phlorotannin-rich extracts. In spite of such well documented bioactivities, very few phlorotannin-based nutraceuticals are available commercially which highlights the significance of generating consumer awareness about their physiological benefits. However, for industry level commercialization accurate quantification of phlorotannins with respect to the different classes is vital requiring sophisticated analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, 1H-NMR spectroscopy etc. owing to the wide structural diversity. This review summarizes the extraction and bioactivities of phlorotannins based on the findings of in vivo and in vitro studies.

Pufferfish poisoning from Arothron stellatus: The first confirmed case in India with exact DNA sequencing-based species identification.

A puffer fish poisoning case was reported from the coastal city of Veraval in the Gujarat state of India with patient reporting symptoms of giddiness, vertigo, aphasia and heaviness of head following consumption of cooked fish. Treatment was purely symptomatic and supportive. The patient was discharged from the hospital in a stable condition after 4 days. The suspected fish species was later identified using DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) sequencing as Arothron stellatus with 100% identity.

Changes in biogenic amines, biochemical and microbial attributes of three spotted crab (Portunus sanguinolentus) during iced and refrigerated storage.

Three spotted crab (Portunus sanguinolentus) is a preferred variety of crab among seafood consumers. Biochemical, microbial and sensory characters along with formation of biogenic amines of whole crabs stored under iced and refrigerated condition was evaluated. Cadaverine, putrescine and spermidine were the major amines formed during spoilage and a strong correlation between cadaverine and psychrotrophs was observed in refrigerated (0.92) and iced storage (0.86) respectively. Histamine was at lower level and not likely to cause any toxicological problems to consumers. Although TVB-N and TMA-N increased significantly (p < 0.01), TVBN was observed as a good indicator of spoilage than TMA-N. Mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria crossed 7 log CFU/g on 8th day, rejection day of refrigeration, while it was below spoilage limit in iced storage. A shelf life of 6 and 10 days were observed in storage under refrigeration and icing respectively based on microbiological, biochemical and sensory attributes.