Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. Perez-Alva, A. J. MacIntosh, D. K. Baigts-Allende, R. Garcia-Torres, M. M. Ramirez-Rodrigues
Summary: This article provides an overview of using fermentation to obtain bioactive compounds from algae, including the fermentation substrates of micro and macroalgae, types of fermentation, microorganisms and fermentation conditions.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Barathan Balaji-Prasath, Ying Wang, Yu Ping Su, David P. Hamilton, Hong Lin, Luwei Zheng, Yong Zhang
Summary: This article reviews physical, chemical, and biological control methods applicable to red tide species in marine and estuarine water bodies, and discusses the mechanisms of algal bloom outbreaks and their applications.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yang Yang, Sedky H. A. Hassan, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, Babu Gajendran, Monika Sharma, Min-Kyu Ji, El-Sayed Salama
Summary: This article discusses the molecular progress on algae for bioactive compound production, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. These advancements provide potential knowledge for future research and emphasizes the importance of molecular modifications and optimization of culture conditions in algae to produce high-yield bioactive compounds.
Review
Microbiology
Assaf Sukenik, Aaron Kaplan
Summary: Toxic cyanobacteria blooms have worsened over the past three decades, impacting coastal and lake water quality worldwide. Research is ongoing to understand the factors driving ecological imbalances and the role of cyanobacteria-produced toxins. The goal is to develop strategies to restore water bodies to their pre-toxic bloom state and mitigate the blooms in the short term to allow affected communities to enjoy safe water resources.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christopher T. Nietch, Leslie Gains-Germain, James Lazorchak, Scott P. Keely, Gregory Youngstrom, Emilee M. Urichich, Brian Astifan, Abram DaSilva, Heather Mayfield
Summary: A data-driven approach was used to characterize the risk of cyanobacteria-based harmful algal blooms in the Ohio River. Bayesian regression models were developed using 25 years of river discharge data to predict bloom occurrence and persistence. The models provide probabilities of occurrence or persistence with uncertainty and are served in real time through a risk characterization tool/web application. The tool also includes visualization options for studying water quality trends.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Aurora Silva, Carla Rodrigues, Paula Garcia-Oliveira, Catarina Lourenco-Lopes, Sofia A. Silva, Pascual Garcia-Perez, Ana P. Carvalho, Valentina F. Domingues, M. Fatima Barroso, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Jesus Simal-Gandara, Miguel A. Prieto
Summary: Algae are a promising source of bioactive compounds, with ethanolic extracts showing highest extraction yield and ethyl acetate extracts with highest TPC and FRAP values. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities varied depending on the solvent and algal species, with Ascophyllum nodosum and Bifurcaria bifurcata showing promising results.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bahareh Nowruzi, Noureddine Bouaicha, James S. Metcalf, Samaneh Jafari Porzani, Ozcan Konur
Summary: Plant-cyanobacteria interactions can be beneficial, with cyanobacteria producing compounds that promote plant growth and resistance to stress. However, the presence of harmful cyanotoxins has hindered the widespread use of cyanobacterial biomass as biofertilizers. Despite the threat of cyanobacterial blooms, their bioactive compounds may offer a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Paulo Nova, Ana Maria Gomes, Ana R. Costa-Pinto
Summary: Marine algae, particularly red algae, brown algae, and green algae, show potential for anti-cancer activity due to their ability to adapt their chemical composition based on environmental conditions. This review highlights the anti-cancer effects of these algae on various types of cancers, such as pancreatic, lung, breast, cervical, colorectal, liver, gastric, leukemia, and melanoma. The future perspectives and limitations in this field are also discussed.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sabrina Swan Souza da Silva, Alexsandra Frazao de Andrade, Milena de Paiva-Cavalcanti, Joao Carlos Monteiro de Carvalho, Daniela de Araujo Viana-Marques, Carolina de Albuquerque Lima Duarte, Ana Lucia Figueiredo Porto, Raquel Pedrosa Bezerra
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a global public health issue with limited treatment options. Microalgae and cyanobacteria show potential as candidates for new drug development, particularly peptides.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana R. F. Carreira, Telma Veloso, Ines P. E. Macario, Joana L. Pereira, Sonia P. M. Ventura, Helena Passos, Joao A. P. Coutinho
Summary: This study evaluated the metal sorption capacity of six macroalgae, two microalgae, and three cyanobacteria for Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+. Brown macroalgae, particularly Undaria pinnatifida, showed the highest metal sorption capacity. Overall, macroalgae performed better than microalgae, followed by cyanobacteria. Carboxyl groups were identified as the main functional groups involved in metal sorption, and all biomass samples were selective to Cu2+. The release of K+ and Ca2+ during the metal sorption process indicated an ion-exchange mechanism, except for red macroalgae.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kichul Cho, Mikinori Ueno, Yan Liang, Daekyung Kim, Tatsuya Oda
Summary: This review examined the ROS production mechanisms and ecophysiological roles of harmful algal bloom-forming species Chattonella, as well as other toxic raphidophytes and dinoflagellates.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carlos Antonio Poot-Delgado, Yuri B. Okolodkov, Jaime Rendon-von Osten
Summary: This study investigated the phytoplankton species composition, spatio-temporal distribution, and habitats along the central coast of the state of Campeche, Mexico, identifying sixteen potentially harmful microalgal species. Massive algal proliferations occurred during different seasons, indicating the influence of environmental conditions on phytoplankton dynamics.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Shuang Li, Meijuan Hu, Yupei Tong, Zhangyi Xia, Yichao Tong, Yuqing Sun, Jiaxing Cao, Jianheng Zhang, Jinlin Liu, Shuang Zhao, Peimin He
Summary: Seaweeds are nutrient-rich and consuming them can provide important health benefits. However, the flavor of seaweed is important for consumer acceptance, and volatile compounds play a key role. This article reviews the extraction methods and composition of volatile compounds from various seaweed species. Research shows that these compounds mainly consist of aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, hydrocarbons, esters, acids, sulfur compounds, furans, and other compounds in small amounts.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ana R. F. Carreira, Nicolas Schaeffer, Helena Passos, Joao A. P. Coutinho
Summary: Sorption is proposed as a promising approach for metal pre-concentration and recovery from wastewater. The simultaneous sorption of Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ on macroalgae, microalgae, and cyanobacteria was studied. The effect of pH, initial metal concentration, metal competition, and time of contact on metal sorption were evaluated. Sorption competition and chemisorption are the key factors influencing metal sorption on biomass.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Edson Silva, Franois Counillon, Julien Brajard, Lasse H. Pettersson, Lars Naustvoll
Summary: This study assesses the environmental conditions and develops a sub-seasonal forecast model to predict the abundance of D. acuminata cells in the Lyngen fjord. The model uses past cell concentration, sea surface temperature, Photosynthetic Active Radiation, and wind speed to predict future cell abundance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Richard Mugani, Roseline Prisca Aba, Abdessamad Hejjaj, Fatima El Khalloufi, Naaila Ouazzani, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Pedro N. Carvalho, Vitor Vasconcelos, Alexandre Campos, Laila Mandi, Brahim Oudra
Summary: Eutrophication caused by toxic cyanobacteria can be remedied by eco-technologies like multi-soil-layering (MSL) systems. These systems have the advantages of small space requirement, simple maintenance, and high durability. They can effectively remove various contaminants from water, including cyanotoxins, although the mechanisms involved are not fully understood.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Fernando Pagels, Cintia Almeida, Vitor Vasconcelos, A. Catarina Guedes
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of marine cyanobacterium extracts as natural and sustainable ingredients in cosmetics. The extracts showed no cytotoxicity and demonstrated anti-hyaluronidase and anti-collagenase capacities, making them promising natural anti-aging ingredients. However, stability was lower at higher temperatures.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Walid Zeghbib, Fares Boudjouan, Vitor Vasconcelos, Graciliana Lopes
Summary: In this study, a summary of the different classes of phenolic compounds found in Opuntia species so far is provided, and their implications in the inflammatory process are explored. The use of cactus in folk medicine is supported, and its socio-economic value is evaluated.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Leticia Diez-Quijada, Maria Puerto, Daniel Gutierrez-Praena, Maria Turkina, Alexandre Campos, Vitor Vasconcelos, Ana M. Camean, Angeles Jos
Summary: This study assessed the cytotoxic effects and gene expression changes in renal cells caused by CYN and MC-LR. The results showed that CYN upregulated gene expression, especially at high concentrations and long exposure times. Additionally, simultaneous exposure to both cyanotoxins resulted in more protein expression changes compared to single toxin exposure.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ines Pascoa, Rita Biltes, Joao Sousa, Marco Aurelio Correia Preto, Vitor Vasconcelos, Luis Filipe Castro, Raquel Ruivo, Isabel Cunha
Summary: Cyanobacteria produce secondary metabolites that can act as ligands for PPARs, making them a potential source of bioactive compounds. A cell-based PPAR transactivation activity biosensor was upgraded and used in a screening campaign for drug discovery.
Article
Microbiology
Ines Rosado Vitorino, Alexandre Lobo-da-Cunha, Vitor Vasconcelos, Olga Maria Lage
Summary: In this study, a novel bacterium, strain ICT_H6.2(T), was isolated from the brackish environment of the Tagus River estuary in Portugal. Through genetic analysis, it was classified as a member of the bacterial phylum Planctomycetota and family Lacipirellulaceae, with a 98.0% similarity to its closest relative Aeoliella mucimassa Pan181(T). The strain has a genome size of 7.8 Mbp and a DNA G+C content of 59.6 mol %. It is heterotrophic, aerobic and capable of microaerobic growth, and can tolerate high salt concentrations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Samuel Cavalcante do Amaral, Luciana Pereira Xavier, Vitor Vasconcelos, Agenor Valadares Santos
Summary: Cyanobacteria are a valuable source of secondary metabolites with diverse chemical and biological properties, including antifungal activity. This review examines the key features of these antifungal compounds, their sources, major targets, and the environmental factors involved in their production. A comprehensive analysis of 642 documents dating from 1980 to 2022, including patents, original research, review articles, and theses, was conducted for this study.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria G. Hinojosa, Antonio Cascajosa-Lira, Ana I. Prieto, Daniel Gutierrez-Praena, Vitor Vasconcelos, Angeles Jos, Ana M. Camean
Summary: The incidence and interest of cyanobacteria have been increasing due to their ability to produce toxic secondary metabolites known as cyanotoxins. This study assessed the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress generation of different cyanobacterial extracts, and compared the effects of extracts containing and not containing cylindrospermopsin (CYN) in human neuroblastoma cells. The results showed that the CYN-containing extract was more toxic and induced oxidative stress compared to the CYN-free extract. This study highlights the importance of studying toxic effects of cyanobacteria in their natural environment.
Article
Biology
Martha Martinez-Garcia, Gloria Garduno-Solorzano, Graciliana Lopes, Begona Astrain Sanchez, Ralph Urbatzka, Guilherme Scotta Hentschke, Jorge E. Campos, Vitor Manuel Oliveira Vasconcelos
Summary: Using molecular markers, we confirmed the taxonomic status of Bacopa monnieri from Mexico and analyzed its chemical content and potential bioactivity. The results show that B. monnieri has great potential as a natural source of compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity properties. This plant's raw material can be effectively used as a nutritional and medicinal supplement.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ruben Luz, Rita Cordeiro, Jan Kastovsky, Jeffrey R. Johansen, Elisabete Dias, Amelia Fonseca, Ralph Urbatzka, Vitor Vasconcelos, Vitor Goncalves
Summary: This study described new genera and species of filamentous cyanobacteria isolated from aquatic habitats in the Azores archipelago through morphology, genetic data, and other analyses. It emphasizes the importance of taxonomic studies on cyanobacteria from less-studied habitats and geographical regions.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Margarida Silva, Marco Preto, Clara Grosso, Monica Vieira, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Vitor Vasconcelos, Mariana Reis, Lillian Barros, Rosario Martins
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes a decline in cognitive functions. It is the most common form of dementia and has no well-defined cause. Current treatments only manage to reduce symptoms, and there are only two drugs that can partially halt its progression. Natural compounds from mushrooms have been studied for their potential use in AD treatment due to their beneficial effects on various AD-related mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition, prevention of protein aggregation and neurotoxicity, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. While there have been studies linking mushrooms to neurodegenerative diseases, there is currently no publication summarizing the data specifically focused on AD. This review aims to fill that gap by compiling the potential anti-AD effects of mushroom extracts or compounds that target known AD-related mechanisms.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ruben Luz, Rita Cordeiro, Jan Kastovsky, Jeffrey R. Johansen, Elisabete Dias, Amelia Fonseca, Ralph Urbatzka, Vitor Vasconcelos, Vitor Goncalves
Summary: The taxonomy of cyanobacteria has been advanced through the use of molecular methods and morphology. In this study, four cyanobacterial strains from the Azores Archipelago were genetically characterized and classified as new species and genera. This research contributes to the understanding of the biogeography of cyanobacteria in remote oceanic islands and new terrestrial habitats.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vitoria Ramos, Mariana Reis, Leonor Ferreira, Ana Margarida Silva, Ricardo Ferraz, Monica Vieira, Vitor Vasconcelos, Rosario Martins
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive and irreversible neuronal loss, and there are currently no available cures. Cyanobacterial compounds have anti-neurodegenerative properties and can be valuable in the field of treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Lamia Benredjem, Joao Morais, Guilherme Scotta Hentschke, Akila Abdi, Hajira Berredjem, Vitor Vasconcelos
Summary: This study isolated and identified cyanobacteria strains from the Cheffia Reservoir, revealing the importance of morphological features and the 16S rRNA gene in species determination. The research also discovered potentially toxic genotypes within this ecosystem, highlighting the need for adapted water treatment methods to prevent toxin release from picocyanobacteria.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Joao Romeu, Joao Morais, Vitor Vasconcelos, Filipe Mergulhao
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of hydrogen peroxide on cyanobacterial biofilms and found that these biofilms were tolerant to hydrogen peroxide treatment, which may even lead to an increase in biomass.