Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
E. Harsha Mohan, S. Madhusudan, Revathy Baskaran
Summary: Marine green macroalgae, particularly Ulva species, have potential applications in therapeutics due to their bioactive phytochemicals, but are currently under-exploited. Ulva lactuca, a widely grown macroalgae along the Mediterranean coast, is a good source of proteins and nutrients, making it suitable for salad and kimchi preparations. This review highlights the chemistry, structure, and food and pharmaceutical applications of bioactives in green seaweeds and Ulva spp., with the aim of exploiting their nutraceutical properties and pharmaceutical applications.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoqing Li, Yihan Chen, Xiaoxiang Gao, Yijing Wu, Hesham Rushdy El-Seedi, Yong Cao, Chao Zhao
Summary: A novel polysaccharide from Ulva lactuca (ULP) was found to exhibit antihyperuricemic activity by regulating biochemical indexes, gene expressions, tissue pathology, and gut microbiota. It effectively reduced serum uric acid levels, improved renal injury, and showed potential in treating hyperuricemia-related diseases.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nicole Ferreira, Jessica Jacinto, Ana F. Santos, Daniel Barros, Mariana Lopes, Tiago Morais, Pedro Moleiro, Thainara Viana, Eduarda Pereira, Bruno Henriques
Summary: This study used Response Surface Methodology and Box-Behnken design to investigate and optimize the key operating conditions for removing potentially toxic elements using living green algae. The results showed that green algae have a high ability to efficiently remove these elements.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiaoxiang Miao, Jie Xiao, Shiliang Fan, Yu Zang, Xuelei Zhang, Zongling Wang
Summary: The epiphytic gammarid species, Apohyale sp., plays a significant role in controlling the floating algal biomass in the Yellow Sea Green Tide. The grazing behavior of Apohyale sp. affects the growth rate of algae, potentially leading to positive feedback on the floating algal biomass. Further research is needed to understand the population dynamics of these primary predators and their correlation with the expansion or decline of the Green Tide in the Yellow Sea.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Hongbin Han, Yan Li, Zongling Wang, Wei Song, Xiaojun Ma
Summary: This study investigated the temporal and spatial distribution of green algae micro-propagules in the coastal waters of Qinhuangdao after the 2020 green tides bloom. The results showed that Jinmenghaiwan bath had significantly higher numbers of green algae micro-propagules compared to other surveyed areas. These micro-propagules displayed a pattern of high abundance near the shore and lower abundance away from the shore. Furthermore, the numbers of green algae micro-propagules, as well as the proportion of Ulva prolifera micro-propagules, decreased considerably from October 2020 to April 2021 compared to the period from October 2016 to April 2017. This may explain the significant reduction in the green tides scale in 2021 compared to 2017. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for early warning and control of green tides in Qinhuangdao.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ratih Pangestuti, Monjurul Haq, Puji Rahmadi, Byung-Soo Chun
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential of underexploited tropical green seaweed resources, such as Caulerpa racemosa and Ulva lactuca, as sources of antioxidants for nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products. Subcritical water extraction shows higher extraction yield and higher content of bioactive compounds compared to conventional hot water extraction, indicating its potential for producing high-quality seaweed hydrolysates.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yihan Chen, Yuezhen Ouyang, Xuejin Chen, Ruoxin Chen, Qiling Ruan, Mohamed A. Farag, Xinhua Chen, Chao Zhao
Summary: Ageing-related type 2 diabetes is a significant public health problem that is increasing with population ageing. This study reveals that Ulva lactuca polysaccharide (ULP) can improve ageing-associated diabetes by modulating gut microbiota variation and regulating the expression levels of certain proteins. ULP shows potential as a nutraceutical for delaying or preventing the development of ageing-related type 2 diabetes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Shinyoung Oh, Jechan Lee, Su Shiung Lam, Eilhann E. Kwon, Jeong-Myeong Ha, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Yong Sik Ok, Wei-Hsin Chen, Young-Kwon Park
Summary: Recent studies have shown that fast hydropyrolysis is a promising technology for converting biomass into liquid fuels, producing more aromatic hydrocarbons and reducing the oxygen content of bio-oil. Current research focuses on both non-catalytic and catalytic fast hydropyrolysis processes, as well as efforts to combine fast hydropyrolysis with hydrotreatment processes. Future research directions and challenges in fast hydropyrolysis are also discussed.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kathryn L. Van Alstyne, Jennifer K. Butler, Neal Smith
Summary: Although airborne molecules as infochemicals are commonly used by terrestrial plants, their occurrence in marine seaweeds has not been demonstrated in an ecologically relevant context. Our study shows that seaweeds can use airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to elicit defensive responses by upregulating the production of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP). This is the first evidence of a marine plant using an airborne molecule released when damaged to trigger a defensive reaction, suggesting the evolution of the ability to detect airborne compounds predates the divergence of terrestrial plants and green algae.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Vladimir Heredia, Jack Legrand, Jeremy Pruvost
Summary: Current microalgae biofuel production pathways face energy self-sufficiency challenges, particularly in cultivation and metabolite recovery processes. Various technologies, such as intensified photobioreactors, photovoltaic panels, and solvent-free metabolite recovery processes, have been suggested to improve the net energy ratio. Additionally, an energy-driven biorefinery approach can obtain liquid fuels and photovoltaic energy in the same production process, increasing the final volume of biofuels and net energy ratio.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yuheon Chung, Seula Jeong, In-Kyoung Lee, Bong-Sik Yun, Jung Sup Lee, Seungil Ro, Jong Kun Park
Summary: The study showed that (+)-epiloliolide can increase cell resistance to UVB and protect cells from UVB damage by regulating p53 activity.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aderemi Timothy Adeleye, Amos Adeleke Akande, Chuks Kenneth Odoh, Monday Philip, Timothy Tizhe Fidelis, Pigweh Isa Amos, Oluwakemi Oluwabunmi Banjoko
Summary: This review focuses on the synthesis of activated carbon from renewable precursors and its utilization in catalytic systems for a gentle and sustainable approach. Porous carbons have been developed and used as heterogeneous solid catalysts in fine chemical and biofuels synthesis as a sustainable and economical alternative over homogeneous catalytic systems. Efforts in developing sustainable processes for integrated production of value-added products and fuels in biorefineries have led to delicate designs towards sustainability.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yihan Chen, Weihao Wu, Xiaoyu Ni, Mohamed A. Farag, Esra Capanoglu, Chao Zhao
Summary: Type 2 diabetes is a major public health issue, especially with population ageing. This study found that Ulva lactuca oligosaccharide (ULO) can promote hypoglycaemia and delay senescence through the GLP-1/GLP-1R pathway, facilitating communication between the brain and gut. The study also identified various metabolites and bacteria related to the hypoglycaemic and anti-ageing activities of ULO in the brain and gut.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abderrahmane Rahhou, Mostafa Layachi, Mustapha Akodad, Najib El Ouamari, Nor Eddine Rezzoum, Ali Skalli, Brahim Oudra, Maryam El Bakali, Mitja Kolar, Jernej Imperl, Petranka Petrova, Abdelmajid Moumen, Mourad Baghour
Summary: Pollution by heavy metals, originating from manufacturing, fertilizers, mining, pesticides, transport, and wastewater discharge, is a serious global issue. This study evaluated the presence of macroelements (N and P) and heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cd, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Mn) in the green seaweed Ulva lactuca from the Marchica lagoon in NE-Morocco. Results showed that Ulva had a strong affinity for Fe and Mn, with the highest bioconcentration factors recorded for Mn, Fe, and Pb. The health risk assessment indicated no hazards associated with the consumption of Ulva lactuca.
Article
Plant Sciences
Alberto Gonzalez, Hector Osorio, Stephanie Romero, Patricia Mendez, Muriel Sepulveda, Daniel Laporte, Marlen Gutierrez-Cutino, Rocio Santander, Eduardo Castro-Nallar, Alejandra Moenne
Summary: The mechanisms involved in anthracene degradation in the marine alga Ulva lactuca were analyzed using transcriptomic analysis. At least three pathways for anthracene and linear hydrocarbons degradation were identified, with multiple enzymes potentially participating in each pathway. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry confirmed the production of anthracene metabolites, validating one of the identified pathways.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Letter
Rheumatology
Sindhu R. Johnson, Martin Aringer
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Biology
Ramon C. Hermida, Artemio Mojon, Jose R. Fernandez, Ramon G. Hermida-Ayala, Juan J. Crespo, Maria T. Rios, Manuel Dominguez-Sardina, Alfonso Otero, Michael H. Smolensky
Summary: Elevated asleep blood pressure and blunted sleep-time relative systolic blood pressure decline are significant prognostic markers of cardiovascular disease risk. Current hypertension guidelines overlook the importance of asleep blood pressure and recommend diagnosis based on office blood pressure measurements. Studies have shown that taking blood pressure-lowering medications at bedtime results in greater reduction of blood pressure and improved cardiovascular outcomes compared to morning intake.
CHRONOBIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Clara Otero-Martinez, Junzhi Ye, Jooyoung Sung, Isabel Pastoriza-Santos, Jorge Perez-Juste, Zhiguo Xia, Akshay Rao, Robert L. Z. Hoye, Lakshminarayana Polavarapu
Summary: Colloidal metal-halide perovskite nanocrystals have gained attention for their exciting properties and tunable emission range. However, they are limited by light-induced halide phase segregation. By controlling the thickness, monolayer nanoplatelets with narrow emission peaks and high radiative recombination can be synthesized, making them ideal for efficient LEDs.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nerea Garcia-Beloso, Irene Altabas-Gonzalez, Marisol Samartin-Ucha, Monica Gayoso-Rey, Maria Luisa De Castro-Parga, Angel Salgado-Barreira, Amelia Cibeira-Badia, Maria Guadalupe Pineiro-Corrales, Daniel Gonzalez-Vilas, Jose Maria Pego-Reigosa, Noemi Martinez-Lopez de Castro
Summary: From January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2021, a systematic review of studies on switching between reference adalimumab and biosimilars in different chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases found that the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity were not affected by the switch. The findings were consistent across different adalimumab biosimilars and may be extended to other rheumatic diseases like psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Timothy Williams, Aaina Mittal, Dimitar Karageorgiev, Andres Iniguez Romo, Adel Aminian, Javier Fernandez Portalese, Elyes Kharrat, Joan Antoni Gomez-Hospital, Doni Firman, Ramiro Trillo Nouche, David Hildick-Smith
Summary: This analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of coronary revascularization strategy during index admission on clinical outcomes among patients undergoing PCI with MVD. The results showed that a complete revascularization strategy resulted in lower rates of target lesion failure, patient-oriented composite endpoint events, and all-cause mortality at 1 year compared to an incomplete revascularization strategy.
CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
A. Bianchi, V. Sanz, H. Dominguez, M. D. Torres
Summary: This paper focuses on valorizing Chondrus crispus wastes generated during industrial extraction of hybrid carrageenan using microwave technology. By optimizing extraction conditions, valuable compounds can be recovered and biopolymers with similar thermomechanical properties to commercial counterparts can be obtained.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Food Science & Technology
Maria D. Torres, Herminia Dominguez
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Lucia Lopez-Hortas, Noelia Florez-Fernandez, Maria D. Torres, Herminia Dominguez
Summary: The traditional and growing importance of mushrooms, which are rich in nutritive and bioactive compounds, makes them versatile and attractive ingredients in food and nutraceuticals. The processing conditions play a critical role in the selective recovery of high-value compounds in a sustainable way.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Paula Rodriguez-Seoane, Maria Dolores Torres Perez, Catalina Ferna'ndez de Ana, Esteban Sinde-Stompel, Herminia Dominguez
Summary: This study explored the antioxidant and functional potential of subcritical water extracts from edible mushrooms, with Pleurotus citrinopileatus extracts showing the highest phenolic content and antioxidant properties. The extracts were also found to exhibit growth inhibition in selected human carcinogenic cells. Rheological studies confirmed that glucan-based hydrogels prepared with mushroom extracts had enhanced viscoelastic properties compared to commercial products, with Pleurotus eryngii extracts providing the strongest gels. The formulated hydrogels could find interesting applications in the food sector.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Milena Alvarez-Vinas, Sandra Rivas, Maria Dolores Torres, Herminia Dominguez
Summary: The development of greener processes for the sustainable utilization of raw materials is increasingly demanded for environmental and economic reasons. A rapid and chemical-free technique for the extraction of hybrid kappa/iota (6/4) carrageenan from Sarcopeltis (ex Gigartina) skottsbergii was proposed. The extracted carrageenans showed suitable rheological properties for commercial uses, and the microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment was found to be an efficient tool for carrageenan extraction without the need for chemicals.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Noelia Florez-Fernandez, Jorge F. Pontes, Filipa Guerreiro, Ines T. Afonso, Giovanna Lollo, Maria Dolores Torres, Herminia Dominguez, Ana M. Rosa da Costa, Ana Grenha
Summary: The composition of seaweeds is complex, including vitamins, phenolic compounds, minerals, and polysaccharides. Fucoidan, the main polysaccharide in brown seaweeds, has various biological activities. Chitosan, another marine biopolymer, is popular in the biomedical field. This study evaluated the ability of fucoidan to produce nanoparticles with chitosan as a counterion. The nanoparticles obtained were negatively charged and had a size of 200-300 nm. The IC50 of fucoidan increased when tested in nanoparticle form, indicating their potential for biomedical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Tania Ferreira-Anta, Noelia Florez-Fernandez, Maria Dolores Torres, Jose Mazon, Herminia Dominguez
Summary: A scheme for Rugulopteryx okamurae biomass valorization based on a green, rapid and efficient fractionation technique was proposed. Microwave-assisted pressurized hot water extraction was used to solubilize different seaweed components. The extraction performance and bioactive properties of the soluble extracts were enhanced by operation time. The solid residue showed potential for preparation of biomaterials according to its rheological properties.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Noelia Florez-Fernandez, Carlos Vaamonde-Garcia, Maria Dolores Torres, Manuela Bujan, Alexandra Muinos, Antonio Muinos, Maria J. Lamas-Vazquez, Rosa Meijide-Failde, Francisco J. Blanco, Herminia Dominguez
Summary: The anti-inflammatory properties of fucoidans have been well studied in vitro and in some in vivo experiments. In addition to this activity, the lack of toxicity and the possibility of obtaining fucoidans from a widely available and renewable source make them attractive as novel bioactives. However, the heterogeneity and variability in composition, structure, and properties of fucoidans, depending on factors such as seaweed species and extraction methods, pose challenges for standardization.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tania Ferreira-Anta, Maria Dolores Torres, Herminia Dominguez, Noelia Florez-Fernandez
Summary: Seaweeds contain various bioactive compounds of interest to the food industry, such as phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, proteins, and vitamins. Green extraction technologies, such as pressurized hot water extraction, were used to obtain these compounds. The study found that the highest fucoidan content was recovered at 160°C, while the maximum phloroglucinol content and antioxidant activity were achieved at 220°C. Encapsulation of these bioactive fractions using mannitol was also investigated.
Article
Plant Sciences
Guido Domingo, Milena Marsoni, Milena Alvarez-Vinas, M. Dolores Torres, Herminia Dominguez, Candida Vannini
Summary: The application of seaweed extract-based biostimulants shows promise in achieving sustainable agriculture by improving crop yield and mitigating the effects of climate change. In this study, a protein hydrolysate-rich C. crispus extract was tested on tomato plants and found to promote plant growth and enhance drought tolerance.