Review
Food Science & Technology
Surbhi Agarwal, Vikas Singh, Komal Chauhan
Summary: Diabetes is a global public health problem, and there is a growing interest in using seaweed extracts with antidiabetic potential. Seaweed extracts can inhibit carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, lower blood glucose, reduce weight gain, improve lipid profile and provide protection against oxidative stress. However, further research is needed to fully explore the potential benefits of seaweed as a whole, its bioactive compounds, and its extracts.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Yu Wu, Xiaosheng Jin, Ya Zhang, Jian Liu, Mingjiang Wu, Haibin Tong
Summary: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease associated with unhealthy lifestyles. Effective therapeutic options are currently lacking, necessitating the development of safe, efficient, and economical treatments. Brown algae, rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and phlorotannins, have been shown to alleviate insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis, potentially ameliorating NAFLD. Increasing dietary consumption of brown algae has been reported to reduce the risk of NAFLD development. This review highlights the animal experiments and clinical evidence supporting brown algae and their bioactive compounds as potential treatments for NAFLD.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Prajna Paramita Bhuyan, Rabindra Nayak, Srimanta Patra, Hadi Sajid Abdulabbas, Mrutyunjay Jena, Biswajita Pradhan
Summary: Sulfated polysaccharides are powerful chemotherapeutic agents with anti-cancer properties by enhancing immunity and driving apoptosis in cancer cells. They have significant antioxidant and immunomodulatory potentials, contributing to their disease-preventive effectiveness in cancer treatment. They can be used as dietary supplements or adjuvant treatments for cancer.
Article
Limnology
Jason M. Smith, Gordon Blasco, Mark A. Brzezinski, John M. Melack, Daniel C. Reed, Robert J. Miller
Summary: Urea is a readily available source of nitrogen for giant kelp, but uptake rates are lower compared to phytoplankton and are influenced by light intensity. Persistent urease activity in kelp tissues suggests additional roles beyond processing urea from the environment, contributing to year-round growth sustainability.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Saly Gheda, Mai Abdel Naby, Tarek Mohamed, Leonel Pereira, Abeer Khamis
Summary: Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases that result in high blood sugar levels due to lack of insulin. The study found that phlorotannins extracted from brown seaweed Cystoseira compressa have strong antioxidant properties and can significantly reduce blood glucose levels and improve various markers of diabetes in rats, suggesting potential benefits for human health.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Cristina Pineiro-Corbeira, Sara Barrientos, Isabella Provera, Manuel E. Garcia, Pilar Diaz-Tapia, Viviana Pena, Ignacio Barbara, Rodolfo Barreiro
Summary: This study highlights the impact of kelp forest decline on the macroalgal understorey, showing that traditional alpha-diversity indicators may not detect significant differences between healthy and degraded reefs. Instead, small-scale spatial beta-diversity decreases significantly due to deforestation, indicating a more comprehensive assessment of the consequences of kelp forest decline.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Fazlurrahman Khan, Geum-Jae Jeong, Mohd Sajjad Ahmad Khan, Nazia Tabassum, Young-Mog Kim
Summary: Phlorotannins, phenolic secondary metabolites extracted from brown algae, have a wide range of therapeutic biological actions and biomedical applications. This review extensively discusses the biological activities and applications of phlorotannins, as well as provides methods to overcome drawbacks such as low stability.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Byeng R. Min, David Parker, David Brauer, Heidi Waldrip, Catherine Lockard, Kristin Hales, Alexia Akbay, Simona Augyte
Summary: Seaweeds, including brown, red, and green varieties, have potential to mitigate enteric methane emissions in ruminants. Brown seaweeds have been extensively studied for animal feeding, while red seaweeds are rich in protein and halogenated compounds which may help reduce CH4 emissions. Further research is needed to fully understand the anti-methanogenic effects of seaweeds.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Carlo Corino, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Raffaella Rossi
Summary: In recent years, research has focused on identifying organic alternatives with antimicrobial properties to improve production efficiency and sustainability in pig production. The modulation of gut microbiota and environment is crucial in enhancing pig health, with seaweed polysaccharides gaining attention as potential prebiotics. The review highlights the importance of using sustainable and natural feed ingredients to boost animal health according to the European Green Deal and the One Health concept.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pedro A. Ribeiro, Tonje Naess, Geir Dahle, Lars Asplin, Kenneth Meland, Stein Fredriksen, Kjersti Sjotun
Summary: A study examining the genetic structure and gene flow of Saccharina latissima along the Norwegian coast found a clear isolation pattern along the coast, with lower connectivity between South- and North-Norway and between coastal stations and innermost fjord stations. Genetic adaptation was also observed in populations in the Skagerrak area and in the two fjords.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Ping Shen, Hang Qi
Summary: This paper summarizes the research progress of phlorotannins in cell models, the potential mechanism of antioxidant activity, and the factors affecting antioxidant activity of phlorotannins in recent years.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lei Wang, Thilina U. Jayawardena, Kaiqiang Wang, Ginnae Ahn, Seon-Heui Cha, You- Jin Jeon
Summary: The ethanol extract of Padina boryana (PB-EtOH) effectively inhibits oxidative stress and melanin synthesis, and has photoprotective effects against UV irradiation. It improves cell viability, suppresses apoptosis, and reduces oxidative stress in human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, PB-EtOH attenuates UVB-stimulated photodamage in zebrafish, demonstrating its anti-photoaging effects. These findings suggest PB-EtOH as an ideal ingredient for skincare products in the cosmetic industry.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolina A. M. Ferreira, Rafael Felix, Carina Felix, Adriana P. Januario, Nuno Alves, Sara C. Novais, Juliana R. Dias, Marco F. L. Lemos
Summary: Brown seaweeds are valuable sources of compounds with various bioactivities, with phlorotannins showing promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties. A biorefinery approach using cost-effective methods can extract phlorotannins for potential biomedical and industrial applications.
Article
Plant Sciences
Angela R. Korabik, Tallulah Winquist, Edwin D. Grosholz, Jordan A. Hollarsmith
Summary: Climate change is affecting marine ecosystems through temperature rise and ocean acidification. A marine heat wave from 2014 to 2016 had devastating effects on species, including bull kelp. This study investigates the impacts of changing temperatures and carbonate levels on bull kelp populations in Northern California.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
K. G. D. Kaushalya, K. D. P. P. Gunathilake
Summary: This study focused on preserving the vitality of phlorotannins through encapsulation. The results showed that storage at -18 degrees C and 4 degrees C temperatures significantly increased the preservation rate of phlorotannins. Encapsulated phlorotannins demonstrated better retention and higher antioxidant activity during high-temperature processing.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christopher R. K. Glasson, Cara A. Luiten, Susan M. Carnachan, Alison M. Daines, Joel T. Kidgell, Simon F. R. Hinkley, Christina Praeger, Maria Andrade Martinez, Liam Sargison, Marie Magnusson, Rocky de Nys, Ian M. Sims
Summary: Ulvans extracted from three species of Ulva were found to primarily contain rhamnose and glucuronic acid, with small amounts of xylose and iduronic acid. Despite structural diversity, these ulvans showed minimal antioxidant or inhibitory activity on enzymatic processes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Kunal Pratap, Marwan E. Majzoub, Aya C. Taki, Socorro Miranda Hernandez, Marie Magnusson, Christopher R. K. Glasson, Rocky de Nys, Torsten Thomas, Andreas L. Lopata, Sandip D. Kamath
Summary: The intestinal microbial community is crucial for gut health, and dietary components like algal polysaccharides and carotenoids can modulate its structure. This study found that ulvan and astaxanthin can promote significant changes in the gut microbiota of mice, highlighting their potential to improve gut health conditions.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Christopher R. K. Glasson, Robert D. Kinley, Rocky de Nys, Nick King, Serean L. Adams, Michael A. Packer, Johan Svenson, Charles T. Eason, Marie Magnusson
Summary: Ruminant agriculture contributes significantly to global methane emissions, and mitigating strategies such as using methanogen inhibitors have gained interest. Asparagopsis seaweed, when included in livestock feed at low levels, inhibits methane generation by up to 98% and improves feed efficiency. Research is rapidly progressing to cultivate Asparagopsis at a large scale and develop aquaculture production systems. It is crucial to assess the benefits and risks associated with its production as a ruminant feed ingredient.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Christina Praeger, Marie Magnusson, Rebecca Lawton
Summary: This study aims to quantify the impact of photoperiod, light intensity, temperature, nutrient media, and GeO2 on the key hatchery processes of germination, gametophyte development, and transition to sporophytes in the controlled cultivation of Ecklonia radiata. The results show that maintaining a 12 hour light:12 hour dark photoperiod at 17 degrees Celsius leads to higher germination rates, good gametophyte development, and higher transition to sporophytes. Additionally, limiting the use of GeO2 and extending the storage time of sorus-bearing fronds of sporophytes can increase the fertility of the brood stock.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Harizah B. Hariz, Rebecca J. Lawton, Rupert J. Craggs
Summary: Filamentous algae nutrient scrubbers (FANS) show great potential for cost-effective and sustainable nutrient bioremediation. Developing a standardized bioassay to assess the productivity and nutrient removal of filamentous algae attached to a bottom substrate is crucial. Oedogonium sp. is identified as the best performing species with strong attachment, high biomass productivity, and nutrient removal rates.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sunil K. Panchal, Naga K. R. Ghattamaneni, Marie Magnusson, Andrew Cole, David Roberts, Nicolas Neveux, Lindsay Brown, Nicholas A. Paul
Summary: This study found that macroalgae biomass cultivated in different wastewater sources contain different nutrients and may have different effects in the development of metabolic syndrome induced by a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. Macroalgae biomass cultured in treated municipal wastewater may improve blood glucose responses, while biomass grown in ash dam water from a coal-fired power station may decrease abdominal fat deposition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Christina Praeger, Marie E. E. Magnusson, Rebecca J. J. Lawton
Summary: This study successfully obtained viable zoospores of E. radiata through the method of artificially induced sorus formation, enabling year-round production of high-quality sporelings.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Harizah B. Hariz, Rebecca J. Lawton, Rupert J. Craggs
Summary: The study investigated how operating parameters affect the biomass productivity and nutrient removal performance of Oedogonium sp. - a promising species for unialgal FANS. The results showed that the initial standing crop, harvesting frequency, and influent flow rate significantly affected biomass productivity and nutrient removal. Optimal parameters were determined to be an initial standing crop of 70-80 g DW m-2, a four-day harvesting interval, and an influent flow rate of 1 L min-1 (16.7 L min-1 m-1 width). These findings contribute to optimizing the biomass production and nutrient removal of Oedogonium sp. on FANS.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Harizah B. Hariz, Rebecca J. Lawton, Rupert J. Craggs
Summary: This study compared the effects of seeding method and species composition on the biomass productivity and nutrient removal rates of FANS treating agricultural drainage. The results showed that the seeding method and species composition did not significantly affect biomass productivity and nutrient removal performance. However, the FANS seeded with a single species had lower biomass wash-off and higher nutrient removal rates compared to the FANS with mixed species.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Harizah B. Hariz, Rebecca J. Lawton, Rupert J. Craggs
Summary: This study investigated the growth rates and nutrient uptake rates of four filamentous algae species and identified Oedogonium sp. as the most promising species for year-round cultivation on filamentous algae nutrient scrubbers (FANS).
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Jacob Nepper-Davidsen, Marie Magnusson, Christopher R. K. Glasson, Rebecca J. Lawton
Summary: This study investigated the effect of line configuration on the survival and growth of the native kelp Ecklonia radiata in New Zealand. The results showed that individuals grown on vertical lines had higher survival rates, faster growth, and larger weight compared to those on horizontal lines.
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2023)