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Special Issue "Bioactive Polysaccharides from Seaweeds"

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A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine-Derived Ingredients for Drugs, Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2024 | Viewed by 7103

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Faiez Hentati

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Guest Editor

INRAE, URAFPA, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
Interests: polysaccharides; structure; rheology; spectroscopy; physiochemistry; biological activities; biotechnological applications

Dr. Laurent Vandanjon

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Sciences and Sciences of the Engineer, LBCM Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Chemistry, University of Southern Brittany, Vannes, France
Interests: marine biotechnology; algal biorefinery; water and seawater treatment; separation and extraction processes; isolation of bioactive molecules; nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals
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Dear Colleagues,

Marine seaweeds are considered to be an excellent source of high-value biologically active molecules thanks to their abundance and the advantage of their environmentally friendly cultivation processes. Among them, polysaccharides have shown many industrial applications as food texturizers and biological activators. These phycocolloids (hydrocolloids), are substances capable of modifying the rheological properties of the aqueous solutions that contain them. They can thus modify the flow properties of water, being classified as thickeners, gelling agents and finally stabilizers (limiting flocculation, flotation, decantation or coalescence of particles in a liquid medium). Algal polysaccharides are commonly used as texturing agents in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

This Special Issue will include recent advances in the field of algae polysaccharides with potential for biomedical, food or biotechnological applications. Papers describing their structural, physicochemical, biological and functional properties, as well as the structure-function-application relationship, are encouraged.

Dr. Faiez Hentati
Dr. Laurent Vandanjon
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Marine Drugs is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

algae
biopolymers
structure
rheology and physiochemistry
biological activities
structure-function relationship
functional foods
blue biotechnology
spectroscopy and chromatography
food application

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

The Use of FTIR Spectroscopy as a Tool for the Seasonal Variation Analysis and for the Quality Control of Polysaccharides from Seaweeds

Laurent Vandanjon

Anne-Sophie Burlot

Elando Fréda Zamanileha

Philippe Douzenel

Pierre Hervé Ravelonandro

Nathalie Bourgougnon

and

Gilles Bedoux

Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(9), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21090482 - 01 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1102

Abstract

Macroalgae are a potentially novel source of nutrition and biologically active molecules. Proliferative species such as Eucheuma denticulatum, Solieria chordalis (red algae) and Sargassum muticum (brown alga) constitute a huge biomass that can be exploited. In this study, we focus on the extraction of polysaccharides from these three macroalgae species and the characterization of cell wall polysaccharides such as carrageenans, fucoidans and alginates by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy with Attenuated Reflectance Module (FTIR-ATR). The comparison of purified extracts with commercial solutions of fucoidans, alginates or carrageenans shows a strong similarity between the spectra. It demonstrates that the methods of extraction that have been used are also suitable purifying technics. Moreover, it validates infrared spectroscopy as a quick, simple and non-destructive method for the accurate analysis of polysaccharides. The FTIR technique applied to samples collected at different periods of the year allowed us to highlight differences in the composition of fucoidans, alginates and carrageenans. Different classes corresponding to the season can be distinguished by statistical multidimensionnal analysis (Principal Component Analysis) showing that the structure of algal polysaccharides, related to bioactivity, depends on the period of harvest. FTIR results showed that S. chordalis and E. denticulatum possess a dominant type of carrageenan called iota-carrageenan. This type of carrageenan is in the majority when the alga is at maturity in its development cycle. During its growth phase, iota-carrageenan precursors can be detected by FTIR spectra, enabling a better control of the extraction and an application of these compounds in various economic sectors. When the alga E. denticulatum is in its juvenile stage, we found traces of kappa-carrageenan and nu-carrageenan polysaccharides in some extracts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Polysaccharides from Seaweeds)

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Open AccessArticle

Impact of Enzymatically Extracted High Molecular Weight Fucoidan on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endothelial Activation and Leukocyte Adhesion

Nora Kirsten

Julia Ohmes

Maria Dalgaard Mikkelsen

and

Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(6), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21060339 - 31 May 2023

Viewed by 826

Abstract

The endothelial cell lining creates an interface between circulating blood and adjoining tissue and forms one of the most critical barriers and targets for therapeutical intervention. Recent studies suggest that fucoidans, sulfated and fucose-rich polysaccharides from brown seaweed, show multiple promising biological effects, including anti-inflammatory properties. However, their biological activity is determined by chemical characteristics such as molecular weight, sulfation degree, and molecular structure, which vary depending on the source, species, and harvesting and isolation method. In this study, we investigated the impact of high molecular weight (HMW) fucoidan extract on endothelial cell activation and interaction with primary monocytes (MNCs) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Gentle enzyme-assisted extraction combined with fractionation by ion exchange chromatography resulted in well-defined and pure fucoidan fractions. FE_F3, with a molecular weight ranging from 110 to 800 kDa and a sulfate content of 39%, was chosen for further investigation of its anti-inflammatory potential. We observed that along with higher purity of fucoidan fractions, the inflammatory response in endothelial mono- and co-cultures with MNCs was reduced in a dose-dependent manner when testing two different concentrations. This was demonstrated by a decrease in IL-6 and ICAM-1 on gene and protein levels and a reduced gene expression of TLR-4, GSK3β and NF-kB. Expression of selectins and, consequently, the adhesion of monocytes to the endothelial monolayer was reduced after fucoidan treatment. These data indicate that the anti-inflammatory effect of fucoidans increases with their purity and suggest that fucoidans might be useful in limiting the inflammatory response of endothelial cells in cases of LPS-induced bacterial infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Polysaccharides from Seaweeds)

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Open AccessArticle

Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Processing of Rugulopteryx okamurae

Tania Ferreira-Anta

Noelia Flórez-Fernández

Maria Dolores Torres

José Mazón

and

Herminia Dominguez

Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(6), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21060319 - 25 May 2023

Viewed by 863

Abstract

One possible scheme of Rugulopteryx okamurae biomass valorization based on a green, rapid and efficient fractionation technique was proposed. Microwave-assisted pressurized hot water extraction was the technology selected as the initial stage for the solubilization of different seaweed components. Operation at 180 °C for 10 min with a 30 liquid-to-solid ratio solubilized more than 40% of the initial material. Both the alginate recovery yield (3.2%) and the phenolic content of the water-soluble extracts (2.3%) were slightly higher when distilled water was used as solvent. However, the carbohydrate content in the extract (60%) was similar for both solvents, but the sulfate content was higher for samples processed with salt water collected from the same coast as the seaweeds. The antiradical capacity of the extracts was related to the phenolic content in the extracts, but the cytotoxicity towards HeLa229 cancer cells was highest (EC₅₀ = 48 µg/mL) for the extract obtained with distilled water at the lowest temperature evaluated. Operation time showed a relevant enhancement of the extraction performance and bioactive properties of the soluble extracts. The further fractionation and study of this extract would be recommended to extend its potential applications. However, due to the low extraction yield, emphasis was given to the solid residue, which showed a heating value in the range 16,102–18,413 kJ/kg and could be useful for the preparation of biomaterials according to its rheological properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Polysaccharides from Seaweeds)

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Open AccessArticle

Elicitor Activity of Low-Molecular-Weight Alginates Obtained by Oxidative Degradation of Alginates Extracted from Sargassum muticum and Cystoseira myriophylloides

Meriem Aitouguinane

Zainab El Alaoui-Talibi

Halima Rchid

Imen Fendri

Slim Abdelkafi

Mohamed Didi Ould El-Hadj

and

Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(5), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21050301 - 16 May 2023

Viewed by 786

Abstract

Alginates extracted from two Moroccan brown seaweeds and their derivatives were investigated for their ability to induce phenolic metabolism in the roots and leaves of tomato seedlings. Sodium alginates (ALSM and ALCM) were extracted from the brown seaweeds Sargassum muticum and Cystoseira myriophylloides, respectively. Low-molecular-weight alginates (OASM and OACM) were obtained after radical hydrolysis of the native alginates. Elicitation was carried out by foliar spraying 20 mL of aqueous solutions (1 g/L) on 45-day-old tomato seedlings. Elicitor capacities were evaluated by monitoring phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity, polyphenols, and lignin production in the roots and leaves after 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment. The molecular weights (M_w) of the different fractions were 202 kDa for ALSM, 76 kDa for ALCM, 19 kDa for OACM, and 3 kDa for OASM. FTIR analysis revealed that the structures of OACM and OASM did not change after oxidative degradation of the native alginates. These molecules showed their differential capacity to induce natural defenses in tomato seedlings by increasing PAL activity and through the accumulation of polyphenol and lignin content in the leaves and roots. The oxidative alginates (OASM and OACM) exhibited an effective induction of the key enzyme of phenolic metabolism (PAL) compared to the alginate polymers (ALSM and ALCM). These results suggest that low-molecular-weight alginates may be good candidates for stimulating the natural defenses of plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Polysaccharides from Seaweeds)

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Open AccessArticle

FTIR Characterization of Sulfated Polysaccharides Obtained from Macrocystis integrifolia Algae and Verification of Their Antiangiogenic and Immunomodulatory Potency In Vitro and In Vivo

Marilú Roxana Soto-Vásquez

Paúl Alan Arkin Alvarado-García

and

Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21010036 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1942

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory potential of sulfated polysaccharides from the marine algae Macrocystis integrifolia characterized by FTIR. The cytotoxicity of sulfated polysaccharides was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Antiangiogenic activity was evaluated using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Immunomodulatory activity was determined on macrophage functionality and allergic response. The results showed that sulfated polysaccharides significantly decreased angiogenesis in chicken chorioallantoic membranes (p < 0.05). Likewise, they inhibited in vivo chemotaxis and in vitro phagocytosis, the transcription process of genes that code the enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS-2) and the nuclear factor kappa-light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), showing immunomodulatory properties on the allergic response, as well as an in vivo inhibitory effect in the ovalbumin-induced inflammatory allergy model (OVA) and inhibited lymphocyte proliferation specific to the OVA antigen in immunized mice. Finally, these compounds inhibited the histamine-induced skin reaction in rats, the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in mice, and the passive response to skin anaphylaxis in rats. Therefore, the results of this research showed the potential of these compounds to be a promising source for the development of antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Polysaccharides from Seaweeds)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Algal Phycocolloids: Bioactivities and Pharmaceutical Applications

Silvia Lomartire

and

Ana M. M. Gonçalves

Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(7), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21070384 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1049

Abstract

Seaweeds are abundant sources of diverse bioactive compounds with various properties and mechanisms of action. These compounds offer protective effects, high nutritional value, and numerous health benefits. Seaweeds are versatile natural sources of metabolites applicable in the production of healthy food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fertilizers. Their biological compounds make them promising sources for biotechnological applications. In nature, hydrocolloids are substances which form a gel in the presence of water. They are employed as gelling agents in food, coatings and dressings in pharmaceuticals, stabilizers in biotechnology, and ingredients in cosmetics. Seaweed hydrocolloids are identified in carrageenan, alginate, and agar. Carrageenan has gained significant attention in pharmaceutical formulations and exhibits diverse pharmaceutical properties. Incorporating carrageenan and natural polymers such as chitosan, starch, cellulose, chitin, and alginate. It holds promise for creating biodegradable materials with biomedical applications. Alginate, a natural polysaccharide, is highly valued for wound dressings due to its unique characteristics, including low toxicity, biodegradability, hydrogel formation, prevention of bacterial infections, and maintenance of a moist environment. Agar is widely used in the biomedical field. This review focuses on analysing the therapeutic applications of carrageenan, alginate, and agar based on research highlighting their potential in developing innovative drug delivery systems using seaweed phycocolloids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Polysaccharides from Seaweeds)

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