Editorial

4 pages, 206 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health

by Benoît Chénais

Molecules 2021, 26(4), 1185; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26041185 - 23 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2721

The algae and microalgae are an extremely diverse group of organisms that contain many bioactive molecules, including pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, polyphenol, etc [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health)

Research

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16 pages, 1423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Enhancement of Farmed Salmon Meat via Non-GMO Nannochloropsis Gaditana: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) and Vitamin D3 for Human Health

by Ivonne Lozano-Muñoz, Susana Muñoz, Nelson F. Díaz, Alberto Medina, Jazmín Bazaes and Carlos Riquelme

Molecules 2020, 25(20), 4615; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204615 - 10 Oct 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3944

Abstract

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFAs) and vitamin D₃ are essential components of human nutrition. A regular human diet is highly deficient in n-3 LC PUFAs. Fish like salmon are highly recommended in the human diet as they are a [...] Read more.

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFAs) and vitamin D₃ are essential components of human nutrition. A regular human diet is highly deficient in n-3 LC PUFAs. Fish like salmon are highly recommended in the human diet as they are a major source of high-value n-3 LC PUFAs and vitamin D_3. The levels of these nutrients have been decreasing over the last few years in farmed salmon, whose production urgently needs sustainable sources of these nutrients. The microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana (NG) is known for its naturally high potential for the production of eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5 n-3) fatty acid. A commercial diet for Atlantic salmon was supplemented with 1% and 10% of spray-dried NG grown under controlled conditions for a high EPA content. Salmon were harvested on day 49, following which, boneless and skinless salmon meat was recovered from fish and analyzed for the fatty acid profile, total fat, and vitamin D₃. Vitamin D₃, EPA, and docosapentaenoic fatty acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) by supplementing the basal diet with 10% NG, thus, NG represents a novel, functional, natural ingredient and a sustainable source of n-3 LC-PUFAs that can raise the levels of healthy fats and vitamin D₃ in farmed salmon meat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health)

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13 pages, 2486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Polyphenolic Content in Brown Algae of the Pacific Coast of Russia

by Natalia M. Aminina, Ekaterina P. Karaulova, Tatiana I. Vishnevskaya, Evgeny V. Yakush, Yeon-Kye Kim, Ki-Ho Nam and Kwang-Tae Son

Molecules 2020, 25(17), 3909; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25173909 - 27 Aug 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2821

Abstract

Water and ethanol brown macroalgal extracts of nine species of Laminariales and four species of Fucales of the Pacific coast of Russia were investigated. It has been shown that brown algae species of Agarum, Thalassiophyllum, Fucus and Cystoseira can be a source of [...] Read more.

Water and ethanol brown macroalgal extracts of nine species of Laminariales and four species of Fucales of the Pacific coast of Russia were investigated. It has been shown that brown algae species of Agarum, Thalassiophyllum, Fucus and Cystoseira can be a source of the polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Phenolic content in the ethanol algal extracts (Undaria pinnatifida, Arthrothamnus bifidus, Thalassiophyllum clathrus and Agarum turneri) was 1.1–3.5 times higher than in the water extracts. In Sargassum pallidum and Kjellmaniella crassifolia, the total polyphenolic content was 2.1 and 1.6 times higher, respectively, in water extracts than in ethanol extracts. The maximum radical scavenging activity has been detected in Agarum turneri ethanol extracts (38.8 mg ascorbic acid/g and 2506.8 µmol Trolox equiv/g dry algae). Phlorotannin content varies from 16.8 μg/g dry sample of Costaria costata to 2763.2 μg/g dry sample of Agarum turneri. It is found the content of polyphenolic compounds in brown algae is determined mainly by their species-specificity and by their belonging to the genus. The presence of major phenols in the extract of Thalassiophyllum clathrus, such as phenolic acid (gallic acid), hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid) and flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin) has been established. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health)

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18 pages, 1036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Valuing Bioactive Lipids from Green, Red and Brown Macroalgae from Aquaculture, to Foster Functionality and Biotechnological Applications

by Diana Lopes, Tânia Melo, Felisa Rey, Joana Meneses, Fátima Liliana Monteiro, Luisa A. Helguero, Maria Helena Abreu, Ana Isabel Lillebø, Ricardo Calado and Maria Rosário Domingues

Molecules 2020, 25(17), 3883; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25173883 - 26 Aug 2020

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4266

Abstract

Marine edible macroalgae have functional proprieties that might improve human health and wellbeing. Lipids represent a minor fraction of macroalgae, yet with major interest as main carriers of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and intrinsic bioactive properties. In this study, we used lipid [...] Read more.

Marine edible macroalgae have functional proprieties that might improve human health and wellbeing. Lipids represent a minor fraction of macroalgae, yet with major interest as main carriers of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and intrinsic bioactive properties. In this study, we used lipid extracts from the green macroalgae Ulva rigida and Codium tomentosum; the red Gracilaria gracilis,Palmaria palmata and Porphyra dioica; and the brown Fucus vesiculosus, produced in a land-based integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) system. We determined the lipid quality indices based on their fatty acid profiles and their bioactivities as putative antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative agents. The results reveal to be species-specific, namely U. rigida displayed the lowest atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices. Palmaria palmata and F. vesiculosus lipid extracts displayed the lowest inhibitory concentration in the free radical scavenging antioxidant assays. Ulva rigida, C. tomentosum, P. palmata and P. dioica inhibited COX-2 activity by up to 80%, while P. dioica and P. palmata extracts showed the highest cytotoxic potential in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This work enhances the valorization of macroalgae as functional foods and promising ingredients for sustainable and healthy diets and fosters new applications of high-valued algal biomass, in a species-specific context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health)

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23 pages, 588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of the Nutritional and Health Values of Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskål) and Ulva fasciata (Delile)—Two Chlorophyta Collected from the Philippines

by Rexie P. Magdugo, Nolwenn Terme, Marie Lang, Hugo Pliego-Cortés, Christel Marty, Anicia Q. Hurtado, Gilles Bedoux and Nathalie Bourgougnon

Molecules 2020, 25(12), 2901; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25122901 - 24 Jun 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4697

Abstract

Polysaccharides, lipids and amino acid profiles were investigated to understand the nutritional value of Caulerpa racemosa and Ulva fasciata from the Philippines. The results revealed that both species contain high amounts of proteins (8.8–19.9% for C. racemosa and 8.0–11.1% for U. fasciata). [...] Read more.

Polysaccharides, lipids and amino acid profiles were investigated to understand the nutritional value of Caulerpa racemosa and Ulva fasciata from the Philippines. The results revealed that both species contain high amounts of proteins (8.8–19.9% for C. racemosa and 8.0–11.1% for U. fasciata). The portions of the total amino acids that were essential amino acids (EAAs) (45.28 ± 0.12% for C. racemosa and 42.17 ± 0.12% for U. fasciata) out were comparable to FAO/WHO requirements. Leucine, valine, isoleucine, and lysine are the dominant EAAs in C. racemosa, while leucine, valine, lysine, and phenylalanine are those in U. fasciata. The fatty acid profiles are dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in C. racemosa (56.2%), while saturated fatty acids (72.1%) are dominant in U. fasciata. High C18/C20 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios were recorded in both species. Mineral contents for both seaweeds were within levels considered safe for functional foods. Total pigment content of C. racemosa (140.84 mg/g dw) was almost 20 times higher than that of U. fasciata (7.54 mg/g dw). Hot water extract (HWE) from C. racemosa showed in vitro antiherpetic activity without cytotoxicity. Nutritional characteristics confirmed that C. racemosa could be potentially used as a nutritious and functional food items for human consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health)

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14 pages, 1443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Carotenoids from Phaeodactylum tricornutum on Palmitate-Treated HepG2 Cells

by Claire Mayer, Martine Côme, Vincent Blanckaert, Graziella Chini Zittelli, Cecilia Faraloni, Hassan Nazih, Khadija Ouguerram, Virginie Mimouni and Benoît Chénais

Molecules 2020, 25(12), 2845; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25122845 - 19 Jun 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3607

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease represents the most common liver disease and is characterized by an excess of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, mainly stored as triglycerides. Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a marine microalga, which is rich in bioactive molecules known to be hepatoprotective, such as [...] Read more.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease represents the most common liver disease and is characterized by an excess of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, mainly stored as triglycerides. Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a marine microalga, which is rich in bioactive molecules known to be hepatoprotective, such as n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and fucoxanthin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a carotenoid extract from P. tricornutum in a cellular model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by palmitate treatment. The combined effects of carotenoids and lipids, especially n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, were also investigated by using a total lipophilic extract. HepG2 cells were exposed for 24 h to 250 µM palmitate with or without the addition of carotenoid extract (6 μg/mL) or total lipophilic extract (100 μg/mL). The addition of carotenoid extract or total lipophilic extract prevented the accumulation of triglycerides, total cholesterol and cholesterol esters. The carotenoid extract and total lipophilic extract also decreased the mRNA expression levels of genes involved in lipogenesis (ACACA, FASN, SCD and DGAT1) and cholesterol esterification (ACAT1/SOAT1). In addition, the total lipophilic extract also downregulated the LXR/NR1H3 and SREBF1 genes, which are involved in lipogenesis regulation. By contrast, the carotenoid extract increased the mRNA level of CPT1A, a β-oxidation related gene, and reduced the lipid droplet accumulation. In conclusion, this study highlights the preventive effects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease of the two microalga extracts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health)

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14 pages, 3105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of the Brown Algae Colpomenia sinuosa are Mediated by the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species

by Reem Al Monla, Zeina Dassouki, Achraf Kouzayha, Yahya Salma, Hala Gali-Muhtasib and Hiba Mawlawi

Molecules 2020, 25(8), 1993; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25081993 - 24 Apr 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4513

Abstract

Brown algae are a novel resource of biogenic molecules, however few studies have been conducted in the Mediterranean to assess the cytotoxic mechanisms of algal-derived compounds. This study focuses on the antineoplastic activity of extracts from non-investigated algae of the Lebanese coast, Colpomenia [...] Read more.

Brown algae are a novel resource of biogenic molecules, however few studies have been conducted in the Mediterranean to assess the cytotoxic mechanisms of algal-derived compounds. This study focuses on the antineoplastic activity of extracts from non-investigated algae of the Lebanese coast, Colpomenia sinuosa. Extracts’ antineoplastic activities were evaluated by MTT and trypan blue on different tumorigenic cells. Results indicated that the most potent extract was obtained by soxhlet using dichloromethane:methanol solvent (DM soxhlet) against HCT-116. Wound healing assay confirmed that this extract decreased the migration potential of HCT-116 cells with minimal effects on non-tumorigenic cells. It also induced an increase in the subG1 population as determined by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis demonstrated that apoptosis in treated HCT-116 cells was induced via upregulation of p21 protein and downregulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl 2, which led to caspases activation. The latter, catalyzes the degradation of PARP-1, and thus suppresses cancer proliferation. Morphological alterations, further confirmed apoptosis. A strong pro-oxidant activity evidenced by the enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed in HCT-116 treated cells. Interestingly, a strong antioxidant effectively blocked effect induced by the extract. These results indicate that C. sinuosa is a source of bioactive compounds possessing pro-apoptotic and anti-migratory efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health)

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Review

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17 pages, 633 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cyanobacteria and Microalgae as Sources of Functional Foods to Improve Human General and Oral Health

by Gianmaria Fabrizio Ferrazzano, Cristina Papa, Antonino Pollio, Aniello Ingenito, Giancarla Sangianantoni and Tiziana Cantile

Molecules 2020, 25(21), 5164; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25215164 - 06 Nov 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7692

Abstract

In the scenario of promising sources of functional foods and preventive drugs, microalgae and cyanobacteria are attracting global attention. In this review, the current and future role of microalgae as natural sources of functional foods for human health and, in particular, for oral [...] Read more.

In the scenario of promising sources of functional foods and preventive drugs, microalgae and cyanobacteria are attracting global attention. In this review, the current and future role of microalgae as natural sources of functional foods for human health and, in particular, for oral health has been reported and discussed in order to provide an overview on the state of art on microalgal effects on human oral health. It is well known that due to their richness in high-valuable products, microalgae offer good anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumoral, anti-glycemic, cholesterol-lowering, and antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the findings of the present research show that microalgae could also have a significant impact on oral health: several studies agree on the potential application of microalgae for oral cancer prevention as well as for the treatment of chronic periodontitis and different oral diseases with microbial origin. Thus, beneficial effects of microalgae could be implemented in different medical fields. Microalgae and cyanobacteria could represent a potential natural alternative to antibiotic, antiviral, or antimycotic therapies, as well as a good supplement for the prevention and co-adjuvant treatment of different oral diseases. Nevertheless, more studies are required to identify strains of interest, increase overall functioning, and make safe, effective products available for the whole population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health)

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14 pages, 16785 KiB

Open AccessReview

Therapeutic Uses of Red Macroalgae

by Mona M. Ismail, Badriyah S. Alotaibi and Mostafa M. EL-Sheekh

Molecules 2020, 25(19), 4411; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25194411 - 25 Sep 2020

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 9684

Abstract

Red Seaweed “Rhodophyta” are an important group of macroalgae that include approximately 7000 species. They are a rich source of structurally diverse bioactive constituents, including protein, sulfated polysaccharides, pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds with nutritional, medical, and industrial importance. [...] Read more.

Red Seaweed “Rhodophyta” are an important group of macroalgae that include approximately 7000 species. They are a rich source of structurally diverse bioactive constituents, including protein, sulfated polysaccharides, pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds with nutritional, medical, and industrial importance. Polysaccharides are the main components in the cell wall of red algae and represent about 40–50% of the dry weight, which are extensively utilized in industry and pharmaceutical compounds, due to their thickening and gelling properties. The hydrocolloids galactans carrageenans and agars are the main red seaweed cell wall polysaccharides, which had broad-spectrum therapeutic characters. Generally, the chemical contents of seaweed are different according to the algal species, growth stage, environment, and external conditions, e.g., the temperature of the water, light intensity, nutrient concentrations in the ecosystem. Economically, they can be recommended as a substitute source for natural ingredients that contribute to a broad range of bioactivities like cancer therapy, anti-inflammatory agents, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory. This review touches on the main points of the pharmaceutical applications of red seaweed, as well as the exploitation of their specific compounds and secondary metabolites with vital roles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health)

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25 pages, 1315 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Potential of Algal Biotechnology to Produce Antiviral Compounds and Biopharmaceuticals

by Sergio Rosales-Mendoza, Ileana García-Silva, Omar González-Ortega, José M. Sandoval-Vargas, Ashwini Malla and Sornkanok Vimolmangkang

Molecules 2020, 25(18), 4049; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25184049 - 04 Sep 2020

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 7454

Abstract

The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to an unprecedented pandemic, which demands urgent development of antiviral drugs and antibodies; as well as prophylactic approaches, namely vaccines. Algae biotechnology has much to offer in this [...] Read more.

The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to an unprecedented pandemic, which demands urgent development of antiviral drugs and antibodies; as well as prophylactic approaches, namely vaccines. Algae biotechnology has much to offer in this scenario given the diversity of such organisms, which are a valuable source of antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds that can also be used to produce vaccines and antibodies. Antivirals with possible activity against SARS-CoV-2 are summarized, based on previously reported activity against Coronaviruses or other enveloped or respiratory viruses. Moreover, the potential of algae-derived anti-inflammatory compounds to treat severe cases of COVID-19 is contemplated. The scenario of producing biopharmaceuticals in recombinant algae is presented and the cases of algae-made vaccines targeting viral diseases is highlighted as valuable references for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Successful cases in the production of functional antibodies are described. Perspectives on how specific algae species and genetic engineering techniques can be applied for the production of anti-viral compounds antibodies and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health)

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31 pages, 6146 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioactive Polysaccharides from Seaweeds

by Faiez Hentati, Latifa Tounsi, Djomdi Djomdi, Guillaume Pierre, Cédric Delattre, Alina Violeta Ursu, Imen Fendri, Slim Abdelkafi and Philippe Michaud

Molecules 2020, 25(14), 3152; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25143152 - 09 Jul 2020

Cited by 104 | Viewed by 10952

Abstract

Bioactive compounds with diverse chemical structures play a significant role in disease prevention and maintenance of physiological functions. Due to the increase in industrial demand for new biosourced molecules, several types of biomasses are being exploited for the identification of bioactive metabolites and [...] Read more.

Bioactive compounds with diverse chemical structures play a significant role in disease prevention and maintenance of physiological functions. Due to the increase in industrial demand for new biosourced molecules, several types of biomasses are being exploited for the identification of bioactive metabolites and techno-functional biomolecules that are suitable for the subsequent uses in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical fields. Among the various biomasses available, macroalgae are gaining popularity because of their potential nutraceutical and health benefits. Such health effects are delivered by specific diterpenes, pigments (fucoxanthin, phycocyanin, and carotenoids), bioactive peptides and polysaccharides. Abundant and recent studies have identified valuable biological activities of native algae polysaccharides, but also of their derivatives, including oligosaccharides and (bio)chemically modified polysaccharides. However, only a few of them can be industrially developed and open up new markets of active molecules, extracts or ingredients. In this respect, the health and nutraceutical claims associated with marine algal bioactive polysaccharides are summarized and comprehensively discussed in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health)

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