Journal Description
Marine Drugs
Marine Drugs
is the leading, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the research, development, and production of biologically and therapeutically active compounds from the sea. Marine Drugs is published monthly online by MDPI. Australia New Zealand Marine Biotechnology Society (ANZMBS) is affiliated with Marine Drugs and its members receive a discount on article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, Embase, PubAg, MarinLit, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Pharmacology & Pharmacy) / CiteScore - Q1 (Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (miscellaneous))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 1.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
5.4 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
5.5 (2022)
Latest Articles
Study on the Anti-Mycobacterium marinum Activity of a Series of Marine-Derived 14-Membered Resorcylic Acid Lactone Derivatives
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030135 - 16 Mar 2024
Abstract
With the emergence of drug-resistant strains, the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is becoming more difficult and there is an urgent need to find new anti-TB drugs. Mycobacterium marinum, as a model organism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can be used for the rapid
[...] Read more.
With the emergence of drug-resistant strains, the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is becoming more difficult and there is an urgent need to find new anti-TB drugs. Mycobacterium marinum, as a model organism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can be used for the rapid and efficient screening of bioactive compounds. The 14-membered resorcylic acid lactones (RALs) have a wide range of bioactivities such as antibacterial, antifouling and antimalarial activity. In order to further study their bioactivities, we initially constructed a 14-membered RALs library, which contains 16 new derivatives. The anti-M. marinum activity was evaluated in vitro. Derivatives 12, 19, 20 and 22 exhibited promising activity with MIC90 values of 80, 90, 80 and 80 μM, respectively. The preliminary structure–activity relationships showed that the presence of a chlorine atom at C-5 was a key factor to improve activity. Further studies showed that 12 markedly inhibited the survival of M. marinum and significantly reduced the dosage of positive drugs isoniazid and rifampicin when combined with them. These results suggest that 12 is a bioactive compound capable of enhancing the potency of existing positive drugs, and its effective properties make it a very useful leads for future drug development in combating TB resistance.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Potential of Marine Natural Products)
►
Show Figures
Open AccessReview
Recent Developments in Bio-Ink Formulations Using Marine-Derived Biomaterials for Three-Dimensional (3D) Bioprinting
by
Zied Khiari
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030134 - 16 Mar 2024
Abstract
3D bioprinting is a disruptive, computer-aided, and additive manufacturing technology that allows the obtention, layer-by-layer, of 3D complex structures. This technology is believed to offer tremendous opportunities in several fields including biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Several bioprinting processes and bio-ink materials have
[...] Read more.
3D bioprinting is a disruptive, computer-aided, and additive manufacturing technology that allows the obtention, layer-by-layer, of 3D complex structures. This technology is believed to offer tremendous opportunities in several fields including biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Several bioprinting processes and bio-ink materials have emerged recently. However, there is still a pressing need to develop low-cost sustainable bio-ink materials with superior qualities (excellent mechanical, viscoelastic and thermal properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability). Marine-derived biomaterials, including polysaccharides and proteins, represent a viable and renewable source for bio-ink formulations. Therefore, the focus of this review centers around the use of marine-derived biomaterials in the formulations of bio-ink. It starts with a general overview of 3D bioprinting processes followed by a description of the most commonly used marine-derived biomaterials for 3D bioprinting, with a special attention paid to chitosan, glycosaminoglycans, alginate, carrageenan, collagen, and gelatin. The challenges facing the application of marine-derived biomaterials in 3D bioprinting within the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields along with future directions are also discussed.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of Innovation in Marine-Derived Bio-Based Materials for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Novel [1,3,4]Thiadiazole[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-ones as Promising Biofilm Dispersal Agents against Relevant Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Pathogens
by
Daniela Carbone, Camilla Pecoraro, Fabio Scianò, Valentina Catania, Domenico Schillaci, Barbara Manachini, Stella Cascioferro, Patrizia Diana and Barbara Parrino
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030133 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
Biofilm-associated infections pose significant challenges in healthcare settings due to their resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapies. In the last decade, the marine environment has been a precious source of bioactive molecules, including numerous derivatives with antibiofilm activity. In this study, we reported the
[...] Read more.
Biofilm-associated infections pose significant challenges in healthcare settings due to their resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapies. In the last decade, the marine environment has been a precious source of bioactive molecules, including numerous derivatives with antibiofilm activity. In this study, we reported the synthesis and the biological evaluation of a new series of twenty-two thiadiazopyrimidinone derivatives obtained by using a hybridization approach combining relevant chemical features of two important classes of marine compounds: nortopsentin analogues and Essramycin derivatives. The synthesized compounds were in vitro tested for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation and to disrupt mature biofilm in various bacterial strains. Among the tested compounds, derivative 8j exhibited remarkable dispersal activity against preformed biofilms of relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, as well as towards the fungus Candida albicans, showing BIC50 values ranging from 17 to 40 µg/mL. Furthermore, compound 8j was in vivo assayed for its toxicity and the anti-infective effect in a Galleria mellonella model. The results revealed a promising combination of anti-infective properties and a favorable toxicity profile for the treatment of severe chronic biofilm-mediated infections.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Drug Research in Italy)
►▼
Show Figures
Graphical abstract
Open AccessReview
Marine Bromotyrosine Derivatives in Spotlight: Bringing Discoveries and Biological Significance
by
Paula Ferreira Montenegro, Giang Nam Pham, Fatouma Mohamed Abdoul-Latif, Elisabeth Taffin-de-Givenchy and Mohamed Mehiri
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030132 - 14 Mar 2024
Abstract
The Verongida order comprises several sponge families, such as Aplysinellidae, Aplysinidae, Ianthellidae, and Pseudoceratinidae, reported for producing bromotyrosine-derived compounds. First identified in 1913, bromotyrosine derivatives have since captivated interest notably for their antitumor and antimicrobial properties. To date, over 360 bromotyrosine derivatives have
[...] Read more.
The Verongida order comprises several sponge families, such as Aplysinellidae, Aplysinidae, Ianthellidae, and Pseudoceratinidae, reported for producing bromotyrosine-derived compounds. First identified in 1913, bromotyrosine derivatives have since captivated interest notably for their antitumor and antimicrobial properties. To date, over 360 bromotyrosine derivatives have been reported. Our review focuses specifically on bromotyrosine derivatives newly reported from 2004 to 2023, by summarizing current knowledge about their chemical diversity and their biological activities.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Structural Studies on Marine Natural Products)
►▼
Show Figures
Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cyanobacteria Pigment Extracts: Physiological Free Radical Scavenging and Modulation of iNOS and LOX Activity
by
Lécia Rodrigues, Janaína Morone, Guilherme Scotta Hentschke, Vitor Vasconcelos and Graciliana Lopes
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030131 - 12 Mar 2024
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are among the oldest organisms colonizing Earth. Their great biodiversity and ability to biosynthesize secondary metabolites through a variety of routes makes them attractive resources for biotechnological applications and drug discovery. In this pioneer study, four filamentous cyanobacteria (Cephalothrix lacustris LEGE
[...] Read more.
Cyanobacteria are among the oldest organisms colonizing Earth. Their great biodiversity and ability to biosynthesize secondary metabolites through a variety of routes makes them attractive resources for biotechnological applications and drug discovery. In this pioneer study, four filamentous cyanobacteria (Cephalothrix lacustris LEGE 15493, Leptolyngbya boryana LEGE 15486, Nodosilinea nodulosa LEGE 06104 and Leptothoe sp. LEGE 11479) were explored for their anti-inflammatory potential in cell and cell-free in vitro bioassays, involving different inflammatory mediators and enzymes. Extracts of different polarities were sequentially prepared and chemically characterized for their content of phycobiliproteins (PBPs) and carotenoids. HPLC-PDA analysis of the acetone extracts revealed β-carotene to be the dominant carotenoid (18.4–44.3 mg/g) and zeaxanthin as the dominant xanthophyll (52.7–192.9 mg/g), with Leptothoe sp. LEGE 11479 and Nodosilinea nodulosa LEGE 06104, respectively, being the richest strains. The PBP profile was in accordance with the color presented by the aqueous extracts, with Leptolyngbya boryana LEGE 15486 being the richest in phycocyanin (204.5 μg/mg) and Leptothoe sp. LEGE 11479 the richest in phycoerythrin (78.5 μg/mg). Aqueous extracts were more effective in superoxide anion radical scavenging, while acetone ones were more effective in scavenging nitric oxide radical (●NO) and in inhibiting lipoxygenase. Acetone extracts also reduced ●NO production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, with the mechanistic study suggesting a downregulation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Nodosilinea nodulosa LEGE 06104 and Leptothoe sp. LEGE 11479 acetone extracts presented the lowest IC50 values for the mentioned assays, pointing them out as promising resources for the development of new multi-target anti-inflammatory therapies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiphotoaging and Photoprotective Compounds from Marine Environments)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Antioxidant Activity, Inhibition of Intestinal Cancer Cell Growth and Polyphenolic Compounds of the Seagrass Posidonia oceanica’s Extracts from Living Plants and Beach Casts
by
Alkistis Kevrekidou, Andreana N. Assimopoulou, Varvara Trachana, Dimitrios Stagos and Paraskevi Malea
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030130 - 11 Mar 2024
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the use of Posidonia oceanica for making products beneficial for human health. Firstly, we demonstrated that the antioxidant defense (i.e., SOD and APX activity) of P. oceanica’s living leaves (LP) has low efficacy,
[...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the use of Posidonia oceanica for making products beneficial for human health. Firstly, we demonstrated that the antioxidant defense (i.e., SOD and APX activity) of P. oceanica’s living leaves (LP) has low efficacy, as they partly neutralize the produced H2O2. However, high H2O2 levels led LP to produce, as a response to oxidative stress, high phenolic content, including chicoric acid, p-coumaric acid, caftaric acid, trans-cinnamic and rutin hydrate, as shown by UHPLC-DAD analysis. In addition, LP extracts inhibited intestinal cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, P. oceanica’s beach casts consisting of either Wet ‘Necromass’ (WNP) or Dry ‘Necromass’ (DNP) were used for preparing extracts. Both DNP and WNP exhibited antioxidant and antiproliferative activities, although lower as compared to those of LP extracts. Although both P. oceanica’s meadows and beach casts are considered priority habitats in the Mediterranean Sea due to their high ecological value, legislation framework for beach casts forbidding their removal is still missing. Our results suggested that both LP and DNP could be utilized for the production of high-added value products promoting human health, provided that a sustainability management strategy would be applied for P. oceanica’s meadows and beach casts.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine-Derived Ingredients for Drugs, Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
A Review of Cyclic Imines in Shellfish: Worldwide Occurrence, Toxicity and Assessment of the Risk to Consumers
by
Sarah C. Finch, D. Tim Harwood, Michael J. Boundy and Andrew I. Selwood
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030129 - 11 Mar 2024
Abstract
Cyclic imines are a class of lipophilic shellfish toxins comprising gymnodimines, spirolides, pinnatoxins, portimines, pteriatoxins, prorocentrolides, spiro-prorocentrimine, symbiomines and kabirimine. They are structurally diverse, but all share an imine moiety as part of a bicyclic ring system. These compounds are produced by marine
[...] Read more.
Cyclic imines are a class of lipophilic shellfish toxins comprising gymnodimines, spirolides, pinnatoxins, portimines, pteriatoxins, prorocentrolides, spiro-prorocentrimine, symbiomines and kabirimine. They are structurally diverse, but all share an imine moiety as part of a bicyclic ring system. These compounds are produced by marine microalgal species and are characterized by the rapid death that they induce when injected into mice. Cyclic imines have been detected in a range of shellfish species collected from all over the world, which raises the question as to whether they present a food safety risk. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers them to be an emerging food safety issue, and in this review, the risk posed by these toxins to shellfish consumers is assessed by collating all available occurrence and toxicity data. Except for pinnatoxins, the risk posed to human health by the cyclic imines appears low, although this is based on only a limited dataset. For pinnatoxins, two different health-based guidance values have been proposed at which the concentration should not be exceeded in shellfish (268 and 23 µg PnTX/kg shellfish flesh), with the discrepancy caused by the application of different uncertainty factors. Pinnatoxins have been recorded globally in multiple shellfish species at concentrations of up to 54 times higher than the lower guidance figure. Despite this observation, pinnatoxins have not been associated with recorded human illness, so it appears that the lower guidance value may be conservative. However, there is insufficient data to generate a more robust guidance value, so additional occurrence data and toxicity information are needed.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Toxins Accumulation in Shellfish)
►▼
Show Figures
Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Isolation and Purification of Chitosan Oligosaccharides (Mw ≤ 1000) and Their Protective Effect on Acute Liver Injury Caused by CCl4
by
Kai Wang, Dawei Yu, Yan Bai, Hua Cao, Jiao Guo and Zhengquan Su
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030128 - 08 Mar 2024
Abstract
Chitosan oligosaccharides are the degradation products of chitin obtained from the shell extracts of shrimps and crabs. Compared with chitosan, chitosan oligosaccharides have better solubility and a wider application range. In this study, high-molecular-weight chitosan oligosaccharides (COST, chitosan oligosaccharides, MW ≤ 1000) were
[...] Read more.
Chitosan oligosaccharides are the degradation products of chitin obtained from the shell extracts of shrimps and crabs. Compared with chitosan, chitosan oligosaccharides have better solubility and a wider application range. In this study, high-molecular-weight chitosan oligosaccharides (COST, chitosan oligosaccharides, MW ≤ 1000) were isolated and purified by a GPC gel column, and the molecular weight range was further reduced to obtain high-purity and low-molecular-weight chitosan (COS46). Compared with COST, COS46 is better at inhibiting CCl4-induced cell death, improving cell morphology, reducing ALT content, and improving cell antioxidant capacity. The effects of COST and COS46 on CCl4-induced acute liver injury were further verified in mice. Both COS46 and COST improved the appearance of the liver induced by CCl4, decreased the levels of ALT and AST in serum, and decreased the oxidation/antioxidant index in the liver. From the liver pathological section, the effect of COS46 was better. In addition, some indicators of COS46 showed a dose-dependent effect. In conclusion, compared with COST, low-molecular-weight COS46 has better antioxidant capacity and a better therapeutic effect on CCl4-induced acute liver injury.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Marine Chitin and Chitosan 3rd Edition)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Induction of Autophagy by Extract from Corydalis heterocarpa for Skin Anti-Aging
by
Kyeong Eun Yang, Soo-Bin Nam, Ga-Eun Lee, Gabsik Yang, Mee-Hyun Lee, Geul Bang, Jung Hoon Choi, Yong-Yeon Cho and Cheol-Jung Lee
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030127 - 08 Mar 2024
Abstract
The extracts of Corydalis heterocarpa, a salt-tolerant plant, exhibit diverse physiological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiadipogenic effects. However, the anti-aging effects of C. heterocarpa extract (CHE) on human skin cells have not yet been investigated. In the present study, we determined
[...] Read more.
The extracts of Corydalis heterocarpa, a salt-tolerant plant, exhibit diverse physiological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiadipogenic effects. However, the anti-aging effects of C. heterocarpa extract (CHE) on human skin cells have not yet been investigated. In the present study, we determined that CHE inhibited senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal)-stained senescent human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Furthermore, CHE markedly suppressed the expression of major regulatory proteins involved in senescence, including p53, p21, and caveolin-1. Interestingly, CHE promoted autophagic flux, as confirmed by the formation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) puncta and lysosomal activity. Notably, using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we showed that CHE selectively regulated the gene expression of leucine-rich repeat and sterile alpha motif-containing 1 (LRSAM1), an important regulator of autophagy. The adenosine-monophosphate activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) pathway, which is essential for autophagy regulation, was also modulated by CHE. LRSAM1 depletion not only inhibited LC3B expression but also decreased the autophagy flux induced by CHE. Moreover, the knockdown of LRSAM1 suppressed the reversal of CHE-induced senescence in old HDFs. Collectively, our study has revealed the rejuvenating effects and molecular mechanisms of CHE, suggesting that CHE may be a promising anti-aging agent.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Drug Research in Korea II)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Current Status of Indole-Derived Marine Natural Products: Synthetic Approaches and Therapeutic Applications
by
Sergio Fernández, Virginia Arnáiz, Daniel Rufo and Yolanda Arroyo
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030126 - 06 Mar 2024
Abstract
Indole is a versatile pharmacophore widely distributed in bioactive natural products. This privileged scaffold has been found in a variety of molecules isolated from marine organisms such as algae and sponges. Among these, indole alkaloids represent one of the biggest, most promising family
[...] Read more.
Indole is a versatile pharmacophore widely distributed in bioactive natural products. This privileged scaffold has been found in a variety of molecules isolated from marine organisms such as algae and sponges. Among these, indole alkaloids represent one of the biggest, most promising family of compounds, having shown a wide range of pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer activities. The aim of this review is to show the current scenario of marine indole alkaloid derivatives, covering not only the most common chemical structures but also their promising therapeutic applications as well as the new general synthetic routes developed during the last years.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthetic Chemistry in Marine Drug Discovery: Challenges and Opportunities)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Effects of Polymannuronic Acid on the Intestinal Microbiota in Mice after Long-Term Intragastric Administration
by
E Zhang, Qiang Wei, Xia Li and Shuliang Song
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030125 - 06 Mar 2024
Abstract
Polymannuronic acid (PM) is an alginate oligosaccharide derived from brown algae with a characterized structure and excellent biological activities. Herein, mice were given different doses of PM through 30-day-long-term intragastric administration, and the contents of the jejunum, ileum, and colon were analyzed by
[...] Read more.
Polymannuronic acid (PM) is an alginate oligosaccharide derived from brown algae with a characterized structure and excellent biological activities. Herein, mice were given different doses of PM through 30-day-long-term intragastric administration, and the contents of the jejunum, ileum, and colon were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology for microbial diversity, and relevant experiments were verified according to the analysis results so as to comprehensively evaluate the effects of PM on the intestinal flora. The PM (400 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) could regulate the microflora balance at the phylum level and increase the microflora richness in the jejunum, ileum, and colon of the mice. The PM could induce more strains that are negatively correlated with Escherichia, thereby reducing the relative abundance of Escherichia. Analysis of bacterial function showed that high and low doses of PM could promote lipid metabolism in the bacterial communities. Moreover, the PM could reduce serum total cholesterol and cholesterol ester levels in a concentration-dependent manner. High-dose PM could lead to colonic intestinal inflammation by increasing the relative abundance of multiple bacterial groups in the jejunum, ileum, and colon. Moreover, high-dose PM could increase lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and interleukin-1β levels. Therefore, the dose of PM plays an important role in its efficacy, and its biological activity is dosedifferent.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides from Marine Environment)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum with Improved Survivability Using Pufferfish Skin Gelatin-Based Wall Materials
by
Honghui Guo, Yelin Zhou, Quanling Xie, Hui Chen, Yiping Zhang, Zhuan Hong, Sijin Chen and Ming’en Zhang
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030124 - 05 Mar 2024
Abstract
To improve the survivability of probiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum was microencapsulated using pufferfish skin gelatin (PSG)-based wall materials by spray-drying. This work investigated the protective effect of three different pH-dependent proteins (sodium caseinate (SC), soy protein isolate (SPI), and whey protein isolate (WPI)) combined
[...] Read more.
To improve the survivability of probiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum was microencapsulated using pufferfish skin gelatin (PSG)-based wall materials by spray-drying. This work investigated the protective effect of three different pH-dependent proteins (sodium caseinate (SC), soy protein isolate (SPI), and whey protein isolate (WPI)) combined with PSG on L. plantarum. The experimental results of spray-drying with an inlet temperature of 120 °C and an outlet temperature of 80 °C, storage at 4 °C for 6 months, simulated digestion, and turbidity indicated that PSG/SC had better stability and encapsulation effects and was more suitable to encapsulate L. plantarum than PSG/SPI and PSG/WPI. The optimum preparation conditions for L. plantarum microcapsules were a PSG/SC mass ratio of 2:1, an SC concentration of 20 g/L, and a cell concentration of 10 g/L. The encapsulation efficiency of the obtained microcapsules was 95.0%, and the survival rate was 94.2% in simulated gastric fluid for 2 h and 98.0% in simulated intestinal fluid for 2 h. Amino acid composition analysis exhibited that the imino acid and aspartic acid contents of PSG were 27.98 and 26.16 g/100 g protein, respectively, which was much higher than commercial bovine gelatin. This characteristic was favorable to the high encapsulation efficiency and stability of microcapsules. In vitro release experiments showed that the PSG/SC microcapsules did not disintegrate in simulated gastric fluid for 2 h but could completely release in simulated intestinal fluid for 2 h, which can maintain the high survivability of L. plantarum in simulated digestion. In general, this study demonstrated that microcapsules using PSG/SC as wall materials can effectively improve the survivability of probiotics and have great potential for application in probiotic products.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials of Marine Origin)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Algae-Based Supplements Claiming Weight Loss Properties: Authenticity Control and Scientific-Based Evidence on Their Effectiveness
by
Fátima Fernandes, Raquel Martins, Mariana Barbosa and Patrícia Valentão
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030123 - 05 Mar 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
The worldwide prevalence of obesity impacts more than 600 million adults. Successfully managing weight is effective in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, but sustaining long-term weight loss remains a challenge. Although there are supplements based on algae that claim to aid in
[...] Read more.
The worldwide prevalence of obesity impacts more than 600 million adults. Successfully managing weight is effective in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, but sustaining long-term weight loss remains a challenge. Although there are supplements based on algae that claim to aid in weight loss, there is a notable scarcity of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness, and their regular consumption safety remains inadequately addressed. In this work, commercially available Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis Gomont and/or Fucus vesiculosus L. supplements showed moderate capacity to inhibit the activity of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, and to scavenge biologically relevant reactive species. IC25 values varying between 4.54 ± 0.81 and 66.73 ± 5.91 µg of dry extract/mL and between 53.74 ± 8.42 and 1737.96 ± 98.26 µg of dry extract/mL were obtained for α-glucosidase and aldose reductase, respectively. A weaker effect towards α-amylase activity was observed, with a maximum activity of the extracts not going beyond 33%, at the highest concentrations tested. Spirulina extracts showed generally better effects than those from F. vesiculosus. Similar results were observed concerning the antiradical capacity. In a general way, the extracts were able to intercept the in vitro-generated reactive species nitric oxide (•NO) and superoxide anion (O2•−) radicals, with better results for O2•−scavenging with the spirulina samples (IC25 values of 67.16 and 122.84 µg of dry extract/mL). Chemically, similar pigment profiles were observed between spirulina supplements and the authenticated counterpart. However, fucoxanthin, the chemotaxonomic marker of brown seaweeds, was not found in F. vesiculosus samples, pointing to the occurrence of a degradation phenomenon before, during, or after raw material processing. Our findings can contribute to providing data to allow regulatory entities (e.g., EFSA and FDA) to better rule these products in a way that can benefit society.
Full article
Graphical abstract
Open AccessCommunication
First Report of Pinnatoxin-G (PnTX-G) in a Marine–Coastal Area of the Adriatic Sea Associated with the Presence of the Dinoflagellate Vulcanodinium rugosum
by
Monica Cangini, Sonia Dall’Ara, Silva Rubini, Barbara Bertasi, Paolo Rizzi, Giovanni Dell’Orfano, Stefania Milandri, Stefano Manfredini, Erika Baldini and Silvia Vertuani
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030122 - 05 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study reports the first detection of the marine neurotoxin pinnatoxin-G (PnTX-G) in clams collected in the northwestern Adriatic Sea (Italy). It also represents the first report of the potential toxin-producing dinoflagellate, Vulcanodinium rugosum, in Italian seas. This result, from the coasts
[...] Read more.
This study reports the first detection of the marine neurotoxin pinnatoxin-G (PnTX-G) in clams collected in the northwestern Adriatic Sea (Italy). It also represents the first report of the potential toxin-producing dinoflagellate, Vulcanodinium rugosum, in Italian seas. This result, from the coasts of the Emilia-Romagna Region, indicates a successful colonization process, reflecting conditions in France where V. rugosum was initially documented. In this case, the concentration of PnTXs was very low, making further sampling necessary to fully understand the extent of the phenomenon. Discussions on the need to obtain more data to support a proper risk assessment and the need to implement a monitoring program that includes emerging marine biotoxins are also included.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Toxins Accumulation in Shellfish)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Mycosporine-like Amino Acids in Palmaria palmata (Rhodophyta): Specific Implication of Usujirene in Photoprotection
by
Fanny Lalegerie, Valérie Stiger-Pouvreau and Solène Connan
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030121 - 05 Mar 2024
Abstract
The effect of UV radiation on the accumulation of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and pigments was investigated on red macroalga Palmaria palmata cultivated for 21 days. The data were combined with the effect of NaNO3 to further investigate the synthesis of these
[...] Read more.
The effect of UV radiation on the accumulation of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and pigments was investigated on red macroalga Palmaria palmata cultivated for 21 days. The data were combined with the effect of NaNO3 to further investigate the synthesis of these nitrogenous compounds. A progressive decrease in both total MAA and pigment contents was observed, with a positive effect of nitrate supply. Usujirene was the only MAA exhibiting a significantly increasing content when exposed to UV radiation, changing from 9% to 24% of the total MAA’s contribution, with no variation observed with NaNO3. This suggests a specific induction or synthesis pathway of usujirene for photoprotection, while the synthesis of other MAAs could have been limited by an insufficient amount of UV radiation and/or irradiance. The photoprotective ability of some MAAs could have been impacted by nitrogen starvation over time, resulting in a limited synthesis and/or potential use of MAAs as a nitrogen source for red macroalgae. The data confirmed the multiple effects of environmental factors on the synthesis of MAAs while providing new insights into the specific synthesis of usujirene, which could find an application in the cosmetics sector as natural sunscreen or an anti-ageing agent.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiphotoaging and Photoprotective Compounds from Marine Environments)
►▼
Show Figures
Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Production of Alginate Oligosaccharides (AOSs) Using Enhanced Physicochemical Properties of Immobilized Alginate Lyase for Industrial Application
by
Simranjeet Kaur, Reinu E. Abraham, Christopher M. M. Franco and Munish Puri
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030120 - 04 Mar 2024
Abstract
Alginate lyase (AL) is a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme that can degrade alginate by hydrolyzing glycosidic bonds and produces unsaturated alginate oligosaccharides (AOSs). These AOSs have wide therapeutic and nutraceutical applications. However, to produce alginate oligosaccharides in a cost-effective manner is challenging due to the
[...] Read more.
Alginate lyase (AL) is a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme that can degrade alginate by hydrolyzing glycosidic bonds and produces unsaturated alginate oligosaccharides (AOSs). These AOSs have wide therapeutic and nutraceutical applications. However, to produce alginate oligosaccharides in a cost-effective manner is challenging due to the low availability and high cost of this degrading enzyme. Immobilization of the enzyme facilitates industrial applications owing to its stability, reusability, and cost-effectiveness. This study was focused on the enhancement of the properties of alginate lyase and improvement of the production of AOS. Alginate lyase was immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinker. The study showed that the maximum binding achieved between NPs and protein in the enzyme was 71% at a ratio of 1:150 NP:protein. As a result of immobilization, the optimum activity of free enzyme which was obtained at 37 °C and pH 7.4 changed to 45 °C and pH 9. Furthermore, the enzyme was thermostable at 45 °C for 3 h with up to 50% reusability for six consecutive cycles. Storage stability after 15 days showed ~67% relative hydrolysis of alginate. The free alginate lyase (25 IU) showed 76% raw biomass (seaweed) hydrolysis which is higher compared to 63% provided by the immobilized enzyme. As a result of efficient hydrolysis, AOSs with molecular weight profile of 370–1040 kDa were produced and detected using HPLC.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Marine Polysaccharide Modifying Enzymes: Discovery, Characterization, Structure, Modification and Applications)
►▼
Show Figures
Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Targeted Metabolite Fingerprints of Thirteen Gambierdiscus, Five Coolia and Two Fukuyoa Species
by
J. Sam Murray, Emillie M. F. Passfield, Lesley L. Rhodes, Jonathan Puddick, Sarah C. Finch, Kirsty F. Smith, Roel van Ginkel, Elizabeth M. Mudge, Tomohiro Nishimura, Hiroshi Funaki, Masao Adachi, Michèle R. Prinsep and D. Tim Harwood
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030119 - 02 Mar 2024
Abstract
The genus Gambierdiscus produces an array of bioactive hydrophilic and lipophilic secondary metabolites that range in mode of action and toxicity. In this study, the metabolite fingerprint was mapped for thirteen Gambierdiscus, five Coolia and two Fukuyoa species (34 isolates) by assessing
[...] Read more.
The genus Gambierdiscus produces an array of bioactive hydrophilic and lipophilic secondary metabolites that range in mode of action and toxicity. In this study, the metabolite fingerprint was mapped for thirteen Gambierdiscus, five Coolia and two Fukuyoa species (34 isolates) by assessing the production of 56 characterised secondary metabolites. Gambierdiscus polynesiensis was the only species to produce Pacific-ciguatoxin-3B (P-CTX3B), P-CTX3C, iso-P-CTX3B/C, P-CTX4A, P-CTX4B and iso-P-CTX4A/B. G. australes produced maitotoxin-1 (MTX-1) and MTX-5, G. cheloniae produced MTX-6 and G. honu produced MTX-7. Ubiquitous production of 44-methylgambierone was observed amongst all the Gambierdiscus isolates, with nine species also producing gambierone. Additional gambierone analogues, including anhydrogambierone (tentatively described herein), were also detected in all Gambierdiscus species, two Coolia and two Fukuyoa species. Gambieroxide was detected in G. lewisii and G. pacificus and gambieric acid A was detected in ten Gambierdiscus species, with G. australes (CAWD381) being the only isolate to produce gambieric acids A–D. This study has demonstrated that the isolates tested to date produce the known CTXs or MTXs, but not both, and highlighted several species that produced ‘unknown’ compounds displaying characteristics of cyclic polyethers, which will be the focus of future compound discovery efforts.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Toxins)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Using Constellation Pharmacology to Characterize a Novel α-Conotoxin from Conus ateralbus
by
Jorge L. B. Neves, Cristoval Urcino, Kevin Chase, Cheryl Dowell, Arik J. Hone, David Morgenstern, Victor M. Chua, Iris Bea L. Ramiro, Julita S. Imperial, Lee S. Leavitt, Jasmine Phan, Fernando A. Fisher, Maren Watkins, Shrinivasan Raghuraman, Jortan O. Tun, Beatrix M. Ueberheide, J. Michael McIntosh, Vitor Vasconcelos, Baldomero M. Olivera and Joanna Gajewiak
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030118 - 29 Feb 2024
Abstract
The venom of cone snails has been proven to be a rich source of bioactive peptides that target a variety of ion channels and receptors. α-Conotoxins (αCtx) interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and are powerful tools for investigating the structure and function
[...] Read more.
The venom of cone snails has been proven to be a rich source of bioactive peptides that target a variety of ion channels and receptors. α-Conotoxins (αCtx) interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and are powerful tools for investigating the structure and function of the various nAChR subtypes. By studying how conotoxins interact with nAChRs, we can improve our understanding of these receptors, leading to new insights into neurological diseases associated with nAChRs. Here, we describe the discovery and characterization of a novel conotoxin from Conus ateralbus, αCtx-AtIA, which has an amino acid sequence homologous to the well-described αCtx-PeIA, but with a different selectivity profile towards nAChRs. We tested the synthetic αCtx-AtIA using the calcium imaging-based Constellation Pharmacology assay on mouse DRG neurons and found that αCtx-AtIA significantly inhibited ACh-induced calcium influx in the presence of an α7 positive allosteric modulator, PNU-120596 (PNU). However, αCtx-AtIA did not display any activity in the absence of PNU. These findings were further validated using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology performed on oocytes overexpressing mouse α3β4, α6/α3β4 and α7 nAChRs subtypes. We observed that αCtx-AtIA displayed no or low potency in blocking α3β4 and α6/α3β4 receptors, respectively, but improved potency and selectivity to block α7 nAChRs when compared with αCtx-PeIA. Through the synthesis of two additional analogs of αCtx-AtIA and subsequent characterization using Constellation Pharmacology, we were able to identify residue Trp18 as a major contributor to the activity of the peptide.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Toxins)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
New Phenol Derivatives from the Haima Cold Seep-Derived Fungus Aspergillus subversicolor CYH-17
by
Yi-Hao Che, Wen-Ping Ding, Zhi-Hui Xiao, Jia-Min Wu, Hao Yin, Fa-Zuo Wang and Si Zhang
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030117 - 29 Feb 2024
Abstract
Seven new phenol derivatives, subversins A–E (1–5), subversic acid A (6) and epi-wortmannine G (7); one new natural product, 4-hydroxy-7-methoxyphthalide (8); and five known compounds (9–13) were isolated
[...] Read more.
Seven new phenol derivatives, subversins A–E (1–5), subversic acid A (6) and epi-wortmannine G (7); one new natural product, 4-hydroxy-7-methoxyphthalide (8); and five known compounds (9–13) were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus subversicolor CYH-17 collected from the Haima cold seep. The structures and absolute configurations of these compounds were determined via NMR, MS, optical rotation, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation, X-ray diffraction analysis and comparison with the literature. Compounds 2 and 5 were two pairs of enantiomers. All compounds were tested for their α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity, but no obvious activity was observed among these studied compounds.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Secondary Metabolites of Marine Fungi 2.0)
►▼
Show Figures
Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
New Forms of Neuroactive Phospholipids for DHA Enrichment in Brain
by
Romina Gomes, Inês Mendes, Maria Paula Duarte, Narcisa M. Bandarra and Ana Gomes-Bispo
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(3), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22030116 - 29 Feb 2024
Abstract
Low levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the brain have been related to neurological disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). After ingestion, dietary DHA must cross the blood–brain barrier, where it is absorbed as lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), due to its role as a preferential DHA
[...] Read more.
Low levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the brain have been related to neurological disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). After ingestion, dietary DHA must cross the blood–brain barrier, where it is absorbed as lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), due to its role as a preferential DHA carrier in the brain. This work aimed at the production of LPC-DHA extracts to be used in supplementation/food fortification intended neural enrichment in DHA. As it is rich in DHA, especially its phospholipids (PL), Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus, caught in Spring/2022) was used as a raw material. The polar lipids fraction was separated and hydrolysed with Rhizomucor miehei lipase, to enzymatically convert phosphatidylcholine (PC) into LPC. The fish (muscle and by-products) lipids fraction was used for total lipids (TL) content, lipid classes (LC) and fatty acid (FA) profile evaluation, whilst polar lipids extracts were studied for LC production and FA analysis. Muscle TL ranged between 1.45 and 4.64 g/100 g (WW), while by-products accounted for 7.56-8.96 g/100 g, with the highest contents being found in March. However, PL were more abundant in muscle (22.46–32.20% of TL). For polar lipids extracts, PL represented 50.79% of TL, among which PC corresponded to 57.76% and phosphatidylethanolamine to 42.24%. After hydrolysis, nearly half of this PC was converted into LPC. When compared to the initial PC, DHA relative content (33.6% of total FA) was significantly higher after hydrolysis: 55.6% in PC and 73.6% in LPC. Such extract, obtained from this undervalued species, may represent a promising strategy to increase DHA uptake into brain cells while allowing this species to upgrade.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Valorization of Seafood By-Products through Recovery of Valuable Bioactive Compounds)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Journal Menu
► ▼ Journal Menu-
- Marine Drugs Home
- Aims & Scope
- Editorial Board
- Reviewer Board
- Instructions for Authors
- Special Issues
- Topics
- Sections & Collections
- Article Processing Charge
- Indexing & Archiving
- Editor’s Choice Articles
- Most Cited & Viewed
- Journal Statistics
- Journal History
- Journal Awards
- Society Collaborations
- Conferences
- Editorial Office
Journal Browser
► ▼ Journal Browser-
arrow_forward_ios
Forthcoming issue
arrow_forward_ios Current issue - Vol. 22 (2024)
- Vol. 21 (2023)
- Vol. 20 (2022)
- Vol. 19 (2021)
- Vol. 18 (2020)
- Vol. 17 (2019)
- Vol. 16 (2018)
- Vol. 15 (2017)
- Vol. 14 (2016)
- Vol. 13 (2015)
- Vol. 12 (2014)
- Vol. 11 (2013)
- Vol. 10 (2012)
- Vol. 9 (2011)
- Vol. 8 (2010)
- Vol. 7 (2009)
- Vol. 6 (2008)
- Vol. 5 (2007)
- Vol. 4 (2006)
- Vol. 3 (2005)
- Vol. 2 (2004)
- Vol. 1 (2003)
Highly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Topic in
Biomolecules, CIMB, IJMS, Marine Drugs, Molecules, Plants
Safety and Toxicological Risks of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products: Mechanistic Insights
Topic Editors: Eduardo Sobarzo-Sánchez, Esra Küpeli AkkolDeadline: 15 April 2024
Topic in
Applied Biosciences, JMSE, Marine Drugs, Toxins, Molecules
Marine Biotoxins and Bioactive Marine Natural Products
Topic Editors: Naomasa Oshiro, Ana Gago-Martínez, Takeshi Tsumuraya, Tsuyoshi IkeharaDeadline: 31 August 2024
Topic in
Molecules, Pharmaceutics, Antibiotics, Microorganisms, Biomolecules, Marine Drugs, Polymers, IJMS
Antimicrobial Agents and Nanomaterials
Topic Editors: Sandra Pinto, Vasco D. B. BonifácioDeadline: 30 September 2024
Topic in
Biomolecules, IJMS, Molecules, Sci. Pharm., Marine Drugs, Plants
Antioxidant Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Volume
Topic Editors: José Pinela, Maria Inês Dias, Carla Pereira, Alexandra PlácidoDeadline: 30 September 2025
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
Marine Drugs
Marine Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Agents 3.0
Guest Editors: Donatella Degl'Innocenti, Marzia VasarriDeadline: 31 March 2024
Special Issue in
Marine Drugs
Characterization of Structure-Activity Relationships in Marine Natural Products
Guest Editors: Carmen Festa, Simona De MarinoDeadline: 30 April 2024
Special Issue in
Marine Drugs
Sustainable Production and Cultivation Systems for Coastal and Marine Organisms Targeting the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds
Guest Editors: Luísa Custódio, Maria João Rodrigues, Catarina Guerreiro PereiraDeadline: 15 May 2024
Special Issue in
Marine Drugs
Biosynthesis, Metabolism, Pharmacology and Biological Receptors of Marine Algal Toxins
Guest Editor: Kathleen ReinDeadline: 31 May 2024
Topical Collections
Topical Collection in
Marine Drugs
Microalgal Active Biomolecules
Collection Editor: Cédric Delattre
Topical Collection in
Marine Drugs
Marine Compounds and Cancer
Collection Editors: Friedemann Honecker, Sergey A. Dyshlovoy
Topical Collection in
Marine Drugs
Papers from “Sino–Italian Symposium on Bioactive Natural Products”
Collection Editors: Orazio Taglialatela-Scafati, Hong Wang