Search Results (309)

Soybean cultivation plays a crucial role in the global food system, providing raw materials for both the food and feed industries. To enhance cultivation efficiency, plant biostimulants are used to improve metabolism and stimulate growth. A key aspect of modern cultivation is the ability to rapidly and non-invasively assess crop status. One such method involves the use of drones equipped with multispectral cameras. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on soybean cultivation involving a natural biostimulant in the form of Epilobium angustifolium extract (commonly known as fireweed) and a commercial seaweed-based biostimulant, Kelpak. The research was conducted at an experimental farm in eastern Poland. The effectiveness of the preparations was evaluated using a drone-mounted multispectral camera. Changes in the values of selected spectral indices were analyzed: the Normalized Difference Red Edge Index (NDRE), the Leaf Chlorophyll Index (LCI), and the Optimized Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (OSAVI). The study included a control group treated with pure water. Mathematical and statistical analyses of the mean values and standard deviations of the indices were conducted. The results demonstrated that multispectral scanning allows for the detection of significant differences between the effects of the E. angustifolium extract, the seaweed-based biostimulant, and the water control. These findings confirm the utility of this method for assessing the effectiveness of biostimulant applications in soybean cultivation. Full article

The red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis (Bonnemaisoniaceae, Rhodophyta) produces a bioactive natural product, bromoform, which, when fed to ruminant livestock, can eradicate methane emissions. However, to cultivate enough A. taxiformis to produce a yield that would have a meaningful impact on global greenhouse gas emissions, we need to advance our current understanding of the biology of this seaweed species. Here, we used both a domesticated diploid tetrasporophyte (>1.5 years in culture) and wild samples to establish a high-quality draft nuclear genome for A. taxiformis (lineage 6 based upon phylogenetic analyses using the cox2-3 spacer). The constructed nuclear genome is 142 Mb in size (including 70.67% repeat regions) and was determined to encode for approximately 10,474 protein-coding genes, including those associated with secondary metabolism, photosynthesis, and defence. To obtain information regarding molecular differences between cultured and wild tetrasporophytes, we further explored differential gene expression relating to their different growth environments. Cultured tetrasporophytes, which contained a relatively higher level of bromoform compared to wild tetrasporophytes, demonstrated an enrichment of regulatory factors, such as protein kinases and transcription factors, whereas wild tetrasporophytes were enriched for the expression of defence and stress-related genes. Wild tetrasporophytes also expressed a relatively high level of novel secretory genes encoding proteins with von Willebrand factor A protein domains (named rhodophyte VWAs). Gene expression was further confirmed by proteomic investigation of cultured tetrasporophytes, resulting in the identification of over 400 proteins, including rhodophyte VWAs, and numerous enzymes and phycobiliproteins, which will facilitate future functional characterisation of this species. In summary, as the most comprehensive genomic resource for any Asparagopsis species, this resource for lineage 6 provides a novel avenue for seaweed researchers to interrogate genomic information, which will greatly assist in expediating production of Asparagopsis to meet demand by both aquaculture and agriculture, and to do so with economic and environmental sustainability. Full article

Green synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) are arousing constantly increasing attention due to inherent advantages such as biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and cost-effectiveness. As the state of the art of this rapidly evolving topic demands a punctual update, the present study was focused on reviewing the novelty, feasibility, and effectiveness related to the specific category of red seaweed-derived NPs. Among algae, red seaweeds have already gained consideration in the global market due to their high content of primary and secondary metabolites, supporting multifunctional applications across various industries. This scoping review reveals how this interest has also driven their investigation as a natural source for the sustainable NP fabrication. The fragmentary body of studies was synthesized, identifying red seaweed NPs as a flourishing nanotechnological subgroup and meriting their own space in the scientific literature. Noteworthy, the great majority of the reviewed papers feature efficient controlled release, enhanced bioavailability, and reduced toxicity, making red seaweed NPs elective candidates for the medical sector as anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. Moreover, their parent natural counterparts seem to endow NPs with unexpected specificity toward biological targets such as prokaryotic and tumor cells. Nanotechnological solutions based on red seaweeds pave the way to a new avenue of opportunities and challenges. Full article

Macroalgae (seaweeds) represent a sustainable and alternative source of high-value fatty acids (FAs), including omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6), which could help alleviate pressure on wild fish stocks and mitigate global overfishing. This study analyzed the FA composition of field-collected red (Chondracanthus acicularis, Ballia callitriche, Gracilaria sp., and Gelidium coulteri), brown (Padina pavonica, Sargassum vulgare, Cystoseira myrica, Cystoseira sp., Dictyota dichotoma, and Stephanocystis mundane), and green seaweeds (Ulva compressa). Additionally, lipid extraction was optimized using food-grade solvents, reaction temperatures, and the functional properties of selected green and brown seaweeds. The results showed that brown and green seaweeds contained higher total FA content than red seaweeds, with a favorable n-6/n-3 ratio below 10. The selected species’ functional properties (Water- and Oil-Holding Capacities, Swelling Capacity) met food-grade standards. Ethyl acetate at 60 °C was identified as the optimal food-grade solvent for lipid extraction. Functional properties varied significantly by species and processing conditions, with Ulva compressa exhibiting superior Water- and Oil-Holding Capacities and Swelling Capacity compared to Cystoseira myrica, highlighting its potential as a functional food ingredient. These findings support using seaweeds as a sustainable source for human nutrition. Full article

Biostimulants play an active role in sustainable crop production. While biostimulants are thought to have long-term effects on plant growth, little research has been conducted to confirm this hypothesis. In this study, we investigated the long-term residual effects of biostimulants applied exclusively during the onion seedling stage on subsequent plant growth. Three onion cultivars (‘Carta Blanca’, ‘Don Victoro’, and ‘Sofire’) were evaluated with the application of nine microbial biostimulants (LALRISE Mycorrhizae, LALRISE Bacillus velezensis, Mighty Mycorrhizae, MycoApply, Spectrum, Spectrum DS, Spectrum Myco, Tribus Original, and Tribus Continuum), one seaweed extract (Kelpak), and two fertilizer types (conventional and organic fertilizer). Plant morphology and biomass were investigated during the early bulb stage of onion growth. Parameters such as plant height, neck diameter, bulb diameter, and the fresh and dry weights of the shoot, bulb, and root were measured. The results indicated significant cultivar-specific effects of microbial biostimulant and fertilizer type, as well as their interactions, on onion early bulb growth. While seaweed extract exhibited minimal residual impact, specific microbial biostimulants, such as Mighty Mycorrhizae and MycoApply, significantly enhanced bulb growth in the red onion ‘Sofire’. Tribus Continuum was found to increase bulb growth of the yellow onion ‘Don Victoro’. Positive effects of microbial biostimulants on onion growth were also observed with LALRISE Bacillus velezensis, Spectrum Myco, Spectrum, and LALRISE Mycorrizae. Furthermore, microbial biostimulants demonstrated more significant positive effects on onion growth when applied in conjunction with organic fertilizer. In conclusion, microbial biostimulants exhibited long-term positive effects on onion plant growth even when applied solely during the seedling stage prior to transplanting. However, these effects were significantly influenced by onion cultivar and fertilizer type, with the greatest benefits observed when combined with organic fertilizer. We recommend MycoApply and Mighty Mycorrhizae for growers seeking to enhance onion productivity, particularly in organic cultivation, as the two products enhanced bulb and leaf growth in ‘Sofire’ and ‘Don Victoro’. Full article

Gracilaria species, a widely distributed genus of red macroalgae, have gathered significant attention for their diverse medical applications attributable to their bioactive sulphated polysaccharides (SPs). This review examines the global narrative of various Gracilaria SP applications in terms of their therapeutic potential and mechanistic insights into the use of these SPs against a range of medical conditions, including cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and immune dysfunctions. SPs extracted from G. lemaneiformis and G. fisheri have demonstrated potent anti-tumour activities by inducing apoptosis through various mechanisms, including the upregulation of CD8⁺ T cells and IL-2, inhibition of EGFR/MAPK/ERK signalling pathways, and activation of the Fas/FasL pathway. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) conjugated with SPs further enhanced the targeted delivery and efficacy of these SPs against glioblastoma by the downregulation of ROS followed by the activation of p53, MAPK, and AKT pathways. The anti-inflammatory properties of SPs are evidenced by key suppressive inflammatory markers like NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in mutant rodent models. SPs from G. cornea and G. birdiae effectively reduce neutrophil migration and vascular permeability, offering potential treatments for acute inflammation and conditions such as colitis by modulating pathways involving COX-2 and NF-κB. Neuroprotective effects by SPs (from G. cornea and G. gracili) studied in 6-OHDA-induced rats, which mitigate oxidative stress and enhance neuronal cell viability, facilitate the management of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Regarding the hypoglycaemic effect, SPs from G. lemaneiformis exhibit a glucose-modulating response by improving insulin regulation, inhibiting α-amylase activity, repairing pancreatic β-cells, and modulating lipid metabolism. Moreover, immunomodulatory activities of Gracilaria-derived SPs include the stimulation of macrophages, T-cell proliferation, and cytokine production, underscoring their potential as functional food and immunotherapeutic agents. Recently, Gracilaria-derived SPs have been found to modulate gut microbiota, promote SCFA production, and enhance gut microbials, suggesting their potential as prebiotic agents (G. rubra and G. lemaneiformis). This review highlights the multifaceted medical applications of Gracilaria sulphated polysaccharides, providing detailed mechanistic insights and suggesting avenues for future clinical translation and therapeutic innovations. Full article

Seaweeds are critically important for the maintenance of biodiversity in marine aquaculture ecosystems, as they can inhibit the growth of Vibrio. Here, we determined the optimal environmental parameters for co-culturing green macroalgae (Ulva pertusa) and red macroalgae (Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis) with Chinese scallop (Chlamys farreri) by measuring dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and the strength of Vibrio inhibition under laboratory conditions and validating the effectiveness of this optimal co-culture system from the perspectives of nutrient levels, enzyme activities, and microbial diversity. The results show that co-culturing 30 g of seaweed and three scallops in 6 L of seawater with aeration in the dark (1.25 L min⁻¹, 12:12 h L:D) significantly decreased the number and abundance of Vibrio after 3 days. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, pyruvate kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase in C. farreri were significantly higher, indicating that its immune defense and metabolism enhanced in this optimal co-culture system. High DO and pH levels significantly decreased the alpha diversity of microorganisms, and the abundance of pathogenic microorganisms decreased. The optimal co-culture system was effective for the control of vibriosis. Generally, our findings suggest that seaweeds could be used to enhance the aquaculture environment by conferring healthy and sustainable functions in the future. Full article

This study explores species-specific metabolic responses to different nitrogen-rich formulations in Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis, highlighting distinct adaptive strategies. We evaluated the effects of Von Stosch Enrichment (VSE, nitrate-only), F/2 (nitrate-only), and Jack’s Special (JS, nitrate and ammonium) on metabolic profiles. D. mollis exhibited elevated energy storage and growth-related metabolites, with JS enhancing creatine production for energy storage and regeneration, alongside increased DNA/RNA synthesis and cell division activity. This suggests D. mollis prioritizes rapid growth and energy demands, supporting broader ecological adaptability. Conversely, P. hecatensis showed higher expression of metabolites linked to amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis, indicating a focus on efficient nitrogen use for protein production, likely advantageous in low-light, high-turbidity conditions. Nitrogen sources significantly influence amino acid metabolism, with JS promoting broader amino acid production and VSE and F/2 stimulating specific metabolites. These species-specific metabolic patterns underscore the flexibility of D. mollis in energy use versus adaptations of P. hecatensis to protein synthesis pathways. These findings highlight species-specific nutrient formulations as essential for optimizing seaweed growth and metabolic traits in aquaculture. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the laboratory cultivation of Chondracanthus acicularis, focusing on key environmental parameters such as nutrient levels and light exposure. The results provide insights into the optimal growth conditions and biochemical composition of C. acicularis, which are crucial for its sustainable exploitation in industrial applications. Significant differences in the relative growth rate (RGR) and productivity (Y) were found between the different treatments. Seaweed grown on Provasoli (PES) Medium with white LED light and red LED light showed the best growth rates. Negative growth was observed in treatments with Nutribloom plus^®, and blue LED light. The proximate composition analysis revealed a high moisture content across all treatments, with significant differences in ash and organic matter content between the treatments. The use of LED light played a crucial role in optimizing growth by influencing photosynthetic efficiency and pigment production. The proximate composition varied significantly between treatments, especially ash and organic matter. Light and nutrient conditions also influenced pigmentation and colour characteristics, with significant changes in phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, and chlorophyll concentration. PES treatments consistently showed the highest colour variation. These findings highlight the influence of environmental conditions on seaweed growth, productivity, pigmentation, and proximate composition, and provide valuable insights for optimized cultivation strategies. Full article

Worldwide, there are reports indicating that sheep raised in insular systems spontaneously consume seaweed. In the southern hemisphere, there exists Durvillaea antarctica, a brown seaweed that possesses minerals and fatty acids that could improve some aspects of sheep production and meat quality, respectively. However, the consumption of this algae in lambs has been scarcely studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of Durvillaea antarctica meal on the growth performance, blood profile, and meat quality of fattening lambs. Thirty Araucana Creole lambs were housed and allocated to three pens. One pen served as a control, while the remaining two were supplemented with diets containing 5% and 10% Durvillaea antarctica meal. After 9 weeks, the animals were slaughtered. The dietary treatments did not significantly affect body weight and blood biochemical parameters. However, changes were observed in meat quality traits, including increased redness and reduced luminosity in the loin for the high inclusion treatment, in addition to slight alterations in pH and lower lipid oxidation in lambs’ meat fed Durvillaea antarctica. Furthermore, the meat from lambs supplemented with Durvillaea antarctica exhibited increased levels of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, along with higher monounsaturated fatty acid content and a reduced omega-3/omega-6 ratio. This study shows that Durvillaea antarctica can be used to feed lambs without impairing growth or production parameters, which has been little studied. It is possible that this brown seaweed could be considered a natural additive to improve the quality and nutritional value of lamb meat. The effect of this seaweed on other ruminant models could be addressed in future studies. Full article

The development of ultrafiltration (UF) polymeric membranes with high flux and enhanced antifouling properties bridges a critical gap in the polymeric membrane fabrication research field. In the present work, the preparation of novel PES membranes incorporated with carrageenan (CAR), which is a natural polymer derived from edible red seaweed, is reported for the first time. The PES/CAR membranes were prepared by using the nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method at 0.1–4.0 wt.% CAR loadings in the casting solutions. The use of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), which is a bio-based and low-toxic solvent, is reported. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, water contact angle, porosity, and zeta potential measurements were used to evaluate the surface morphology, structure, pore size, hydrophilicity, and surface charge of the prepared membranes. The filtration performance of PES/CAR membranes was tested with bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions. It was shown that CAR incorporation in the casting solutions notably increased hydrophilicity, porosity, pore size, surface charge, and fouling resistance of the prepared membranes compared with plain PES membranes due to the hydrophilic nature and pore-forming properties of CAR. The PES/CAR membranes showed a significant reduction in irreversible and total fouling during filtration of BSA solutions by 38% and 32%, respectively, an enhancement in the flux recovery ratio by 20–40%, and an improvement in mechanical properties by 1.5-fold when compared with plain PES membranes. The findings of the present study indicate that CAR can be used as a promising additive for the development of PES UF membranes with enhanced properties and performance for water treatment applications. Full article

Gracilaria fisheri (GF) is a red seaweed that is widely found in Southeast Asia and has gained attention for its potential bioactive compounds and versatile applications in food products. This study explored the potential of GF as a natural gelling agent in the development of sustainable strawberry-based drinking jelly. By utilizing GF at varying concentrations (0.2 (S1), 0.4 (S2), 0.6 (S3), 0.8 (S4), and 1.0% (S5)), the impact on the physicochemical, textural, phytochemical, and flavor profiles of the strawberry concentrate-based drinking jelly was examined. The results demonstrated that GF concentration significantly affected the color characteristics, structural development, and flavor profiles of the drinking jelly samples. Increasing GF levels progressively enhanced the lightness (L*) and redness (a*) values while reducing the yellowness (b*), with optimal visual appeal achieved in the S4 samples compared to others. Microscopical observations revealed that gel matrix development improved with GF concentrations up to 0.8% (S4), transitioning from a sparse, liquid-like structure at lower levels to a compact, over-gelated network at 1.0% (S5). Physicochemical parameters, including pH, total soluble solid (TSS), and TSS/titratable acidity (TA) ratios, increased with GF levels, contributing to a sweeter, less acidic product, while water activity (a_w) decreased, enhancing jelly stability. Viscosity and sulfate content increased significantly with GF concentration, indicating improved gel strength but reduced fluidity. Phytochemical analysis revealed that ascorbic acid (AsA) and total phenolic content (TPC) decreased progressively with higher GF levels, leading to a reduction in antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS). Volatile compound analysis identified alcohols, esters, and aldehydes as dominant contributors to the flavor profile. 1-Octanol (waxy, citrus-like) and methyl anthranilate (grape-like, sweet) increased substantially, while minor groups such as terpenoids and phenolic compounds contributed floral and woody notes. The findings suggest that S4 samples strike the optimal balance between texture, color, flavor, and antioxidant properties, achieving a cohesive, visually appealing, and flavorful drinking jelly suitable for commercial applications. Full article

Lectins are non-covalent glycan-binding proteins found in all living organisms, binding specifically to carbohydrates through glycan-binding domains. Lectins have various biological functions, including cell signaling, molecular recognition, and innate immune responses, which play multiple roles in the physiological and developmental processes of organisms. Moreover, their diversity enables biotechnological exploration as biomarkers, biosensors, drug-delivery platforms, and lead molecules for anticancer, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial drugs. Lectins from Rhodophytes (red seaweed) have been extensively reported and characterized for their unique molecular structures, carbohydrate-binding specificities, and important biological activities. The increasing number of sequenced Rhodophyte genomes offers the opportunity to further study this rich source of lectins, potentially uncovering new ones with properties significantly different from their terrestrial plant counterparts, thus opening new biotechnological applications. We compiled literature data and conducted an in-depth analysis of the phycolectomes from all Rhodophyta genomes available in NCBI datasets. Using Hidden Markov Models capable of identifying lectin-type domains, we found at least six different types of lectin domains present in Rhodophytes, demonstrating their potential in identifying new lectins. This review integrates a computational analysis of the Rhodophyte phycolectome with existing information on red algae lectins and their biotechnological potential. Full article

Carrageenans have demonstrated enhanced antitumor activity upon depolymerization into disaccharides. However, the pharmacological viability of these disaccharides and their mechanisms of antitumor action remains to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to employ computational tools to investigate the pharmacological properties and molecular targets pertinent to cancer of the disaccharides derived from the primary carrageenans. Analyses of pharmacological properties predicted by the pkCSM and SwissADME servers indicated that the disaccharides possess a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, although they encounter permeability challenges primarily due to their high polarity and low lipophilicity. Target prediction using SwissTarget and PPB2 identified five carbonic anhydrases, which are also targets of oncology drugs, as common targets for the disaccharides. Molecular docking performed with AutoDock Vina revealed that the binding energies of the disaccharides with carbonic anhydrases were comparable to or greater than those of existing drugs that target these lyases. Notably, six of the complexes formed exhibited interactions between the disaccharides and the zinc cofactor, which represents a primary mechanism of inhibition for these targets. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations conducted using GROMACS demonstrated a stable interaction between the disaccharides and carbonic anhydrases. These findings offer new insights into the pharmacological properties and mechanisms of action of carrageenan-derived disaccharides, highlighting their potential for further exploration in clinical trials and experimental studies. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by severe pruritus and recurrent flare-ups, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Current treatments, such as corticosteroids and immunomodulators, often provide symptomatic relief but can lead to adverse effects with prolonged use. Seaweed, a sustainable and nutrient-dense resource, has emerged as a promising alternative due to its rich bioactive compounds—polysaccharides, phlorotannins, polyphenols, and chlorophyll—that offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This review explores the therapeutic potential of brown, red, and green algae in alleviating AD symptoms, highlighting the effects of specific species, including Undaria pinnatifida, Laminaria japonica, Chlorella vulgaris, and Sargassum horneri. These seaweeds modulate immune responses, reduce epidermal thickness, and restore skin barrier function, presenting a novel, safe, and effective approach to AD management. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and establish dosing strategies, paving the way for seaweed-derived therapies as natural alternatives in AD treatment. Full article