Marine Algae in Egypt: distribution, phytochemical composition and biological uses as bioactive resources (a review)

Abstract

Algae are photosynthetic organisms with a wide variety of forms ranging from unicellular to multicellular macroalgae (Çakir Arica et al., 2017). Marine algae contain a number of different species, which are usually divided into two classes, microalgae and macroalgae in particular. Microalgae species like phytoplankton survive suspended in the water column, while macroalgae (commonly referred to as seaweed) are plant-like organisms that range in size from a few centimeters to several meters in length (Hernández Fariñas et al., 2017). The huge kelp for instance rises from the seafloor to form massive underwater forests. Seaweeds have evolved to live in a number of environments, ranging from small tidal rock pools close to shore or living several kilometers offshore in depths of seawater capable of obtaining enough light to encourage photosynthesis (Fawcett et al., 2017). Algae are commonly divided into three groups based on algal body or thallus pigmentation. Marine macro algae are generally categorized into three major pigmentation groups; Phaeophyta (brown algae), Chlorophyta (green algae), and Rhodophyta (red algae) (Manzelat et al., 2018).

Evaluation the Phytochemicals and Nutritional Characteristics of Some Microalgae Grown in Egypt as Healthy Food Supplements

“…Also, Morsy et al (2014) reported Spirulina rich in calcium (1.044%) and iron (0.339%). Brown algae (Sargassum muticum) which were collected from the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea coast, contained high levels of sodium, calcium, and potassium, as well as moderate concentrations of iron ,and zinc ( Salem et al, 2018 andRashad &El-Chaghaby, 2020). On the other hand, it was lower than that reported by Sanchez et al (2003) who found that calcium and sodium values in spirulina were 120 and 2200 mg/100g respectively.…”

“…Different types of microalgae are considered a good source of natural alternative nutrients due to the capability of producing beneficial nutritive compounds which are useful for many purposes, such as ingredients for nutraceuticals or food additives, natural colorants, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed (Koyandea et al, 2019). Many microalgae species are rich in nutritionally useful constituents such as carbohydrates, proteins, basic amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids which are considered an adequate source of vitamins such as vitamins A and E as well as minerals such as potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium (Rashad and El-Chaghaby, 2020). Due to the high content of major bioactive compounds in the algae, they could possess therapeutic benefits as antiviral (Santoyo et al, 2012), anti-diabetic (Ali et al, 2017), antioxidant (Maeda et al, 2018), antiinflammatory (Lee et al, 2017), antibacterial (Capillo et al, 2018) and antitumoral (Lind et al, 2013 andLauritano et al, 2016).…”

Identifying seaweeds species of Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta and Rhodophyta using DNA barcodes

“…Jania rubens that hosts diverse amphipod species (Kh. Gabr et al, 2020) are also known for its diverse haplotypes (Harvey et al, 2020) and bioactive resources (Rashad and El-Chaghaby, 2020). Further studies could explore, if DNA barcodes could effectively delineate various haplotypes of J.…”

Comprehensive metabolomics unveil the discriminatory metabolites of some Mediterranean Sea marine algae in relation to their cytotoxic activities

“…Egypt which occupies a strategic geographical location straddling both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, the two main enclosed coastal seas in the world, is considered one of the major producers of the marine flora in the Middle East 7 . In spite of enormous resources enriched with pharmacologically active chemical entities, the studies of seaweeds in Egypt are sparse and scattered.…”