Molecular Diversity and Biochemical Content in Two Invasive Alien Species: Looking for Chemical Similarities and Bioactivities

Abstract

The biochemical composition, molecular diversity, and two different bioactivities of Asparagopsis armata and Rugulopteryx okamurae (two alien species with different invasive patterns in the southern Iberian Peninsula) were analyzed through spectrophotometric methods and Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectroscopy (FT-ICR-MS). A total of 3042 molecular formulas were identified from the different extracts. The dH2O extracts were the most molecularly different. A. armata presented the highest content of nitrogenous compounds (proteins, CHON) and sulphur content, whereas R. okamurae was rich in carbonated compounds (total carbon, lipids, CHO, and CHOP). Antioxidant capacity and phenolic content were higher in R. okamurae than in A. armata. Antimicrobial activity was detected from both species. A. armata showed capacity to inhibit human and fish pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus or Vibrio anguillarum), whereas R. okamurae only showed inhibition against human bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes). In R. okamurae, molecules with a great number of pharmaceutical activities (e.g., anti-inflammatory or antitumoral), antibacterial, biomaterial, and other utilities were found. The main molecules of A. armata had also pharmaceutical applications (e.g., antimalarian, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, or antiarthritis). The valorization of these species can help to counteract the environmental effects of the bioinvasions.

Invasive Biomass Algae Valorization: Rugulopteryx okamurae as a Sustainable Source of Natural Antioxidants

“…In the case of R. okamurae, there are only a limited number of works on biochemical composition or bioactivities. Generally, terpenoids were almost the only substances extracted in this invasive species (Suzuki et al, 2002;Paula et al, 2011;Casal-Porras et al, 2021;Cuevas et al, 2021;Vega et al, 2023). The chemical composition of R. okamurae reveals that this species is rich in carbonated compounds (lipids, total carbon, CHOP, and CHO) and molecules, with a wide range of applications in pharmaceuticals (e.g., antiinflammatory or antitumoral), biomaterial, antibacterial in addition to other utilities that were discovered (Vega et al, 2023).…”

“…Non-native or introduced species are identified as one of the main threats to the resource values of the world's oceans and marine biodiversity (Sagoff, 2005;Schaffelke et al, 2006;Molnar et al, 2008;Galil et al, 2018;Vega et al, 2023). They can cause significant ecological impacts, affecting natural habitats, trophic relations and community structures, thereby reducing the growth potential of indigenous species (Viard & Comtet, 2015;Sempere-Valverde et al, 2021).…”

“…The brown alga Rugulopteryx okamurae (E.Y.Dawson) I.K.Hwang, W.J.Lee and H.S.Kim was described for the first time from Japan as Dilophus okamurae; it is originating from the northwestern temperate Pacific Ocean, particularly Korea and Japan (Guiry & Guiry, 2023). This alga was first documented in the Mediterranean Sea (Lagoon Thau, France) Vega et al, 2023). This could serve as a management measure to find new bioactive compounds from widely disposable biomass and, then contribute to the attenuation of the harmful impacts generated by non-indigenous algae.…”