Screening of Chaetomorpha linum Lipidic Extract as a New Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that marine algae represent a great source of natural compounds with several properties. The lipidic extract of the seaweed Chaetomorpha linum (Chlorophyta, Cladophorales), one of the dominant species in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Mediterranean, Ionian Sea), revealed an antibacterial activity against Vibrio ordalii and Vibrio vulnificus, common pathogens in aquaculture, suggesting its potential employment to control fish and shellfish diseases due to vibriosis and to reduce the public health hazards related to antibiotic use in aquaculture. This extract showed also an antioxidant activity, corresponding to 170.960 ± 16. mmol Trolox equivalent/g (oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay—ORAC) and to 30.554 ± 2.30 mmol Trolox equivalent/g (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay—TEAC). The chemical characterization of the extract, performed by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, highlighted the presence of free, saturated (SAFAs), unsaturated (UFAs) and polyunsaturated (PUFAs) fatty acids. The high content of ω-6 and ω-3 PUFAs confirmed also by gas chromatography indicates the potentiality of this algal species in the production of fortified food. The antibacterial activity seems related to the presence of linolenic acid present at high density, while the antioxidant activity could be likely ascribable to molecules such as carotenoids and chlorophylls (characterized also by thin-layer chromatography), known for this property. The presence of polyhydroxybutyrate, a biopolymer with potentiality in the field of biodegradable bioplastics was also detected. The exploitation of C. linum for a future biotechnological application is also encouraged by the results from a first attempt of cultivating this species in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system.

Domesticated Populations of Codium tomentosum Display Lipid Extracts with Lower Seasonal Shifts than Conspecifics from the Wild—Relevance for Biotechnological Applications of this Green Seaweed

“…Several authors highlight the role of secondary metabolites in the presence of bioactive compounds, such as phenolics [4,13]. Nevertheless, some compounds flagged by researchers due to their bioactivity are paramount in algal metabolism, such as glycolipids, pigments, or PUFAS [1,2,[10][11][12]46]. Total lipid extracts contain several compounds with putative bioactivity, such as glycolipids and fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid, C18:2 n-6), oxylipins, or pigments [10,46,53].…”

“…Total lipid extracts contain several compounds with putative bioactivity, such as glycolipids and fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid, C18:2 n-6), oxylipins, or pigments [10,46,53]. Pigments are recognized by their bioactivity as well, namely carotenoids which are well-known by their antioxidative capacity [1,54]. Carotenoids serve as accessory pigments to harvest light for photosynthesis and act as photoprotectors under high light stress, playing a protective role against photooxidative damage [55].…”

“…Oceans host an impressive wealth of life forms that harbor unique biochemical diversity. Several studies have recently confirmed the high potential of marine organisms as source of bioactive compounds, with interest for the food, fodder, pharmaceutical, biomedical and cosmetic industries [1][2][3][4]. Algae represent some of the most abundant organisms in the marine environment, playing a relevant ecological role on a global scale, as O 2 producers, CO 2 sequesters, primary producers, nutrient recycling, and micro-ecosystems.…”

“…Edible seaweeds are known to be rich in bioactive metabolites, some of them not present in land plants [5]. These metabolites have relevant bioactivities, such as antioxidants [1,2], antimicrobial [4], antigenotoxic [6], and anti-tumorigenic activities [7], holding great potential for biotechnological applications, as food additives [8] and for the production of bioplastics [9], among other high-end uses. Bioactivity has been identified in compounds that are essential for macroalgae metabolism, such as lipids and pigments [10][11][12], but also in products originating from their secondary metabolism [4,13].…”

An Innovative IMTA System: Polychaetes, Sponges and Macroalgae Co-Cultured in a Southern Italian In-Shore Mariculture Plant (Ionian Sea)

“…Sabellids are also ideal candidates for IMTA purposes due to the high density that they can reach on artificial substrates in eutrophic environments, where they can be easily obtained. Moreover, although further studies on the possible use of their biomass are still being performed, first investigations on their biochemical composition indicated their possible employment as a dietary supplement for fish nourishment [49]; this is also a very attractive suggestion considering the need for sustainable alternatives to fishmeal [50]. However, the possibility of using large quantities of biomass for these purposes must deal with the need not to deplete natural stocks.…”