The Potential Exploitation of the Mediterranean Invasive Alga Caulerpa cylindracea: Can the Invasion Be Transformed into a Gain?

Abstract

Recently, there is a growing interest towards the development of strategies for invasive seaweed control and exploitation as source of secondary metabolites. Here, we investigated the potential of exploitation in biotechnology and recycling options in eradication programs of the lipidic extract of the Mediterranean invasive seaweed Caulerpa cylindracea (Chlorophyta). The chemical characterization was carried out by means of multinuclear and multidimensional NMR spectroscopy. The fatty acid profile of C. cylindracea assessed the presence of several types of molecules known for antioxidant activity such as carotenoids, chlorophylls, pheophytins, and sterols. The NMR spectroscopy showed also the characteristic signals of saturated, unsaturated, and free fatty acids as well as other metabolites including the biopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate. The lipidic extract exerted an antioxidant activity corresponding to 552.14 ± 69.13 mmol Trolox equivalent/g (ORAC) and to 70.3 ± 2.67 mmol Trolox equivalent/g (TEAC). The extract showed an antibacterial activity against several Vibrio species, suggesting its potential use in the control of diseases in mariculture. Our results show that C. cylindracea, representing a critical hazard in coastal areas, could be transformed into a gain supporting specific management actions to reduce the effects of human pressures.

Potential effects of an invasive seaweed (Caulerpa cylindracea, Sonder) on sedimentary organic matter and microbial metabolic activities

“…The biochemical composition of C. cylindracea is generally characterised by the dominance of carbohydrates, over proteins, and lipids 36 , 37 . Accordingly, a consistent dominance of carbohydrates over the other compounds has been observed also in colonized sediments investigated here and elsewhere 23 .…”

Screening of Three Echinoderm Species as New Opportunity for Drug Discovery: Their Bioactivities and Antimicrobial Properties

“…The antioxidant activity was assayed as previously described by Stabili et al [ 20 ] by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assays. In particular, for ORAC, the method [ 21 ] samples were diluted with 75 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4).…”

Influence of Seaweed Supplements on the Intestinal Bacteria in the Rabbitfish Siganus Fuscescens: Evidence for a Core Microbiome

“…were all enhanced in hindguts of sh that received C. taxifolia and this difference was signi cant for Fusobacterium sp.. This seaweed produces many interesting bioactive compounds [73] and its presence on reefs can completely alter sediment microbiomes through chemical modi cations of the substrate [see 74 and references therein]. This seaweed is typically avoided by the native herbivorous sh (Girella tricuspidata) and invertebrate grazers in Australia [75] and can be toxic to invertebrates forced to consume it in feeding trials [75,76].…”