Inhibition of marine bacteria by extracts of macroalgae: potential use for environmentally friendly antifouling paints

Chemical analysis of marine microdebris pollution in macroalgae from the coastal areas of Argentina

Marine microdebris (MDs, <5 mm) and mesodebris (MesDs, 5-25 mm), consist of various components, including microplastics (MPs), antifouling or anticorrosive paint particles (APPs), and metallic particles (Mmps), among others. The accumulation of these anthropogenic particles in macroalgae could have significant implications within coastal ecosystems because of the role of macroalgae as primary producers and their subsequent transfer within the trophic chain. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the abundance of MDs and MesDs pollution in different species of macroalgae (P. morrowii, C. rubrum, Ulva spp., and B. minima) and in surface waters from the Southwest Atlantic coast of Argentina to evaluate the ecological damage. MDs and MesDs were chemically characterized using μ-FTIR and SEM/EDX to identify, and assess their environmental impact based on their composition and degree of pollution by MPs, calculating the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI). The prevalence of MDs was higher in foliose species, followed by filamentous and tubular ones, ranging from 0 to 1.22 items/g w.w. for MPs and 0 to 0.85 items/g w.w. for APPs. It was found that macroalgae accumulate a higher proportion of high-density polymers like PAN and PES, as well as APPs based on alkyd, PMMA, and PE resins, whereas a predominance of CE was observed in surrounding waters. Potentially toxic elements, such as Cr, Cu, and Ti, were detected in APPs and MPs, along with the presence of epiplastic communities on the surface of APPs. According to PHI, the presence of high hazard score polymers, such as PAN and PA, increased the overall risk of MP pollution in macroalgae compared to surrounding waters. This study provided a baseline for MDs and MesDs abundance in macroalgae as well as understanding the environmental impact of this debris and their bioaccumulation in the primary link of the coastal trophic chain.

Evaluation of the brown alga, Sargassum muticum extract as an antimicrobial and feeding additives

Plant disease administration is difficult due to the nature of phytopathogens. Biological control is a safe method to avoid the problems related to fungal diseases affecting crop productivity and some human pathogenic bacteria. For that, the antimicrobial activity of the seaweed Sargassum muticum methanol and water extracts were investigated against human bacterial pathogens and fungal plant pathogens. By using 70 percent methanol, the seaweed powder was extracted, feeding additives assay, ultrastructure (TEM). Results revealed significant inhibition of S. muticum methanol extract against Salmonella typhi (25.66 mm), Escherichia coli (24.33 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (22.33 mm) and Bacillus subtilis. (19.66 mm), some fungal phytopathogens significantly inhibited Fusarium moniliforme (30.33mm), Pythium ultimum (26.33 mm), Aspergillus flavus (24.36mm), and Macrophomina phaseolina (22.66mm). Phytochemical investigation of S. muticum extract showed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Results suggested that there is an appreciable level of antioxidant potential in S. muticum (79.86%) DPPH scavenging activity. Ultrastructural studies of Fusarium moniliforme hypha grown on a medium containing S. muticum extract at concentration 300mg/ml showed a thickening cell wall, disintegration of cytoplasm, large lipid bodies and vacuoles. In conclusion, our study revealed The antibacterial activity of S. muticum extract significantly against some Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and antifungal activity against some phytopathogenic and some mycotoxin producer fungi. Flavonoids, phenolic play an important role as antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Such study revealed that S. muticum methanol extract could be used as ecofriendly biocontrol for phytopathogenic fungi and feeding additives to protect livestock products.

Biological properties and potential of compounds extracted from red seaweeds

Macroalgae have been recently used for different applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry since they do not compete for land and freshwater against other resources. Moreover, they have been highlighted as a potential source of bioactive compounds. Red algae (Rhodophyta) are the largest group of seaweeds, including around 6000 different species, thus it can be hypothesized that they are a potential source of bioactive compounds. Sulfated polysaccharides, mainly agar and carrageenans, are the most relevant and exploited compounds of red algae. Other potential molecules are essential fatty acids, phycobiliproteins, vitamins, minerals, and other secondary metabolites. All these compounds have been demonstrated to exert several biological activities, among which antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties can be highlighted. Nevertheless, these properties need to be further tested on in vivo experiments and go in-depth in the study of the mechanism of action of the specific molecules and the understanding of the structure-activity relation. At last, the extraction technologies are essential for the correct isolation of the molecules, in a cost-effective way, to facilitate the scale-up of the processes and their further application by the industry. This manuscript is aimed at describing the fundamental composition of red algae and their most studied biological properties to pave the way to the utilization of this underused resource.

Determination of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activity, Heavy Metals and Elements Content of Seaweed Extracts

The aim of the research was to determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, determination of chemical elements and heavy metals in seaweed extracts of wakame, arame, dulse, laminaria, kombu, and hijiki. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH method and the activity ranged from 0.00 to 2641.34 TEAC. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in kombu (2641.34 TEAC) and arame (2457.5 TEAC). Antimicrobial activity was analyzed by disk diffusion method and MIC method. Three G⁺ bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis), three G^- bacteria (Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Yersinia enterocolitica), and four yeasts (Candida tropicalis, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. albicans) were used as model organisms. The size of inhibition zones ranged from 0.00 to 8.67 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the selected seaweeds ranged from MIC₅₀ 98.46 (MIC₉₀ 100.25) to MIC₅₀ 3.43 µL/mL (MIC₉₀ 5.26 µL/mL). The content of selected elements was determined in seaweed samples by ICP-OES. The chemical composition of the algae showed differences between species and the presence of heavy metals. Arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum were confirmed. All seaweed samples contained arsenic ranging from 6.6546 to 76.48 mg/kg. Further investigation of seaweeds is needed to identify the active substances present in the algae that are responsible for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of extracts from five commonly consumed seaweeds for their ability to inhibit selected microorganisms and to determine the health risk due to heavy metals content. Our study contributes to the evidence that seaweeds have antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and seaweed extracts have for pharmacological applications.

Antifouling Activity of Halogenated Compounds Derived from the Red Alga Sphaerococcus coronopifolius: Potential for the Development of Environmentally Friendly Solutions

Nowadays, biofouling is responsible for enormous economic losses in the maritime sector, and its treatment with conventional antifouling paints is causing significant problems to the environment. Biomimetism and green chemistry approaches are very promising research strategies for the discovery of new antifouling compounds. This study focused on the red alga Sphaerococcus coronopifolius, which is known as a producer of bioactive secondary metabolites. Fifteen compounds, including bromosphaerol (1), were tested against key marine biofoulers (five marine bacteria and three microalgae) and two enzymes associated with the adhesion process in macroalgae and invertebrates. Each metabolite presented antifouling activity against at least one organism/enzyme. This investigation also revealed that two compounds, sphaerococcinol A (4) and 14R-hydroxy-13,14-dihydro-sphaerococcinol A (5), were the most potent compounds without toxicity towards oyster larvae used as non-target organisms. These compounds are of high potential as they are active towards key biofoulers and could be produced by a cultivable alga, a fact that is important from the green chemistry point of view.

Functional Feeds to Tackle Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) Stress: Physiological Responses under Acute Stressful Handling Conditions

Marine algae are recognised sources of bioactive compounds that have attracted great interest as nutritional supplements for aquaculture fish. Intensive rearing conditions often expose fish to husbandry-related stressors, rendering fish more susceptible to disease and reducing production yields. The present work evaluated the potential of two marine algae extracts (Fucus vesiculosus and Nannochloropsis gaditana) as nutritional supplements to mitigate stress effects in meagre (Argyrosomus regius) exposed to an acute handling stress (AS). A plant-based diet was used as a control, and three other diets were prepared, which were similar to the control diet but supplemented with 1% of each algal extract or a combination of the two extracts (0.5% each). The effects of supplemented diets on stress biomarkers, antioxidant enzyme activities, and immune response were analysed in fish exposed to AS after 4 weeks of feeding. Supplemented diets did not affect growth performance but the inclusion of F. vesiculosus promoted higher feed efficiency, as compared to the control group. Dietary algal extracts supplementation reduced plasma glucose levels, increased white blood cell counts, and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory genes when compared with the control. N. gaditana supplementation led to a reduction in hepatic antioxidant enzyme activity and glutathione levels, while F. vesiculosus supplementation increased muscle glutathione reductase activity and reduced lipid peroxidation. These findings support the potential of algal extracts as nutraceuticals in aquafeeds to enhance the ability of fish to cope with husbandry-related stressful conditions and ultimately improve fish health and welfare.

Anti-vibrio and immune-enhancing activity of medicinal plants in shrimp: A comprehensive review

Disease epidemics in shrimp aquaculture increase apace with the development of aquaculture systems throughout the world. The disease caused by Vibrio spp. (vibriosis) is considered the most devastating, which has made it the most feared bacterial disease in the shrimp sector. In aquaculture, several strategies have already been applied to control Vibrio strains, including chemicals, probiotics, antibiotics, natural products from plants, including plant oils; hence, there has been considerable attention for using plants in shrimp aquaculture to provide sustainable, eco-friendly and safe compounds, such as alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and flavonoids for replacing chemical compounds and antibiotics in current aquaculture. Medicinal plants may also have immunostimulating activity, increase growth and resistance in shrimps. The present paper aims to review the inhibition of Vibrio spp. in shrimp by medicinal plants, using both in vitro or/and in vivo techniques. Several medicinal plants appear capable of inhibiting growth of Vibrio pathogens outside living shrimp or in the body of shrimp, through enhancing growth and immune capacity when shrimps are fed or injected with them. In the current review Gracilaria spp. (Gracilariaceae family) and Sargassum spp. (family Sargassaceae) have been used most for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Among the terrestrial plants, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Psidium guajava, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, and Syzygium cumini (Myrtaceae family) had significant activity against Vibrio.

Antimicrobials from Seaweeds for Food Applications

The exponential growth of emerging multidrug-resistant microorganisms, including foodborne pathogens affecting the shelf-life and quality of foods, has recently increased the needs of the food industry to search for novel, natural and eco-friendly antimicrobial agents. Macroalgae are a bio-diverse group distributed worldwide, known to produce multiple compounds of diverse chemical nature, different to those produced by terrestrial plants. These novel compounds have shown promising health benefits when incorporated into foods, including antimicrobial properties. This review aims to provide an overview of the general methods and novel compounds with antimicrobial properties recently isolated and characterized from macroalgae, emphasizing the molecular pathways of their antimicrobial mechanisms of action. The current scientific evidence on the use of macroalgae or macroalgal extracts to increase the shelf-life of foods and prevent the development of foodborne pathogens in real food products and their influence on the sensory attributes of multiple foods (i.e., meat, dairy, beverages, fish and bakery products) will also be discussed, together with the main challenges and future trends of the use of marine natural products as antimicrobials.

Induction of Apoptotic Cell Death in Human Leukemia U937 Cells by C18 Hydroxy Unsaturated Fatty Acid Isolated from Red Alga Tricleocarpa jejuensis

Our previous studies have found that (±)-(E)-12-hydroxyoctadec-10-enoic acid (HOEA) isolated from the red alga Tricleocarpa jejuensis showed cytotoxic effects on various living organisms including harmful microalgae, Gram-positive bacteria, and mammalian tumor cells. Since natural products with apoptosis-inducing ability can be promising anti-cancer agents, in this study, we investigated the cytotoxic mechanism of HOEA on U937 cells focusing on apoptosis induction. HOEA showed much stronger cytotoxic and cytolytic effects on U937 cells than elaidic acid, which has similar structure but no 12-hydroxy group, suggesting that hydroxy group is important for the cytotoxicity of HOEA. HOEA induced apoptotic nuclear morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, time-dependent increase in annexin V+/PI+ cell population in HOEA-treated U937 cells was detected. Among the apoptosis-related reagents, caspase-family inhibitor almost completely inhibited HOEA-induced DNA fragmentation. In the analyses using specific caspase-substrates, extremely high cleavage activity toward caspase-3/7/8 substrate was observed in HOEA-treated U937 cells, and weak activities of caspase-1 and -3 were detected. Analyses using specific caspase inhibitors suggested that caspase-3 and caspase-8 might be predominantly responsible for the cleavage activity. Activation of these caspases were also confirmed by western blotting in which significant levels of cleaved forms of caspase 3, caspase 8, and PARP were detected in HOEA-treated U937 cells. Our results suggest that HOEA is capable of inducing apoptosis in U937 cells in which caspase-3 and caspase-8 might play important roles. Since the cytotoxic effect of HOEA is not strictly specific to tumor cells, development of appropriate drug delivery system for selective tumor targeting is necessary for the clinical applications to reduce the possible side effects.

Microstructure and Properties of Poly(ethylene glycol)-Segmented Polyurethane Antifouling Coatings after Immersion in Seawater

Polyurethane has a microphase separation structure, while polyethylene glycol (PEG) can form a hydrated layer to resist protein adsorption. In this paper, PEG was introduced to polyurethane to improve the antifouling properties of the polyurethane, providing a new method and idea for the preparation of new antifouling polyurethane materials. The mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, swelling degree, microphase separation and antifouling performance of the coatings were evaluated. The response characteristics of the polyurethane coatings in a seawater environment were studied, and the performance changes of coatings in seawater were tested. The results showed that the crystallized PEG soft segments increased, promoting microphase separation. The stress at 100% and the elasticity modulus of the polyurethane material also markedly increased, in addition to increases in the swelling degree in seawater, the water contact angle decreased. A total of 25% of PEG incorporated into a soft segment can markedly improve the antibacterial properties of the coatings, but adding more PEG has little significant effect. After immersion in seawater, the coatings became softer and more elastic. This is because water molecules formed hydrogen bonding with the amino NH, which resulted in a weakening effect being exerted on the carbonyl C=O hydrogen bonding and ether oxygen group crystallization.

New Ecological Role of Seaweed Secondary Metabolites as Autotoxic and Allelopathic

Allelopathy and autotoxicity are well-known biological processes in angiosperms but are very little explored or even unknown in seaweeds. In this study, extract and major pure compounds from two distinct populations of the red seaweed Laurencia dendroidea were investigated to evaluate the effect of autotoxicity through auto- and crossed experiments under laboratory conditions, using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging to measure inhibition of photosynthesis (Φ_PSII) as a variable response. Individuals of L. dendroidea from Azeda beach were inhibited by their own extract (IC₅₀ = 219 μg/ml) and the major compound elatol (IC₅₀ = 87 μg/ml); both chemicals also inhibited this seaweed species from Forno beach (IC₅₀ = 194 μg/ml for the extract and IC₅₀ = 277 μg/ml for elatol). By contrast, the extract of L. dendroidea from Forno and its major compound obtusol showed no inhibitory effect in individuals of both populations; but obtusol was insoluble to be tested at higher concentrations, which could be active as observed for elatol. The Azeda population displayed higher susceptibility to the Azeda extract and to elatol, manifested on the first day, unlike Forno individuals, in which the effect was only detected on the second day; and inhibition of Φ_PSII was more pronounced at apical than basal portions of the thalli of L. dendroidea. This first finding of seaweed autotoxicity and allelopathic effects revealed the potential of the chemistry of secondary metabolites for intra- and inter-populational interactions, and for structuring seaweed populations.

Anti-Fouling Effects of Saponin-Containing Crude Extracts from Tropical Indo-Pacific Sea Cucumbers

Sea cucumbers are bottom dwelling invertebrates, which are mostly found on subtropical and tropical sea grass beds, sandy reef flats, or reef slopes. Although constantly exposed to fouling communities in these habitats, many species are surprisingly free of invertebrate epibionts and microfouling algae such as diatoms. In our study, we investigated the anti-fouling (AF) activities of different crude extracts of tropical Indo-Pacific sea cucumber species against the fouling diatom Cylindrotheca closterium. Nine sea cucumber species from three genera (i.e., Holothuria, Bohadschia, Actinopyga) were selected and extracted to assess their AF activities. To verify whether the sea cucumber characteristic triterpene glycosides were responsible for the observed potent AF activities, we tested purified fractions enriched in saponins isolated from Bohadschia argus, representing one of the most active anti-fouling extracts. Saponins were quantified by vanillin-sulfuric acid colorimetric assays and identified by LC-MS and LC-MS/MS analyses. We were able to demonstrate that AF activities in sea cucumber extracts were species-specific, and growth inhibition as well as attachment of the diatom to surfaces is dependent on the saponin concentration (i.e., Actinopyga contained the highest quantities), as well as on the molecular composition and structure of the present saponins (i.e., Bivittoside D derivative was the most bioactive compound). In conclusion, the here performed AF assay represents a promising and fast method for selecting the most promising bioactive organism as well as for identifying novel compounds with potent AF activities for the discovery of potentially novel pharmacologically active natural products.

The Sponge-Associated Fungus Eurotium chevalieri MUT 2316 and its Bioactive Molecules: Potential Applications in the Field of Antifouling

The need for new environmentally friendly antifouling and the observation that many marine organisms have developed strategies to keep their surface free of epibionts has stimulated the search for marine natural compounds with antifouling activities. Sponges and in particular fungi associated with them represent one of the most appropriate sources of defence molecules and could represent a promising biomass for the supply of new antifouling compounds. The objective of this work was therefore to evaluate the antifouling potency of 7 compounds isolated from the sponge derived fungus Eurotium chevalieri MUT 2316. The assessment of their activity targeted the inhibition of the adhesion and/or growth of selected marine bacteria (5) and microalgae (5), as well as the inhibition of the mussel's byssus thread formation (tyrosinase activity). The 7 compounds showed bioactivity, with various levels of selectivity for species. Cyclo-L-Trp-L-Ala was the most promising active compound, and led to the inhibition, at very low concentrations (0.001 μg ml^-1 in 61.5% of cases), of adhesion and growth of all the microalgae, of selected bacteria, and towards the inhibition of tyrosinase. Promising results were also obtained for echinulin, neoechinulin A, dihydroauroglaucin and flavoglaucin, respectively, leading to inhibition of adhesion and/or growth of 9, 7, 8 and 8 microfouling species at various concentrations.

Evaluation of Antifouling Potential and Ecotoxicity of Secondary Metabolites Derived from Red Algae of the Genus Laurencia

Red algae of the genus Laurencia are known to biosynthesize and secrete an immense variety of secondary metabolites possessing a spectrum of biological activities against bacteria, invertebrates and mammalian cell lines. Following a rigorous cross-species screening process, herein we report the antifouling potential of 25 secondary metabolites derived from species of the genus Laurencia, as well as the thorough evaluation of the ecotoxicity of selected metabolites against non-target marine arthropods and vertebrate cell lines. A number of these secondary metabolites exhibited potent antifouling activity and performed well in all screening tests. Our results show that perforenol (9) possesses similar antifouling activity with that already described for bromosphaerol, which is used herein as a benchmark.

The antioxidative effects of bioactive products from Sargassum polycystum C. Agardh and Sargassum duplicatum J. Agardh against inflammation and other pathological issues

The present study was aimed to determine the phenol, total flavonoids and antioxidant potentials of Sargassum polycystum C. Agardh and Sargassum duplicatum J. Agardh from south east coast of Tamil Nadu and India using DPPH, phophomolybdenum and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. The total phenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activities of S. polycystum and S. duplicatum were determined. Highest phenols (33.49 and 149.52 mg GAE/g) were observed in chloroform extracts of S. polycystum and methanolic extracts of S. duplicatum. The acetone extracts of S. polycystumand S. duplicatum demonstrated maximum amount of flavonoids compared to other studied extracts. Maximum amount of phosphomolybdenum reduction was observed in acetone extracts of S. polycystum and methanolic extracts of S. duplicatum. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of different extracts of S. polycystum and S. duplicatum were as follows acetone > chloroform > Petroleum ether > methanol and acetone > chloroform > methanol >Petroleum ether respectively. The H2O2 scavenging activity of S. polycystum extracts were as follows Petroleum ether extracts of S. polycystum (67.9%) > acetone (67.3%) > chloroform (58.6%) > methanol (51.78%). Acetone extracts of S. duplicatum showed maximum inhibition (90.39%) followed by petroleum ether, chloroform and methanolic extracts (75.11, 72.37 and 54.59%) respectively. The present study results confirmed the antioxidant properties of the two selected brown seaweeds viz., S. polycytum and S. duplicatum. The total phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids may be responsible for the antioxidant activities.

From Ecology to Biotechnology, Study of the Defense Strategies of Algae and Halophytes (from Trapani Saltworks, NW Sicily) with a Focus on Antioxidants and Antimicrobial Properties

This study aimed at the characterization of the antioxidant power of polyphenol extracts (PE) obtained from the algae Cystoseira foeniculacea (CYS) (Phaeophyta) and from the halophyte Halocnemum strobilaceum (HAL), growing in the solar saltworks of western Sicily (Italy), and at the evaluation of their anti-microfouling properties, in order to correlate these activities to defense strategies in extreme environmental conditions. The antioxidant properties were assessed in the PE based on the total antioxidant activity test and the reducing power test; the anti-microfouling properties of the two PE were evaluated by measuring the growth inhibition of marine fish and shellfish pathogen bacteria as well as marine surface fouling bacteria and microalgae exposed to the fractions. Similar polyphenol content (CYS 5.88 ± 0.75 and HAL 6.03 ± 0.25 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g-1 dried weight, DW) and similar reducing power percentage (93.91 ± 4.34 and 90.03 ± 6.19) were recorded for both species, even if they exhibited a different total antioxidant power (measured by the percentage of inhibition of the radical 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl DPPH), with CYS (79.30) more active than HAL (59.90). Both PE showed anti-microfouling properties, being inhibitors of adhesion and growth of marine fish and shellfish pathogen bacteria (V. aestuarianus, V. carchariae, V. harveyi, P. elyakovii, H. aquamarina) and fouling bacteria (V. natriegens, V. proteolyticus, P. iirgensii, R. litoralis) with minimum inhibitory concentrations comparable to the commercial antifouling products used as a positive control (SEA-NINE™ 211N). Only CYS was a significant inhibitor of the microalgae strains tested, being able to reduce E. gayraliae and C. closterium growth (MIC 10 µg·mL-1) and the adhesion of all three strains tested (E. gayraliae, C. closterium and P. purpureum), suggesting its promise for use as an antifouling (AF) product.

Design of surfaces for controlling hard and soft fouling

In this review, we present a framework to guide the design of surfaces which are resistant to solid fouling, based on the modulus and length scale of the fouling material. Solid fouling is defined as the undesired attachment of solid contaminants including ice, clathrates, waxes, inorganic scale, polymers, proteins, dust and biological materials. We first provide an overview of the surface design approaches typically applied across the scope of solid fouling and explain how these disparate research efforts can be united to an extent under a single framework. We discuss how the elastic modulus and the operating length scale of a foulant determine its ability or inability to elastically deform surfaces. When surface deformation occurs, minimization of the substrate elastic modulus is critical for the facile de-bonding of a solid contaminant. Foulants with low modulus or small deposition sizes cannot deform an elastic bulk material and instead de-bond more readily from surfaces with chemistries that minimize their interfacial free energy or induce a particular repellant interaction with the foulant. Overall, we review reported surface design strategies for the reduction in solid fouling, and provide perspective regarding how our framework, together with the modulus and length scale of a foulant, can guide future antifouling surface designs. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology'.

PYRROLO isolated from marine sponge associated bacterium Halobacillus kuroshimensis SNSAB01 - Antifouling study based on molecular docking, diatom adhesion and mussel byssal thread inhibition

In the present study, an attempt has been made to explore the antifouling potential of bioactive compound isolated from sponge associated bacterium Halobacillus kuroshimensis SNSAB01. The crude extract of SNSAB01 strongly inhibited the growth of fouling bacterial strains with least minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The bioactive compound was characterized through FT-IR, HPLC, GCMS and NMR predicted as 'pyrrolo". From the mass spectral library, structure was elucidated as pyrrolo [1, 2-a] pyrazine-1, 4-dione, hexahydro. The in silico studies provided encouraging docking scores with two interactions by GLN 200 and GLU 304. The extract inhibited 89% diatom adhesion at 350 μg/ml concentration against Amphora sp. An EC₅₀ value of 150 μg/ml for 50% inhibition of byssal thread of Perna viridis and LC₅₀ was found to be 500 μg/ml. The LC₅₀/EC₅₀ ratio of 3.0 indicated nontoxic to nature. The result suggested that pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione can be used for antifouling coating.

Structures and Activities of Tiahuramides A-C, Cyclic Depsipeptides from a Tahitian Collection of the Marine Cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula

The structures of three new cyclic depsipeptides, tiahuramides A (1), B (2), and C (3), from a French Polynesian collection of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula are described. The planar structures of these compounds were established by a combination of mass spectrometry and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Absolute configurations of natural and nonproteinogenic amino acids were determined through a combination of acid hydrolysis, derivitization with Marfey's reagent, and HPLC. The absolute configuration of hydroxy acids was confirmed by Mosher's method. The antibacterial activities of tiahuramides against three marine bacteria were evaluated. Compound 3 was the most active compound of the series, with an MIC of 6.7 μM on one of the three tested bacteria. The three peptides inhibit the first cell division of sea urchin fertilized eggs with IC₅₀ values in the range from 3.9 to 11 μM. Tiahuramide B (2), the most potent compound, causes cellular alteration characteristics of apoptotic cells, blebbing, DNA condensation, and fragmentation, already at the first egg cleavage. The cytotoxic activity of compounds 1-3 was tested in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Compounds 2 and 3 showed an IC₅₀ of 14 and 6.0 μM, respectively, whereas compound 1 displayed no toxicity in this cell line at 100 μM. To determine the type of cell death induced by tiahuramide C (3), SH-SY5Y cells were costained with annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide and analyzed by flow cytometry. The double staining indicated that the cytotoxicity of compound 3 in this cell line is produced by necrosis.

Biofilm Inhibition by Novel Natural Product- and Biocide-Containing Coatings Using High-Throughput Screening

The use of natural products (NPs) as possible alternative biocidal compounds for use in antifouling coatings has been the focus of research over the past decades. Despite the importance of this field, the efficacy of a given NP against biofilm (mainly bacteria and diatoms) formation is tested with the NP being in solution, while almost no studies test the effect of an NP once incorporated into a coating system. The development of a novel bioassay to assess the activity of NP-containing and biocide-containing coatings against marine biofilm formation has been achieved using a high-throughput microplate reader and highly sensitive confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), as well as nucleic acid staining. Juglone, an isolated NP that has previously shown efficacy against bacterial attachment, was incorporated into a simple coating matrix. Biofilm formation over 48 h was assessed and compared against coatings containing the NP and the commonly used booster biocide, cuprous oxide. Leaching of the NP from the coating was quantified at two time points, 24 h and 48 h, showing evidence of both juglone and cuprous oxide being released. Results from the microplate reader showed that the NP coatings exhibited antifouling efficacy, significantly inhibiting biofilm formation when compared to the control coatings, while NP coatings and the cuprous oxide coatings performed equally well. CLSM results and COMSTAT analysis on biofilm 3D morphology showed comparable results when the NP coatings were tested against the controls, with higher biofilm biovolume and maximum thickness being found on the controls. This new method proved to be repeatable and insightful and we believe it is applicable in antifouling and other numerous applications where interactions between biofilm formation and surfaces is of interest.

Biogenic corrosion inhibitor on mild steel protection in concentrated HCl medium

Turbinaria ornata (TO) extract was tested as green corrosion inhibitor on mild steel (MS) coupons in conc. HCl medium with an efficiency of 100% at 25 g l-1 during 5 min exposure. Antibacterial efficacy performed against 16 S rDNA identified marine biofilming bacteria (MBB) and human pathogenic bacteria (HPB). Maximum inhibition growth was 16 mm on MBB observed in Bacillus megaterium (MBF14 - AB894827) and 20 mm on HPB in Escherichia coli (B5 - NCIM 2931). Similarly, minimum of 10 mm on MBB witnessed in Pseudomonas sp., (MBF9 - AB894829). Toxicity studies proved 50.0% LC50 at 500 μg ml-1 in 24 hrs, whereas Balanus amphitrite resulted in 100% mortality within 12 hrs. Results including weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, FT-IR and GC-MS confirm 10-Octadecaonic acid as a major corrosion inhibitor from T. ornata and is discovered as a novel antifoulant. Anticorrosion formulation will become available soon.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Extract from <I>Pyrenacantha grandiflora</I> Baill. (Icacinaceae)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Microbial drug resistance is a growing health problem. This has led to search for new antimicrobial compound and plants are considered as one of the most promising sources for new antimicrobials discovery. Pyrenacantha grandiflora (P. grandiflora) Baill is used for the treatment and management of diarrhea, gastrointestinal related infections, dysentery, inflammation and tooth pain by traditional healers in the Venda region. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of P. grandiflora tubers using different extraction solvents against 15 bacterial and 11 fungal strains.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plant extracts were obtained using 5 solvents separately, boiled water, cold water, methanol, dichloromethane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. Hole plate assay was used for initial evaluation of antimicrobial properties of plant materials. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the most active plant extracts were determined by the broth microdilution method. One-way ANOVA was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The hole plate assay revealed that the highest antibacterial activity was against Micrococcus kristinae with ethyl acetate extract and no extract was active against Candida and Fusarium species using this method. The MIC of the extracts was determined and all the extracts showed antimicrobial activity against all tested strains ranging from 0.06-7.5 mg mL-1. Some extract appeared to be fungicidal and hot water extract were more active against Cryptococcus neoformans with the MFC value of 0.06 mg mL-1. Methanol extract was also active against most test strains including Candida tropicalis with the minimum fungicidal concentration value of 3.75 mg mL-1.

CONCLUSION

Pyrenacantha grandiflora contains substances that make it active against bacterial and fungal pathogens. This is the first time the antimicrobial and antifungal activities of P. grandiflora have been demonstrated scientifically. Extraction with hot water as done by the traditional healers showed activity thereby justifying the traditional use of this plant.

Epiphytic Planctomycetes communities associated with three main groups of macroalgae

Planctomycetes, a unique group of widespread and understudied bacteria, are known to be associated with macroalgae. The temporal dynamics and the host-specific association of planctomycetal communities on Fucus spiralis, Ulva sp. and Chondrus crispus from two locations in the North Coast of Portugal were assessed both by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis with group-specific primers and 16S rDNA amplicon libraries. The epiphytic planctomycetal communities showed a significant association with the host macroalgal species independently of the geographical location and the season. This pattern was confirmed by clone libraries of winter and summer samples: we obtained 720 16S rRNA gene sequences that represented 44 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within the phylum Planctomycetes. Most of the OTUs belonged to Blastopirellula, followed by Rhodopirellula, Planctomyces, the Pir4 lineage and the uncultured class OM190 (this last one nearly 30% of the OTUs). Ulva sp. and C. crispus had more diverse planctomycetal communities than F. spiralis. Analysis of beta diversity showed that the planctomycetal microbiome was host specific. We hypothesize that the specific association of Planctomycetes and their macroalgal hosts is likely determined by nutritional molecules provided by the algae and the set of sulfatases inherent to each Planctomycetes species.

Biomimetics for early stage biofouling prevention: templates from insect cuticles

A biomimetic antifouling material study was carried out utilising superhydrophobic cicada and dragonfly wings replicated with a polymer (epoxy resin). They were tested in a marine biofouling study for up to 1 week in addition to biofouling assays of protein, carbohydrate and DNA absorption. The materials were compared against a commercial antifouling paint and a polymeric smooth surface constituting a control sample. The replicated surfaces demonstrated superior antifouling properties in comparison to the control and similar efficiency in DNA (10% reduction), protein and carbohydrate adsorption (15%) to the commercial anti-fouling paint. As the fabricated surfaces have roughness at the nanometre scale it is probable that the low adsorption properties, at least in the early stages, may be related to air trapped at the surface. Interestingly the most disordered replicated surface (dragonfly wing replicate) demonstrated the lowest values of absorption.

Antifouling Activity of Lipidic Metabolites Derived from Padina tetrastromatica

An attempt has been made to identify the potential seaweed for antifouling property due to the growing need for environmentally safe antifouling systems. The antibacterial, antimicroalgal, and antimussel foot adherence potentials of methanol, dichloromethane, and hexane extracts of the chosen seaweeds such as Padina tetrastromatica, Caulerpa taxifolia, and Amphiroa fragilissima have been compared against copper sulfate. Among the extracts, the maximum antibacterial activities were exhibited by the methanol extract of P. tetrastromatica. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the methanolic extract of P. tetrastromatica was found to be 10 and 1 μg/ml against test biofilm bacteria and diatoms, respectively. The antimussel foot adherence assay indicated that the extract had inhibited the foot adherence of the green mussels Perna viridis with the effective concentration (EC50) of 25.51 ± 0.03 μg/ml, and lethal concentration for 50 % mortality (LC50) was recorded at 280.22 ± 0.12 μg/ml. Based on the prolific results, the crude methanolic extract of P. tetrastromatica was subjected to purification using silica gel column and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Then, the active compounds of the bioassay-guided fraction (F13) were identified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and it was observed that fatty acids were the major components, which may be responsible for the antifouling properties.

Impact of the biocide Irgarol on meiofauna and prokaryotes from the sediments of the Bizerte lagoon-an experimental study

The biocide Irgarol 1051 has been reported to have negative effects on a large number of living components including non-target organisms, but information on its impact on the marine meiofauna and benthic prokaryotes is completely lacking. Here, we report the results of long-term experimental studies in which we determined the effects of increasing Irgarol concentrations (from 11.5 to 315 ng g(-1) sediment dry weight) on meiofauna and benthic prokaryotes. We found that this biocide had a significant impact on meiofauna abundance, even at the lowest concentrations, causing a drastic decline in the abundance of nematodes (the dominant meiofaunal taxon) and an increase of the relative importance of oligochaetes. Even if no direct effects of Irgarol were found on prokaryotic abundance and biomass, the molecular fingerprinting analyses (automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis) showed that the prokaryotic diversity was significantly altered by the biocide. The results of the present study indicate that Irgarol 1051 in marine sediments has a significant impact on the smallest eukaryotic and microbial components also at very low concentrations (ca 12 ng g(-1)).

Antimicrobial Action of Compounds from Marine Seaweed

Seaweed produces metabolites aiding in the protection against different environmental stresses. These compounds show antiviral, antiprotozoal, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Macroalgae can be cultured in high volumes and would represent an attractive source of potential compounds useful for unconventional drugs able to control new diseases or multiresistant strains of pathogenic microorganisms. The substances isolated from green, brown and red algae showing potent antimicrobial activity belong to polysaccharides, fatty acids, phlorotannins, pigments, lectins, alkaloids, terpenoids and halogenated compounds. This review presents the major compounds found in macroalga showing antimicrobial activities and their most promising applications.

RAFT polymerization of bromotyramine-based 4-acryloyl-1,2,3-triazole: a functional monomer and polymer family through click chemistry

A series of bromotyramine-based 4-acryloyl-1,2,3-triazole monomers and polymers using click chemistry and RAFT polymerization.

Mevalonosomes: specific vacuoles containing the mevalonate pathway in Plocamium brasiliense cortical cells (Rhodophyta)

This paper has identified, for the first time in a member of the Rhodophyta, a vacuolar organelle containing enzymes that are involved in the mevalonate pathway-an important step in red algal isoprenoid biosynthesis. These organelles were named mevalonosomes (Mev) and were found in the cortical cells (CC) of Plocamium brasiliense, a marine macroalgae that synthesizes several halogenated monoterpenes. P. brasiliense specimens were submitted to a cytochemical analysis of the activity of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGS). Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we confirmed the presence of HMGS activity within the Mev. Because HMGS is necessary for the biosynthesis of halogenated monoterpenes, we isolated a hexanic fraction (HF) rich in halogenated monoterpenes from P. brasiliense that contained a pentachlorinated monoterpene as a major metabolite. Because terpenes are often related to chemical defense, the antifouling (AF) activity of pentachlorinated monoterpene was tested. We found that the settlement of the mussel Perna perna was reduced by HF treatment (2.25 times less than control; 40% and 90% of fouled surface, respectively; P = 0.001; F9,9 = 1.13). The HF (at 10 μg · mL(-1) ) also inhibited three species of fouling microalgae (Chlorarachnion reptans, Cylindrotheca cloisterium, and Exanthemachrysis gayraliae), while at a higher concentration (50 μg · mL(-1) ), it inhibited the bacteria Halomonas marina, Polaribacter irgensii, Pseudoalteromonas elyakovii, Shewanella putrefaciens, and Vibrio aestuarianus. The AF activity of P. brasiliense halogenated monoterpenes and the localization of HMGS activity inside Mev suggest that this cellular structure found in CC may play a role in thallus protection against biofouling.

Designing environmentally benign modified silica resin coatings with biomimetic textures for antibiofouling

Siloxane modified acrylic resin coatings with positive and negative replication textures were successfully fabricated by biomimicking the surface structures of natural lotus leaf and white crab shell via a replication method.

Antifouling and toxic properties of the bioactive metabolites from the seagrasses Syringodium isoetifolium and Cymodocea serrulata

The present study documents the antifouling and toxic properties of seagrasses Syringodium isoetifolium and Cymodocea serrulata. For that, the seagrasses S. isoetifolium and C. serrulata were extracted individually using organic solvents viz. dichloromethane, acetone and methanol. Amongst the extracts, the maximum antimicrofouling and antimacrofouling activities were exhibited by methanol extracts of both the seagrasses. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of methanolic extracts of seagrasses was ranged from 1.0 to 10µg/ml against test biofilm bacteria and microalgal strains. Similarly, 100% fouling inhibition of limpet Patella vulgata was found at 6.0mg/ml of methanolic extracts of seagrasses. The mussel Perna indica showed 50% of byssal production and attachment inhibition at 21.51±2.03, 17.82±1.07µg/ml and the anticrustaecean activity for 50% mortality of Artemia salina was recorded at 732.14±9.21 and 394.16±5.16µg/ml respectively for methanolic extracts of S. isoetifolium and C. serrulata. The minimal inhibitory and higher lethal concentrations of active methanol extracts shows it׳s less toxic nature. Based on the prolific results, methanol extracts of S. isoetifolium and C. serrulata were subjected to purification using silica gel column and thin layer chromatography. Then the active compounds of the bioassay guided fractions were partially characterized using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and keyed out that fatty acids (C16 to C24) were the major components which responsible for the antifouling properties of the candidate seagrasses.

Interactions between microbial biofilms and marine fouling algae: a mini review

Natural and artificial substrata immersed in the marine environment are typically colonized by microorganisms, which may moderate the settlement/recruitment of algal spores and invertebrate larvae of macrofouling organisms. This mini-review summarizes the major interactions occurring between microbial biofilms and marine fouling algae, including their effects on the settlement, growth and morphology of the adult plants. The roles of chemical compounds that are produced by both bacteria and algae and which drive the interactions are reviewed. The possibility of using such bioactive compounds to control macrofouling will be discussed.

Eleganolone, a diterpene from the French marine alga Bifurcaria bifurcata inhibits growth of the human pathogens Trypanosoma brucei and Plasmodium falciparum

Organic extracts of 20 species of French seaweed have been screened against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense trypomastigotes, the parasite responsible for sleeping sickness. These extracts have previously shown potent antiprotozoal activities in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania donovani. The selectivity of the extracts was also evaluated by testing cytotoxicity on a mammalian L6 cell line. The ethyl acetate extract of the brown seaweed, Bifurcaria bifurcata, showed strong trypanocidal activity with a mild selectivity index (IC(50) = 0.53 µg/mL; selectivity index (SI) = 11.6). Bio-guided fractionation led to the isolation of eleganolone, the main diterpenoid isolated from this species. Eleganolone contributes only mildly to the trypanocidal activity of the ethyl acetate extract (IC(50) = 45.0 µM, SI = 4.0). However, a selective activity against P. falciparum erythrocytic stages in vitro has been highlighted (IC(50) = 7.9 µM, SI = 21.6).

Quorum sensing inhibition by Asparagopsis taxiformis, a marine macro alga: separation of the compound that interrupts bacterial communication

The majority of the marine algal species, though completing their life cycle in seawater, are rarely susceptible to fouling, making them an important source of quorum sensing (QS) inhibitory substances. The separation and characterization of QS inhibitors are crucial for any potential application. Thirty marine macroalgae were tested for QS inhibition activity by using Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 as the reporter strain, and among them, Asparagopsis taxiformis showed antibacterial, as well as antiquorum, sensing activities. Cinnamaldehyde (75 mM) and methanol were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The antiquorum sensing activity of A. taxiformis was further confirmed using the sensor strain, Serratia liquefaciens MG44, having green fluorescent protein (gfp). Methanolic extract of the alga was fractionated by solid phase extraction (SPE), and each fraction was tested for QS inhibition. Two types of activities were observed—zone of clearance (antibacterial activity) and zone of inhibition with or without finger-like projections (QS inhibition). Out of five SPE cartridges, Bond Elut PH showed clear separation of these two fractions. The Ion Cyclotron Resonance Fourier Transformation Mass Spectrometer (ICR-FT/MS) analysis of the fractions further supported the bioassay results. The presence of strong QS inhibitory compound in A. taxiformis indicates its potential use in antifouling preparations.