Cytotoxic activity of ten algae from the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea on human breast cancer cell lines; MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and T-47D

Understanding Macroalgae: A Comprehensive Exploration of Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, and Omics Dimensions

Driven by a surge in global interest in natural products, macroalgae or seaweed, has emerged as a prime source for nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical applications. Characterized by remarkable genetic diversity and a crucial role in marine ecosystems, these organisms offer not only substantial nutritional value in proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals, but also a diverse array of bioactive molecules with promising pharmaceutical properties. Furthermore, macroalgae produce approximately 80% of the oxygen in the atmosphere, highlighting their ecological significance. The unique combination of nutritional and bioactive attributes positions macroalgae as an ideal resource for food and medicine in various regions worldwide. This comprehensive review consolidates the latest advancements in the field, elucidating the potential applications of macroalgae in developing nutraceuticals and therapeutics. The review emphasizes the pivotal role of omics approaches in deepening our understanding of macroalgae's physiological and molecular characteristics. By highlighting the importance of omics, this review also advocates for continued exploration and utilization of these extraordinary marine organisms in diverse domains, including drug discovery, functional foods, and other industrial applications. The multifaceted potential of macroalgae warrants further research and development to unlock their full benefits and contribute to advancing global health and sustainable industries.

Sulfated Galactans from Agarophytes: Review of Extraction Methods, Structural Features, and Biological Activities

Agarophytes are important seaweeds of the Rhodophyta type, which have been highly exploited for industrial use as sources of a widely consumed polysaccharide of agar. In addition to that, sulfated galactans (SGs) from agarophytes, which consist of various functional sulfate groups, have attracted the attention of scientists in current studies. SGs possess various biological activities, such as anti-tumor, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-diarrhea, and gut microbiota regulation properties. Meanwhile, the taxonomy, ecological factors, i.e., environmental factors, and harvest period, as well as preparation methods, i.e., the pretreatment, extraction, and purification conditions, have been found to influence the chemical compositions and fine structures of SGs, which have, further, been shown to have an impact on their biological activities. However, the gaps in the knowledge of the properties of SGs due to the above complex factors have hindered their industrial application. The aim of this paper is to collect and systematically review the scientific evidence about SGs and, thus, to pave the way for broader and otherwise valuable industrial applications of agarophytes for human enterprise. In the future, this harvested biomass could be sustainably used not only as a source of agar production but also as natural materials in functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

A Review on the Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Effect of Marine Organisms of Persian Gulf

Marine organisms contain several natural products and bioactive compounds, including hydrolyzed proteins, antioxidant peptides, gelatin, collagen, ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, chitosan, lectin, and various toxins. They can inhibit diverse diseases, be used in pharmaceutical compounds, or as antibiotics and pigments. In this regard, these microorganisms are of crucial medicinal and economical importance. Thanks to new technologies and advanced laboratory methods, bioactive compounds can be extracted from aquatic organisms. In this review study, the cytotoxicity (IC50) and antibacterial effect of various extracts from marine organisms of the Persian Gulf are explored, compiled, and compared. Due to their easy accessibility, most of the studies are green, red, and brown algae.

Recent advances in exploiting carrageenans as a versatile functional material for promising biomedical applications

Carrageenans are a group of biopolymers widely found in red seaweeds. Commercial carrageenans have been traditionally used as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickening and gelling agents in food products. Carrageenans are regarded as bioactive polysaccharides with disease-modifying and microbiota-modulating activities. Novel biomedical applications of carrageenans as biocompatible functional materials for fabricating hydrogels and nanostructures, including carbon dots, nanoparticles, and nanofibers, have been increasingly exploited. In this review, we describe the unique structural characteristics of carrageenans and their functional relevance. We summarize salient physicochemical features, including thixotropic and shear-thinning properties, of carrageenans. Recent results from clinical trials in which carrageenans were applied as both antiviral and antitumor agents and functional materials are discussed. We also highlight the most recent advances in the development of carrageenan-based targeted drug delivery systems with various pharmaceutical formulations. Promising applications of carrageenans as a bioink material for 3D printing in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are systematically evaluated. We envisage some key hurdles and challenges in the commercialization of carrageenans as a versatile material for clinical practice. This comprehensive review of the intimate relationships among the structural features, unique rheological properties, and biofunctionality of carrageenans will provide novel insights into their biomedicine application potential.

Enhanced Anticancer Activity of Nedaplatin Loaded onto Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Red Algae

Marine algae are a rich source of biologically active compounds that can be utilized in various food and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was optimized to maximize yield and total carbohydrate content extracted from the red algae, Pterocladia capillacea. The extract was shown to possess potent antioxidant activity of up to ~70%, and was successfully used as a reducing and capping agent in the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles, which were characterized by UV-spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Primarily, CuO nanoparticles with an average size of 62 nm were produced. FTIR spectra for the extract and algal-mediated CuO nanoparticles showed characteristic polysaccharide peaks. The synthesized CuO nanoparticles were subsequently loaded with nedaplatin where UV data suggested a complex formation. Nedaplatin release profiles showed a sustained release that reached a maximum at 120 h. The formulation was shown to have greater cytotoxicity relative to nedaplatin on hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer and ovarian cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 0.40 ± 0.08, 1.50 ± 0.12, and 0.70 ± 0.09 µg/mL, respectively. Loading nedaplatin onto CuO nanoparticles synthesized using red algae extract, greatly enhances its anticancer effect.

Therapeutic Uses of Red Macroalgae

Red Seaweed “Rhodophyta” are an important group of macroalgae that include approximately 7000 species. They are a rich source of structurally diverse bioactive constituents, including protein, sulfated polysaccharides, pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds with nutritional, medical, and industrial importance. Polysaccharides are the main components in the cell wall of red algae and represent about 40–50% of the dry weight, which are extensively utilized in industry and pharmaceutical compounds, due to their thickening and gelling properties. The hydrocolloids galactans carrageenans and agars are the main red seaweed cell wall polysaccharides, which had broad-spectrum therapeutic characters. Generally, the chemical contents of seaweed are different according to the algal species, growth stage, environment, and external conditions, e.g., the temperature of the water, light intensity, nutrient concentrations in the ecosystem. Economically, they can be recommended as a substitute source for natural ingredients that contribute to a broad range of bioactivities like cancer therapy, anti-inflammatory agents, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory. This review touches on the main points of the pharmaceutical applications of red seaweed, as well as the exploitation of their specific compounds and secondary metabolites with vital roles.

Acetone Fraction of the Red Marine Alga Laurencia papillosa Reduces the Expression of Bcl-2 Anti-apoptotic Marker and Flotillin-2 Lipid Raft Marker in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Marine macroalgae have attracted much attention in recent years as a valuable source of bioactive metabolites. The cytotoxic potential of the Laurencia papillosa red alga collected from the Lebanese coast has been investigated on human breast cancer cells MCF-7. The crude extract of Laurencia papillosa (L. papillosa) was fractionated by column chromatography using a series of increasingly polar solvents (methylene chloride, acetone and methanol). Cytotoxicity of the crude extract and fractions was determined by MTT assay in MCF-7 cells. Apoptosis was detected by annexin V/propidium iodide assay and by measurement of Bcl-2 expression. Flotillin-2 expression was examined using RT-qPCR and Western blot. The crude extract, and the fractions of CH2Cl2 and acetone exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells. Apoptosis was specifically induced by one of the acetone fractions having the highest cytotoxicity. It has been demonstrated by an increase in late phase apoptotic cell populations, and a decrease in Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic marker expression on mRNA and protein levels in a dose- and time- dependent manner. Furthermore, this active fraction decreased Flotillin-2 expression associated with cancer progression. Our data suggest that L. papillosa is an important source of cytotoxic metabolites. Further studies are needed for the chemical characterization of the metabolite associated with observed biological activities.

An overview on red algae bioactive compounds and their pharmaceutical applications

Objectives To review red algae bioactive compounds and their pharmaceutical applications. Content Seaweed sources are becoming attractive to be used in health and therapeutics. Among these red algae is the largest group containing bioactive compounds utilized in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food industry, manure and various supplements in food formula. Various significant bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides (aginate, agar, and carrageenan), lipids and polyphenols, steroids, glycosides, flavanoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, antheraquinones and cardiac glycosides have been reported in red algae. The red algae have rich nutritional components Different polysaccharides of red algae possess the antiviral potential namely agarans, carrageenan, alginate, fucan, laminaran and naviculan. Sulfated polysaccharides and carraginans of red algae are rich source of soluble fibers which can account for antitumor activities depending upon chemistry of various secondary metabolites and metabolism of cell line. Flavons-3-ols containing catechins from many red algae block the telomerase activity in colon cancer cells. Contraceptive agents were tested from red algae as a source for post-coital. Lectin of red algae showed pro-healing properties and anti-ulcerogenic activities. Carragenates from red algae also conferred a positive influence on diabetes. Red algae depicted a reducing effect on plasma lipids and obesity. Porphyran from red alga can act as anti-hyperlipidemic agent also reduces the apolipoprotein B100 via suppression of lipid synthesis in human liver. Summary The polyphenolic extracts of Laurencia undulate, Melanothamnus afaqhusainii and Solieria robusta extract show anti-inflammatory effects against multiple genera of devastating fungi. Antioxidants such as phlorotannins, ascorbic acids, tocopherols, carotenoids from red algae showed toxicity on some cancer cells without side effects. Red algae Laurencia nipponica was found insecticidal against mosquito larvae. Red algae fibers are very important in laxative and purgative activities. Gracilaria tenuistipitat resisted in agricultural lands polluted with cadmium and copper. Outlook In the recent decades biotechnological applications of red algae has been increased. Polysaccharides derived from red algae are important tool for formulation of drugs delivery system via nanotechnology.

The Influence of Spirulina platensis Filtrates on Caco-2 Proliferative Activity and Expression of Apoptosis-Related microRNAs and mRNA

Spirulina platensis (SP) is a blue-green microalga that has recently raised attention not only as a nutritional component, but also as a source of bioactivities that have therapeutic effects and may find application in medicine, including cancer treatment. In the present study we determined the cytotoxic effect of S. platensis filtrates (SPF) on human colon cancer cell line Caco-2. Three concentrations of SPF were tested-1.25%, 2.5%, and 5% (v/v). We have found that the highest concentration of SPF exerts the strongest anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect on Caco-2 cultures. The SPF negatively affected the morphology of Caco-2 causing colony shrinking and significant inhibition of metabolic and proliferative activity of cells. The wound-healing assay showed that the SPF impaired migratory capabilities of Caco-2. This observation was consistent with lowered mRNA levels for metalloproteinases. Furthermore, SPF decreased the transcript level of pro-survival genes (cyclin D1, surviving, and c-Myc) and reduced the autocrine secretion of Wnt-10b. The cytotoxic effect of SPF involved the modulation of the Bax and Bcl-2 ratio and a decrease of mitochondrial activity, and was related with increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). Moreover, the SPF also caused an increased number of cells in the apoptotic sub-G0 phase and up-regulated expression of mir-145, simultaneously decreasing expression of mir-17 and 146. Obtained results indicate that SPF can be considered as an agent with anti-cancer properties that may be used for colon cancer prevention and treatment.

Antioxidant screening and phenolic content of ethanol extracts of selected Baja California Peninsula macroalgae

The Baja California Peninsula in México has about 670 species of macroalgae along its coast. Species richness increases the probability of finding native macroalgae with potential as sources of bioactive compounds suitable for health, pharmacological, and cosmetic ingredients. To understand the biotechnological value of macroalgae from the peninsula, ethanol extracts from 17 macroalgae (four Chlorophyta, six Rhodophyta, seven Ochrophyta) were screened for antioxidant potential. To determine the antioxidant capacity of macroalgal extracts, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power, and nitric oxide radical scavenging as well as total phenolic content (TPC) were measured. Extracts of the brown macroalgae were most active. Among these, Eisenia arborea, Padina concrecens, and Cystoseira osmundacea had the highest TPC and exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activities. Correlations were found between TPC macroalgal and scavenging capacity, indicating an important role of polyphenols as antioxidants. This suggests that some brown macroalgae from Baja California Peninsula may be a good source of natural bioactive compounds.

Chemical constituents and biological activities of two Iranian Cystoseira species

The marine environment represents approximately half of the global biodiversity and could provide unlimited biological resources for the production of therapeutic drugs. Marine seaweeds comprise few thousands of species representing a considerable part of the littoral biomass. Extracts of the Cystoseira indica and Cystoseira merica were subjected to phytochemical and cytotoxicity evaluation. The amount of total phenol was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Cytotoxicity was characterized by IC₅₀ of human cancer cell lines including MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), and HT-29 (human colon adenocarcinoma) using Sulforhodamin assay. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The analysis revealed that tannins, saponins, sterols and triterpenes were the most abundant constituents in these Cystoseira species while cyanogenic and cardiac glycosides were the least ones. C. indica had the higher content of total phenolics and also showed higher antioxidant activity. Cytotoxic results showed that both species inhibited cell growth effectively, especially against MCF-7 cell line. The present findings suggest potential pharmacological applications of selected seaweeds but require further investigation and identification of their bioactive principles.

Cytotoxic, antioxidant and phytochemical analysis of Gracilaria species from Persian Gulf

BACKGROUND

Marine algae, also called seaweeds, are abundantly present in the coastal area of Iran, especially in Persian Gulf. These plants contain important phytochemical constituents and have potential biological activities. The present study investigated the presence of phytochemical constituents and total phenolic quantification of the seaweeds Gracilaria salicornia and Gracilaria corticata. Cytotoxicity of seaweeds was tested against HT-29, HeLa, and MCF-7 cell lines. Antioxidant potential of these two Gracilaria species was also analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extracts of G. salicornia and G. corticata were subjected to phytochemical and cytotoxicity tests. Phytochemical screenings were employed to identify the chemical constituents and total phenolic content. Cytotoxicity was characterized by IC50 of human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HeLa, and HT-29) using sulforhodamine assay. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed that tannins were the most abundant compounds in G. corticata while sterols and triterpenes were the most abundant ones in G. salicornia, but the total phenolic content of the two seaweeds was similar. Cytotoxic results showed that both species could inhibit cell growth effectively, especially against HT-29 cell line.

CONCLUSION

Considerable phytochemicals, high antioxidant potential, and moderate cytotoxic activity of G. salicornia and G. corticata make them appropriate candidates for further studies and identification of their bioactive principles.