Characterization of Macro- and Microalgae Extracts Bioactive Compounds and Micro- and Macroelements Transition from Algae to Extract

Volatile Profiling of Spirulina Food Supplements

Spirulina, a cyanobacterium widely used as a food supplement due to its high nutrient value, contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is crucial to assess the presence of VOCs in commercial spirulina products, as they could influence sensory quality, various processes, and technological aspects. In this study, the volatile profiles of seventeen commercial spirulina food supplements were determined using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The identification of volatile compounds was achieved using a workflow that combined data processing with software tools and reference databases, as well as retention indices (RI) and elution order data. A total of 128 VOCs were identified as belonging to chemical groups of alkanes (47.2%), ketones (25.7%), aldehydes (10.9%), alcohols (8.4%), furans (3.7%), alkenes (1.8%), esters (1.1%), pyrazines (0.8%), and other compounds (0.4%). Major volatiles among all samples were hydrocarbons, especially heptadecane and heptadec-8-ene, followed by ketones (i.e., 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one, β-ionone, 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexan-1-one), aldehydes (i.e., hexanal), and the alcohol oct-1-en-3-ol. Several volatiles were found in spirulina dietary supplements for the first time, including 6,10-dimethylundeca-5,9-dien-2-one (geranylacetone), 6,10,14-trimethylpentadecan-2-one, hept-2-enal, octanal, nonanal, oct-2-en-1-ol, heptan-1-ol, nonan-1-ol, tetradec-9-en-1-ol, 4,4-dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-ol, 2,6-diethylpyrazine, and 1-(2,5-dimethylfuran-3-yl) ethanone. The methodology used for VOC analysis ensured high accuracy, reliability, and confidence in compound identification. Results reveal a wide variety of volatiles in commercial spirulina products, with numerous newly discovered compounds, prompting further research on sensory quality and production methods.

Introducing of high rich lysine, arginine, and unsaturated fatty acids microalga as a food supplement

Microalgae are powerful source for nutritionally valuable components as proteins, carbohydrates and especially unsaturated fatty acids. Microalgae may be employed in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, health industries, and biofuels. In this study for looking at high-level unsaturated fatty acids species, from 31 strains, by comparing growth curves, the best strain with a high growth rate and lipid content was selected by red Nile staining. It was determined by molecular identification that this strain belongs to the genus Chlorella sp. and is deposited into the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran Culture collection with culture collection number ABRIICC 30,041. Biomass analysis after growth optimization by response surface methodology showed that the selected strain had a specific growth rate of 0.216 ± 0.008 d-1, biomass productivity of 142.58 ± 4.41 mg/Ld, and lipid content of 13.9 ± 0.26% with a high level of unsaturated fatty acids of 53.15%. It also included 51.3 ± 0.53% protein with a very high quality essential amino acids of 40.36%, the most lysine (8.77%) and arginine (13.31%) has been reported until now, and 26.9 ± 0.23% carbohydrates in photoautotroph condition. By MTT assay, there is no effect of cytotoxicity. This research introduces a potent native strain comparable with commercial strains that can be a hopeful source for food supplements and valuable bioactive ingredients in functional foods.

Enhancing meat quality of weaned piglets with the dietary incorporation of Ulva lactuca and carbohydrases supplementation

The impact of the dietary incorporation of 7% Ulva lactuca, a green seaweed, on the quality and nutritional value of piglet's meat was assessed. U. lactuca is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds but its cell wall is composed of complex polysaccharides that reduce their bioavailability. Therefore, the effect of supplementing piglet diets with exogenous carbohydrases was also assessed here. A total of 40 male weaned piglets were divided into four dietary groups, each with 10 piglets: control (wheat, maize and soybean meal-based diet), UL (7% U. lactuca replacing the control diet), UL + R (UL and 0.005% Rovabio®), and UL + E (UL and 0.01% ulvan lyase). The piglets were fed the diets for 2 weeks. The results showed that incorporating U. lactuca in piglet diets did not influence most of the meat quality traits (P > 0.05). However, the incorporation of U. lactuca with the commercial carbohydrase (UL + R) increased the amount of the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) in their meat (P = 0.011) compared with the control, by 54%. In addition, meat from piglets fed seaweed diets showed a nearly two-fold increase in iodine contents (P < 0.001). Meat tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability of piglets fed the control diet and the UL diet were lower than those fed the diets containing seaweed and carbohydrases (P < 0.001). Overall, the findings indicate that 7% U. lactuca in the diets of weaned piglets had no major detrimental effects on meat quality and their carbohydrase supplementation has the potential to improve meat sensory traits.

Study of the Antimicrobial Potential of the Arthrospira platensis, Planktothrix agardhii, Leptolyngbya cf. ectocarpi, Roholtiella mixta nov., Tetraselmis viridis, and Nanofrustulum shiloi against Gram-Positive, Gram-Negative Bacteria, and Mycobacteria

The incidence of diseases brought on by resistant strains of micro-organisms, including tuberculosis, is rising globally as a result of the rapid rise in pathogenic micro-organism resistance to antimicrobial treatments. Secondary metabolites with potential for antibacterial activity are produced by cyanobacteria and microalgae. In this study, gram-positive (S. aureus, E. faecalis) and gram-negative (K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa) bacteria were isolated from pulmonary tuberculosis patients receiving long-term antituberculosis therapy. The antimicrobial potential of extracts from the cyanobacteria Leptolyngbya cf. ectocarpi, Planktothrix agardhii, Arthrospira platensis, Rohotiella mixta sp. nov., Nanofrustulum shiloi, and Tetraselmis (Platymonas) viridis Rouchijajnen was evaluated. On mouse splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages, extracts of cyanobacteria and microalgae had inhibitory effects. In vitro studies have shown that cyanobacteria and microalgae extracts suppress the growth of bacteria and mycobacteria. At the same time, it has been demonstrated that cyanobacterial and microalgal extracts can encourage bacterial growth in a test tube. Additionally, the enhanced fucoxanthin fraction significantly reduced the development of bacteria in vitro. In a mouse experiment to simulate tuberculosis, the mycobacterial load in internal organs was considerably decreased by fucoxanthin. According to the information gathered, cyanobacteria and microalgae are potential sources of antibacterial compounds that can be used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical raw materials.

Dietary Ulva lactuca and CAZyme supplementation improve serum biochemical profile and hepatic composition of weaned piglets

Ulva lactuca is a seaweed with antinutritional cell wall for monogastrics. Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes) supplementation can potentially cause its disruption. This study evaluates four diets: Ctrl-control diet; UL-control + 7% U. lactuca (wild caught, powdered form); ULR-UL + 0.005% Rovabio^® Excel AP; ULU-UL + 0.01% ulvan lyase on piglets' haematologic and serologic profiles, hepatic lipids and minerals. White blood cells and lymphocytes reached the highest values in piglets fed UL compared to control, and to control and ULR; respectively (P < 0.05). IgG levels were boosted by seaweed incorporation compared to control (P = 0.015). The glycaemic homeostasis was assured by the seaweed inclusion. Dietary seaweed decreased serum lipids (P < 0.001), with the exception of ULU, due to HDL-cholesterol increase (P < 0.001). Cortisol was decreased in ULR and ULU (P < 0.001). No systemic inflammation was observed (P > 0.05). While hepatic n-3 PUFA increased in piglets fed with seaweed diets due to increment of beneficial 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 fatty acids (P < 0.05), the opposite occurred for n-6 PUFA, PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios (P < 0.05). Hepatic pigments were unchanged (P > 0.05). ULR reduced α-tocopherol levels (P = 0.036) and increased serum potassium levels (P < 0.001) compared to control. Seaweed contributed to overcome piglets' weaning stress, with some benefits of including CAZyme supplementation.

Biological active metabolites from microalgae for healthcare and pharmaceutical industries: A comprehensive review

Microalgae are photoautotrophic microorganisms which comprise of species from several phyla. Microalgae are promising in producing a varieties of products, including food, feed supplements, chemicals, and biofuels. Medicinal supplements derived from microalgae are of a significant market in which compounds such as -carotene, astaxanthin, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and polysaccharides such as -glucan, are prominent. Microalgae species which are commonly applied for commercial productions include Isochrysis sp., Chaetoceros (Chlorella sp.), Arthrospira sp. (Spirulina Bioactive) and many more. In this present review, microalgae species which are feasible in metabolites production are being summarized. Metabolites produced by microalgae as well as their prospective applications in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, are comprehensively discussed. This evaluation is greatly assisting industrial stakeholders, investors, and researchers in making business decisions, investing in ventures, and moving the production of microalgae-based metabolites forward.

Antimicrobial therapeutics isolated from algal source: retrospect and prospect

In the last few decades, attention on new natural antimicrobial compounds has arisen due to a change in consumer preferences and the increase in the number of resistant microorganisms. Algae are defined as photosynthetic organisms that demonstrate a wide range of adaptability to adverse environmental conditions like temperature extremes, photo-oxidation, high or low salinity, and osmotic stress. Algae are primarily known to produce large amounts of secondary metabolite against various kinds of pathogenic microbes. Among these algae, micro and microalgae of river, lake, and algae of oceanic origin have been reported to have antimicrobial activity against the bacteria and fungi of pathogenic nature. Various polar and non- polar extracts of micro- and macro algae have been used for the suppression of these pathogenic fungi. Apart from these, certain algal derivatives have also been isolated from these having antibacterial and antifungal potential. Among the bioactive molecules of algae, polysaccharides, sulphated polysaccharides, phyco-cyanobilins polyphenols, lectins, proteins lutein, vitamin E, B₁₂ and K₁, peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids and pigments can be highlighted. In the present review, we will discuss the biological activity of these derived compounds as antifungal/ antibacterial agents and their most promising applications. A brief outline is also given for the prospects of these isolated phytochemicals and using algae as therapeutic in the dietary form. We have also tried to answer whether alga-derived metabolites can serve as potential therapeutics for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 like viral infections too.

Effect of solid-state fermentation and ultrasonication processes on antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of algae extracts

Algal biomass (AB) is prospective source of valuable compounds, however, Baltic Sea macroalgae have some challenges, because of their high microbial and chemical contamination. These problems can be solved, by using appropriate technologies for AG pre-treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of two pre-treatments, solid-state fermentation with the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LUHS135 and ultrasonication, on the antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics of macro- (Cladophora rupestris, Cladophora glomerata, Furcellaria lumbricalis, Ulva intestinalis) and Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) extracts. Also, combinations of extracts and LUHS135 were developed and their characteristics were evaluated. The total phenolic compound content was determined from the calibration curve and expressed in mg of gallic acid equivalents; antioxidant activity was measured by a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay using the DPPH^• (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS^•+ 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) discoloration methods. Antimicrobial activity was measured by using agar well diffusion assay and in a liquid medium. The highest DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ was shown by C.rupestris and F.lumbricalis extract × LUHS135 combinations, the highest FRAP - by non-pretreated C.rupestris and F.lumbricalis extract × LUHS135 combinations. Ultrasonicated samples inhibited four out of seven tested pathogens. Finally, the tested pre-treatments showed good perspectives and can be recommended for AB valorization.

Aralia cordata Thunb. as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity

Plant primary and secondary metabolites are a significant source for many applications, including extractions of functional components, green synthesis development, and producing higher-added value products. However, in the variety of botanicals, Aralia cordata Thunb. plant is getting attention for its similarity to ginseng. This study comprehensively examines the biochemical and phytochemical profiles of different A. cordata morphological parts: root, stem, leaf, inflorescence, berry, and seed. Additionally, the establishment of total phenolic content and quantitative analysis of powerful antioxidants such as chlorophyll, carotenoids (zeaxanthin, lutein, and β-carotene), proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins content were evaluated. The results indicated that A. cordata stem and berries are an excellent source of anthocyanins in the range from 18.27 to 78.54 mg/100 g DW. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity was evaluated using three different methods based on the capacity to scavenge: DPPH^• scavenging capacity, ABTS^•+ radical cation assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and ranged from 27 to 168 µmol TE/g DW, 8 to 117 µmol TE/g DW, and 18 to 157 µmol TE/g DW, respectively. This study proposes a novel competitive plant for many health-promoting applications in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, material, and food industries.

Use of Microalgae Biomass for Fortification of Food Products from Grain

This article describes the use of Chlorella sorokiniana biomass additives in pasta recipes to enrich the product with biologically active phytonutrients, as well as to achieve the desired color range without the use of synthetic dyes. Samples of dry biomass were obtained by the cultivation of microalgae C. sorokiniana (strain), its quality indicators and nutritional value were determined for use as a food additive. A method of using dry biomass of microalgae C. sorokiniana as a phytoadditive to replace 5% of flour mixture for effective enrichment of pasta with biologically active phytonutrients was proposed. The choice of the optimal amount of addition of microalgae biomass was proved since it turned out that the replacement of flour should be no more than 5% due to the distinct fish flavor of the final product. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding dry biomass of Chlorella microalgae on total protein, lipid, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content. Substitution of 5% of pasta flour led to an increase in the content of proteins and lipids to 15.7 ± 0.50% and 4.1 ± 0.06%, respectively. Meanwhile, the addition of microalgae Chlorella to pasta has helped to increase the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, chlorophyll, and carotenoids which are necessary for the prevention of foodborne diseases. The aim of this study is to develop pasta recipe with additives of microalgae biomass C. sorokiniana and study their quality indicators.

Exploring the Potential of Icelandic Seaweeds Extracts Produced by Aqueous Pulsed Electric Fields-Assisted Extraction for Cosmetic Applications

A growing concern for overall health is driving a global market of natural ingredients not only in the food industry but also in the cosmetic field. In this study, a screening on potential cosmetic applications of aqueous extracts from three Icelandic seaweeds produced by pulsed electric fields (PEF) was performed. Produced extracts by PEF from Ulva lactuca, Alaria esculenta and Palmaria palmata were compared with the traditional hot water extraction in terms of polyphenol, flavonoid and carbohydrate content. Moreover, antioxidant properties and enzymatic inhibitory activities were evaluated by using in vitro assays. PEF exhibited similar results to the traditional method, showing several advantages such as its non-thermal nature and shorter extraction time. Amongst the three Icelandic species, Alaria esculenta showed the highest content of phenolic (mean value 8869.7 µg GAE/g dw) and flavonoid (mean value 12,098.7 µg QE/g dw) compounds, also exhibiting the highest antioxidant capacities. Moreover, Alaria esculenta extracts exhibited excellent anti-enzymatic activities (76.9, 72.8, 93.0 and 100% for collagenase, elastase, tyrosinase and hyaluronidase, respectively) for their use in skin whitening and anti-aging products. Thus, our preliminary study suggests that Icelandic Alaria esculenta-based extracts produced by PEF could be used as potential ingredients for natural cosmetic and cosmeceutical formulations.