Growth responses to temperature,salinity and nutrient variations,and biomass variation and phenology of Ahnfeltia plicata (Rhodophyta,Ahnfeltiales): a commercially interesting agarophyte from the Magellanic Region,Chile

Ahnfeltia plicata (Hudson) E.M. Fries (Rhodophyta, Ahnfeltiales) is one of the most commercially important agarophytes in the world for its production of agar that is high quality and low in sulfate content. In the Magellanic Region, A. plicata forms extensive beds with high biomass production, which could be commercially exploited for agar production. The purposes of this study were to determine the optimal conditions of temperature, salinity, and culture medium; to evaluate the effects of different types and concentrations of auxins and cytokinins on growth of red and yellow gametophytes; and to provide background information on ecological parameters of natural population of A. plicata. Temperatures of 5, 8, 15, and 23 °C were tested, and the interaction of salinity of 25 and 35 psu with Provasoli enriched medium in half (PES/2) and quarter strength (PES/4), and with von Stosch enriched medium in half (VSES/2) and quarter strength (VSES/4) was also conducted. Concentrations of 5.0 and 50.0 μM of two auxins (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)), and two cytokinins (isopentenyladenine (iP) and benzylaminopurine) were added to VSES medium and gelled with 0.5 % agar. Each treatment was tested with three replicates. Red gametophytes of A. plicata tolerate a range of temperature variation, from 5 to 23 °C, and the optimum temperature for growth was 15 °C. The highest growth rate was observed in salinity of 35 psu with half strength of von Stosch culture medium. Red and yellow gametophytes showed different responses to plant growth regulators, and red gametophytes were more sensitive than yellow ones to the addition of IAA and high concentration of iP. However, growth of red gametophytes of A. plicata was stimulated by 2,4-D. The differential sensitivity of red and yellow gametophytes to plant growth regulators suggests the need to test other types and concentrations of auxins and cytokinins.     

Distribution, biomass and primary production of an Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis (Ahnfeltiales, Rhodophyta) population in the Bay of Izmena, Kunashir Island

Regularities of distribution and primary production of an Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis (Kanno et Matsubara) Mak. population, an agar-containing red alga, were studied in the Bay ot Izmena. Experiments were conducted in a flow-through system under conditions similar to algal habitats. The population of A. tobuchiensis unattached to the ground may be from a few centimeters to as much as 1 m thick. It has been shown that only the upper part of a stratum 15–20 cm thick receives a sufficient amount ot light to realize its production potential. While 15–20% of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of that falling on the water surface reaches the stratum surface, only 0.1% of PAR from that falling on the water surface penetrates through stratum 15 cm thick. It has been shown for A. tobuchiensis that its photosynthetic rate curve during the daytime mainly follows the PAR intensity curve. The highest values of photosynthetic rate have been measured in the afternoon when PAR reaches its maximum. It is noted that a stratum 15–20 cm thick has peak values ot net primary production (NPP) which averages 3.2 g C m^?2 day^?1. The total area of A. tobuchiensis population was 23.4 km², and its biomass was 125 000 tons in this area. On average, the NPP of the A. tobuchiensis population made up in summer and in autumn was 46.8 and 25.0% of its biomass, respectively.     

The influence of environmental factors and nutrient concentrations in tissues of the seaweed Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis (Rhodophyta: Ahnfeltiales) on the primary production and dark respiration of its population

Complex investigations of the influence of environmental factors, viz., the temperature, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), ambient seawater concentrations of ammonium (NH₄), and orthophosphate (PO₄), as well as the contents of organic carbon (C), nitrogen, phosphorus, and a-chlorophyll (Ch) on the rate of photosynthesis (P_n) and dark respiration (R_d) in the tissues of the unattached red seaweed Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis (Rhodophyta: Ahnfeltiales) population, were performed in the summers of 2000 and 2008 in Izmeny Bay (Kunashir Island) under in situ conditions. The dependence of photosynthesis on PAR intensity (P-I dependence) is described by the equation of a hyperbolic tangent. The population of A. tobuchiensis forms a layer up to 50 cm thick with an area of 23.3 km₂ and a biomass of 125 000 tons. The P_n rate of seaweed population during daylight hours varies within a wide range, with an average of 1.04 mg O₂ O₂/(g _{dry weight} h) and largely depends on PAR intensity and availability (r = 0.70–0.98). The maximum photosynthesis rate (P_max) is substantially defined by the ambient concentration of NH₄ (r ² = 0.91, p < 0.01). The rate of R_d during the night is on average 0.1 mg O₂/(g _{dry weight} h) and mainly depends on the content of Ch in seaweed tissues (r ² = 0.83, p < 0.01), which, in its turn, is regulated by the ambient concentration of PO₄ (r ² = 0.86, p < 0.01). With average biomass values of 5.4 kg/m² or 1.8 kg_{dry weight}/m², the net primary production (P_n) of seaweed population is estimated to be on average 22.5 g O₂/(m² day) or 8.4 g C/(m² day). Based on these indices, the investigated population is one of the most productive ecosystems of the World Ocean. It is supposed that such indices of the A. tobuchiensis population are attained due to the highly efficient use of weak light and a low light-saturation level of photosynthesis, compared to other seaweeds.     

Sulfation of a polysaccharide produced by a marine filamentous fungus Phoma herbarum YS4108 alters its antioxidant properties in vitro

Free radicals and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated by all aerobic cells and are widely believed to play a significant role in aging as well as a number of degenerative or pathological diseases. This study compared the free radical-scavenging properties and antioxidant activity of YCP, a polysaccharide from the mycelium of a marine filamentous fungus Phoma herbarum YS 4108 and its two chemically sulfated derivatives YCP-S1 and YCP-S2. Sulfation, which masks hydroxyl groups of YCP polysaccharide molecule, could introduce new antioxidant activity, such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity, metal chelating action, lipid peroxidation and linoleic acid oxidation inhibition capability. Furthermore, sulfated YCP was more potent than YCP at protecting erythrocytes against oxidative damage hemolysis. The current data suggest for the first time that sulfation of polysaccharide significantly increases its antioxidant activity and the chemical modification of polysaccharides may allow the preparation of derivatives with new properties and a variety of applications.     

Population studies and carrageenan properties of Chondracanthus teedei var. lusitanicus (Gigartinaceae, Rhodophyta)

Features of an intertidal population of Chondracanthus teedei var. lusitanicus, which occurs in sandy basins on rocky shores of part of the Portuguese coast (Buarcos, Figueira da Foz), were studied over one year. Biomass and plant size showed a small increase in early spring (April), a marked increase in early summer (June/July) and were at a minimum in late summer. There was generally more tetrasporophytes (4–32.5%) than female gametophytes (3–29%), which contrasts with other geographical regions where C. teedei populations have been studied, such as Brazil and France. However, non-fructified thalli predominated throughout the year. Phycocolloid extracts were compared for the various stages using spectroscopic methods (FTIR, FT-Raman, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR). These showed a hybrid carrageenan belonging to the lambda family in the tetrasporophyte and a hybrid kappa-iota-mu-nu carrageenan in the female gametophyte and non-fructified thalli. The average phycocolloid content was 34.9% dry weight, with a maximum of 43.6% in July. The combination of high available biomass and phycocolloid content makes this species a potentially important source of kappa/iota hybrid carrageenan in Portugal additional to the traditionally harvested carrageenophytes.     

Sulfation of genistein alters its antioxidant properties and its effect on platelet aggregation and monocyte and endothelial function

Soy isoflavones have been extensively studied because of their possible benefits to human health. Genistein, the major isoflavone aglycone, has received most attention; however, it undergoes extensive metabolism (e.g. conjugation with sulfuric acid) in the gut and liver, which may affect its biological properties. This study investigated the antioxidant activity and free radical-scavenging properties of genistein, genistein-4'-sulfate and genistein-4'-7-disulfate as well as their effect on platelet aggregation and monocyte and endothelial function. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) and spin trapping data and other standard antioxidant assays indicated that genistein is a relatively weak antioxidant compared to quercetin and that its sulfated metabolites are even less effective. Furthermore, genistein-4'-sulfate was less potent than genistein, and genistein-4'-7-disulfate even less potent, at inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation, nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages, and secretion by primary human endothelial cells of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). The current data suggest that sulfation of genistein, with the associated loss of hydroxyl groups, decreases its antioxidant activity and its effect on platelet aggregation, inflammation, cell adhesion and chemotaxis.     

The interspecific relationships of seaweeds and their role in the formation of communities of Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis (Kanno et Matsubara, 1932) Makienko, 1970 (Rhodophyta)

The character and intensity of interspecific relationships between common species of an Ahnfeltia bed community (Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis, Ahnfeltiopsis flabelliformis, Chondrus armatus, and Ptilota filicina) were investigated in relation to light levels and concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. Growth and photosynthetic rates of seaweeds were measured in mono and co-cultures, as well as in a medium containing the metabolites of attendant species. Under low light conditions, A. tobuchiensis showed the highest competitive ability among the species we studied. The experimental results indicated both negative (exploitative competition, allelopathic inhibition of production processes of a competitor) and positive (stimulation of growth and photosynthesis of accompanying species) relationships between seaweeds. Increased nutrient concentrations and light levels resulted in a substantial reduction in the intensity of interspecific relationships. The dynamic system of positive and negative relationships may regulate the A. tobuchiensis community structure; the intensity of interspecific relationships depends on the availability of resources such as light and nutrients.     

In vitro antioxidant studies of Sphaeranthus indicus (Linn)

The free radical scavenging potential of the plant S. indicus was studied by using different antioxidant models of screening. The ethanolic extract at 1000 microg/ml showed maximum scavenging of the radical cation, 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) observed upto 41.99% followed by the scavenging of the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) (33.27%), superoxide dismutase (25.14%) and nitric oxide radical (22.36%) at the same concentration. However, the extract showed only moderate scavenging activity of iron chelation (14.2%). Total antioxidant capacity of the extract was found to be 160.85 nmol/g ascorbic acid. The results justify the therapeutic applications of the plant in the indigenous system of medicine, augmenting its therapeutic value.     

A sulfated galactan with antioxidant capacity from the green variant of tetrasporic Gigartina skottsbergii (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta)

The water soluble polysaccharide produced by the green variant of tetrasporic Gigartina skottsbergii was found to be composed of D-galactose and sulfate groups in a molar ratio of 1.0:0.65. (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy studies of the desulfated polysaccharide showed a major backbone structure of alternating 3-linked β-D-galactopyranosyl and 4-linked α-D-galactopyranosyl units, and minor signals ascribed to 3-O-methyl-substitution on the latter unit. Ethylation analysis of the polysaccharide indicated that the sulfate groups are mainly located at position O-2 of 4-linked α-D-galactopyranosyl residue and partially located at positions O-6 of the same unit and at position O-2 of 3-linked β-D-galactopyranosyl residue, and confirmed the presence of 3-O-methyl-galactose in minor amounts (4.4%). The sulfated d-galactan presents a similar structure to λ carrageenan but with much lower sulfation at position O-6 of the α-residue and at position O-2 of β-residue. The antioxidant capacity of the sulfated d-galactan was evaluated by the peroxyl radicals (ORAC method), hydroxyl radicals, chelating activity, and ABTS(+) assays. Kinetic results obtained in these assays were compared with those obtained for the commercial λ carrageenan. The antioxidant activity toward peroxyl radicals was higher for commercial λ carrageenan, this agrees with its higher content of sulfate group. The kinetics of the reaction of both polysaccharides with hydroxyl and ABTS(+) radicals showed a complex mechanism, but the antioxidant activity was higher for the polysaccharide from the green variant of tetrasporic Gigartina skottsbergii.     

Xanthan-g-poly(acrylamide): Microwave-assisted synthesis,characterization and in vitro release behavior

Xanthan-g-poly(acrylamide) was synthesized employing microwave-assisted and ceric-induced graft copolymerization, and was characterized by FT-IR, DSC, XRD and SEM studies. Matrix tablets of diclofenac sodium were formulated using graft copolymer as the matrix by direct compression technique. Release behavior of the graft copolymer was evaluated using USP type-II dissolution apparatus in 900 ml of phosphate buffer (pH 6.8), maintained at 37 °C and at 50 rpm. Microwave-assisted grafting provided graft copolymer with higher % grafting in a shorter time in comparison to the ceric-induced grafting. The % grafting was found to increase with the increase in the power of microwave and/or time of exposure. The matrix tablets were found to release the drug by zero-order kinetics, and the faster release of drug was observed from the graft copolymer matrix as compared to the xanthan gum matrix. It was observed that grafting reduces the swelling, but increases the erosion of xanthan gum.     

Characterization of a fucoidan from Lessonia vadosa (Phaeophyta) and its anticoagulant and elicitor properties

Blades of Lessonia vadosa (Phaeophyta) were extracted with 2% CaCl(2) solution, affording in 4.4% yield a polysaccharide which contained fucose and sulfate groups in the molar ratio 1.0:1.12. The high negative optical activity value ([alpha](D)(22)=-134.0 degrees ), FT-IR and NMR analysis suggest the presence of a fucoidan. (13)C NMR spectrum of the polysaccharide obtained by solvolytic desulfation of native fucoidan indicated the major presence of 1-->3 linked alpha-l-fucan. Depolymerization of the native fucoidan with H(2)O(2) in the presence of copper(II) acetate gave in 54.8% yield a fraction with 33.7% of sulfate content. The native fucoidan (MW 320,000) showed good anticoagulant activity whereas the radical depolymerized fraction (MW 32,000) presented a weak anticoagulant activity. These polysaccharides showed significant activation of phenylalanine-ammonia lyase (PAL), lipooxygenase (LOX) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) defence enzyme activities in tobacco plants.     

Seasonal variation of nutritional and antioxidant properties of different Kappaphycus alvarezii strains (Rhodophyta) farmed in Brazil

Journal of Applied Phycology - Antioxidant potential, carbohydrate content, ash, minerals, proteins, and amino acids of Kappaphycus alvarezii farmed along the São Paulo coast, Brazil, were...     

Production and properties of agar from the invasive marine alga, Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)

The utilization potential, in terms of agar production, of the invasive alga, Gracilaria vermiculophylla, collected at Ria de Aveiro, northwestern Portugal was investigated. The agar yield ranged from 15% to 33%, with pre-extraction treatment with alkali generally increasing the yield. The gel quality (gel strength and apparent Young’s modulus) was best (>600 g cm^?2 and >1,000 kPa, respectively) when alkali treatment with 6% NaOH for 3.5 h was performed. At these pretreatment conditions, the effect of extraction time was also investigated and highest yield and best gel quality were obtained with a 2 h extraction time. By employing these extraction conditions, G. vermiculophylla can be a source of industrial food-grade agar. The structure of agar from G. vermiculophylla was determined through chemical techniques and FTIR and NMR spectrometry. It is mainly composed of alternating 3-linked d-galactose and 4-linked 3,6-anhydro-l-galactose, with methyl substitution occurring at 16–19 mol% of C-6 in 3-linked units and 2–3 mol% of C-2 in 4-linked units. A minor sulfation on C-4 of 3-linked units was also detected; while precursor units (6-sulfated 4-linked galactosyl moieties) were found in the native extract.     

Synthesis and in vitro antioxidant properties of manganese(III) beta-octabromo-meso-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin

Manganese(III) meso-tetrakis(4-carboxypheny)porphyrin (MnTBAP) is a readily available and widely used agent to scavenge reactive oxygen species. A major limitation of MnTBAP is its relatively weak potency due to its low metal centered redox potential. The goal of these studies was to prepare a more potent analog of MnTBAP by increasing its redox potential through beta-substitution on the porphyrin ring by bromination. Manganese(III) beta-octabromo-meso-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (MnBr(8)TBAP) was prepared in three steps starting from the methyl ester of the free ligand meso-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin, with an overall yield of 50%. The superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity of MnBr(8)TBAP (IC(50)=0.7 microM) was the same as manganese(III) meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (MnTM-4-PyP(5+)), while the metal-centered redox potential of the first was considerably higher than the second (E(1/2)=+128 and 0 mV vs. normal hydrogen electrode, respectively). However, a number of these cationic Mn-porphyrins (such as MnTM-4-PyP(5+)) redox-cycle with cytochrome P450 reductase in the presence of oxygen and NADPH whereas MnTBAP and its halogenated analog, MnBr(8)TBAP do not. The enhanced ability of MnBr(8)TBAP to inhibit paraquat- and hypoxia-induced injuries in vitro is also reported. In these in vitro models, in which cationic Mn-porphyrins exhibit very low activity, MnBr(8)TBAP appears to be at least eightfold more active than the non-brominated analog MnTBAP.     

Chemical components and its antioxidant properties in vitro: An edible marine brown alga,Ecklonia cava

Seven phlorotannins were isolated and characterized from an edible marine brown alga Ecklonia cava (EC), along with three common sterol derivatives (fucosterol, ergosterol, and cholesterol) according to the comprehensive spectral analysis of MS and NMR data. Compounds 5 (7-phloro eckol) and 7 (6,6′-bieckoll) of phlorotannin derivatives were obtained for the first time with the high yields. No reports of compound 3 (Fucodiphloroethol G) was published up to date. The antioxidant properties of all phlorotannins were assessed by total antioxidant activity in a linoleic acid model, free radicals scavenging assay using electron spin resonance spectrometry (ESR) technique, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay by DCFH-DA, membrane protein oxidation assay; measurement of cellular glutathione (GSH) level in RAW264.7 cell line, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay in HL-60 cell line. The results revealed that all phlorotannins had antioxidant properties in vitro, especially, compounds 7 (6,6′-bieckol), 6, and 3 showed the significant activities compared to the other phlorotannins. Furthermore, the structure–activity relationship (SAR) was discussed based on the structural differences of the tested phlorotannins which have polymeriged phloroglucinal units with diverse skeletons and linkages. It could be suggested that phlorotaninns from this genus would be more potential candidates for the development of unique natural antioxidants for further industrial applications as functional foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. As well as our results makes it clear to understand the reason behind the use of EC as traditional folk herb for a long history.     

Hybridization studies in Bostrychia. 1: B. radicans (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) from Pacific and Atlantic North America

Bostrychia radicans(Montagne) Montagne is a pantropical/temperate red alga associated with mangroves and saltmarsh plants. Collections were made from a similar north-south geographic distribution along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America. Hybridization studies were performed with cultured isolates to assess the extent of interfertility and reproductive isolation along these two coastlines. All male and female gametophytes derived from single tetrasporophytes were intercompatible. Almost all isolates extending over 1500 km of coast line from northern Pacific Mexico are compatible, forming cystocarps that released viable carpospores. Even isolates which morphologically would be placed in two species [B. radicans and B. moritziana(Sender ex Kützing) J. Agardh], based on the presence or absence of monosiphonous branches, were capable of hybridizing. Crosses of isolates from the Atlantic USA showed a greater amount of incompatibility. Certain isolates were not compatible with any other isolates including isolates collected in close proximity (North Carolina isolates), while other isolates from the same locality were compatible (South Carolina). An isolate from South Carolina formed tetrasporophytes with isolates from Pacific Mexico but tetraspores were not viable. Certain incompatible crosses formed ‘pseudocystocarps’ but viable carposporophytes did not develop. Generalizations about reproductive isolation within a species must also consider differences between populations from different biogeographic regions that may reflect different paleoclimatological histories, founder effects and unique dispersal events.