Algae 

About: Algae is an academic journal published by Korean Society of Phycology. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Genus & Phytoplankton. It has an ISSN identifier of 1226-2617. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 985 publications have been published receiving 11173 citations. The journal is also known as: alga & algal.

Antioxidant Activity of Enzymatic Extracts from Brown Seaweeds

Abstract: Potential antioxidative activities of enzymatic extracts from seven species of brown seaweeds were evaluated using four different reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging assays containing DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-pricrylhydrazyl) free radical, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. The brown seaweeds were enzymatically hydrolyzed to prepare water-soluble extracts by using five carbohydrate degrading enzymes (Viscozyme, Celluclast, AMG, Termamyl and Ultraflo) and five proteases (Protamex, Kojizyme, Neutrase, Flavourzyme and Alcalase) of commercial and inexpensive enzymes obtained from Novozyme Co. (Novozyme Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark). The enzymatic extracts exhibited more prominent effects in hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (approximately 90%) compared to the other scavenging activities and the activity of enzymatic extracts was even higher than that of the commercial antioxidants. In particular, Ultraflo and Alcalase extracts of S. horneri were dose-dependent and thermally stable. Moreover the two enzymatic extracts strongly inhibited DNA damage (approximately 50%). Those extracts showed significantly (p<0.05) remarkable scavenging effects in DPPH free radical scavenging assay and the activity indicated a marked correlation with phenolic contents. From the results, enzymatic extracts of the brown seaweeds might be valuable antioxidative sources.

Seaweed aquaculture: cultivation technologies, challenges and its ecosystem services

Abstract: Copyright © 2017 The Korean Society of Phycology 1 http://e-algae.org pISSN: 1226-2617 eISSN: 2093-0860 Seaweed aquaculture: cultivation technologies, challenges and its ecosystem services Jang K. Kim, Charles Yarish*, Eun Kyoung Hwang, Miseon Park and Youngdae Kim Department of Marine Science, School of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1 University Place, Stamford, CT 06901, USA Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 1 University Place, Stamford, CT 06901, USA Seaweed Research Center, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Mokpo 58746, Korea Southeast Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Tongyeong 46083, Korea

Antioxidants from macroalgae: potential applications in human health and nutrition

Abstract: The underlying physiology of algal antioxidant compounds is reviewed in the context of seaweed biology and utilization. The application of seaweed antioxidants in foods, food supplements, nutraceuticals and medicine is considered from the perspective of benefits to human health. We advocate that direct consumption of seaweed products for their antioxidant composition alone provides a useful alternative to non-natural substances, while simultaneously providing worthwhile nutritional benefits. Economic utilization of seaweeds for their antioxidant properties remains in its infancy. This review provides examples ranging from laboratory studies through to clinical trials where antioxidants derived from seaweeds may provide major health benefits that warrant subsequent investigative studies and possible utilization.

Astaxanthin in microalgae: pathways, functions and biotechnological implications

Abstract: Major progress has been made in the past decade towards understanding of the biosynthesis of red carotenoid astaxanthin and its roles in stress response while exploiting microalgae-based astaxanthin as a potent antioxidant for human health and as a coloring agent for aquaculture applications. In this review, astaxanthin-producing green microalgae are briefly summarized with Haematococcus pluvialis and Chlorella zofingiensis recognized to be the most popular astaxanthin-producers. Two distinct pathways for astaxanthin synthesis along with associated cellular, physiological, and biochemical changes are elucidated using H. pluvialis and C. zofingiensis as the model systems. Interactions between astaxanthin biosynthesis and photosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis and enzymatic defense systems are described in the context of multiple lines of defense mechanisms working in concert against photooxidative stress. Major pros and cons of mass cultivation of H. pluvialis and C. zofingiensis in phototrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic culture modes are analyzed. Recent progress in genetic engineering of plants and microalgae for astaxanthin production is presented. Future advancement in microalgal astaxanthin research will depend largely on genome sequencing of H. pluvialis and C. zofingiensis and genetic toolbox development. Continuous effort along the heterotrophic-phototrophic culture mode could lead to major expansion of the microalgal astaxanthin industry.

Refinements for the amplification and sequencing of red algal DNA barcode and RedToL phylogenetic markers: a summary of current primers, profiles and strategies

Abstract: This review provides a comprehensive summary of the PCR primers and profiles currently in use in our laboratory for red algal DNA barcoding and phylogenetic research. While work focuses on florideophyte taxa, many of the markers have been applied successfully to the Bangiales, as well as other lineages previously assigned to the Bangiophyceae sensu lato. All of the primers currently in use with their respective amplification profiles and strategies are provided, which can include full fragment, overlapping fragments and what might best be called "informed overlapping fragments", i.e., a fragment for a marker is amplified and sequenced for a taxon and those sequence data are then used to identify the best primers to amplify the remaining fragment(s) for that marker. We extend this strategy for the more variable markers with sequence from the external PCR primers used to "inform" the selection of internal sequencing primers. This summary will hopefully serve as a useful resource to systematists in the red algal community.