From Seaweeds to Cosmeceutics: A Multidisciplinar Approach

Macroalgae are widespread on the coasts of all the globe and lead to a negative ecological impact, requiring expensive remediations. Therefore, the valorization of invasive seaweed as a renewable source of bioactive products could represent a valid solution. In this context, three algal biomasses, belonging to brown, green, and red families (Sargassum muticum, Ulva lactuca, Solieria filiformis), collected in the venetian Laguna, were investigated as a source of active compounds for the formulation of cosmeceutics. Microwave (MW) and ultrasound (US) were applied to enhance the algae extraction by means of a hydroalcoholic solution. According to total phenolic content (TPC) evaluation, MW demonstrated the best performing outcomes, resulting in 19.77, 22.02, and 16.94 mgGAE/gExtr (30 min at 90 °C) for brown, green, and red algae, respectively. Antioxidant activity was tested as well, showing comparable trends (49.19, 26.24, and 3.02 mmolTrolox eq./gExtr for brown, green, and red algae, respectively). Due to natural algae predisposition to absorb contaminants, the metal content analysis helped to screen the applicability of these extracts, identifying Ulva lactuca as the most suitable source of antioxidants for cosmetic formulations. This MW extract was then adopted to formulate two different preparations, namely a gel and an emulsion. Thermal and mechanical tests confirmed the stability of each formulation, together with neutral organoleptic characteristics. Finally, the actives release was investigated by means of a tape stripping essay, showing an efficient controlled release for gel formulation, even after 7 h of test. The produced cosmeceutics merged non-conventional extraction technologies with formulation expertise, offering a valuable alternative to solve the macroalgae disposal issue.

Factors Affecting Efficiency of Biosorption of Fe (III) and Zn (II) by Ulva lactuca and Corallina officinalis and Their Activated Carbons

The removal of heavy metals from industrial waste has become crucial in order to maintain water quality levels that are suitable for environmental and species reproductive health. The biosorption of Zn+2 and Fe+3 ions from aqueous solution was investigated using Ulva lactuca green algal biomass and Corallina officinalis red algal biomass, as well as their activated carbons. The effects of biosorbent dosage, pH, contact time, initial metal concentration, and temperature on biosorption were evaluated. The maximum monolayer capacity of Ulva lactuca and Corallina officinalis dry algal powder and algal activated carbon was reached at pH 5 and 3 for Zn+2 and Fe+3, respectively, while the other factors were similar for both algae, which were: contact time 120 min, adsorbent dose 1 g, temperature 40 °C and initial concentrations of metal ion 50 mg·L−1. The batch experimental data can be modelled using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Thermodynamic characteristics revealed that the adsorption process occurs naturally and is endothermic and spontaneous. For the adsorption of Zn+2 and Fe+3 ions, the value of G° was found to be negative, confirming the practicality of the spontaneous adsorption process, which could be helpful for remediation in the era of temperature increases.

Inhibition Activity Of Ethanolic Extract Of Ulva lactuca Against Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a normal flora that can cause mild skin infections, one of which is acne. Commonly used chemical treatments are antibiotics such as Clindamycin. Continuous use of antibiotics can lead to resistance. Natural ingredients that are possible can inhibit the growth of bacteria. Treatment caused by S.aureus is Ulva lactuca Linn. (Green algae). This marine biota contains compounds that have the potential to be antibacterial, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, and saponins. This study aims to compare antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of Ulva lactuca and Clindamycin against S. aureus bacteria. This type of research is an experimental laboratory. Ulva lactuca was extracted by maceration method using ethanol 96% solvent. Then carried out testing for antibacterial activity using the agar diffusion method by sump technique. The study was divided into 6 groups. One Clindamycin group and 5 treatment groups respectively with extract concentrations of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. The test was carried out in 3 repetitions. Data analysis was processed by SPSS using the Kruskal-Wallis test to determine which groups had difference. The results showed that the ethanolic extract of Ulva lactuca was able to inhibit the growth of S. aureus bacteria with strong categories at concentrations of 20%, 40%, and 60%. Very strong category at 80% and 100% concentrations. The 100% concentration had the largest average inhibition zone diameter of 22 ± 0.577 mm which was not significantly different from Clindamycin with a significance value of 0.043 (p <0.05). This study concludes that the ethanolic extract of Ulva lactuca has activity in inhibiting the growth of S.aureus bacteria with strong to very strong categories, but statistically not as strong as Clindamycin

Chemical Composition of the Red Sea Green Algae Ulva lactuca: Isolation and In Silico Studies of New Anti-COVID-19 Ceramides

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the ongoing pandemic which has claimed the lives of millions of people. This has prompted the scientific research community to act to find treatments against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that include safe antiviral medicinal compounds. The edible green algae U. lactuca. is known to exhibit diverse biological activities such as anti-influenza virus, anti-Japanese encephalitis virus, immunomodulatory, anticoagulant, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Herein, four new ceramides in addition to two known ones were isolated from Ulva lactuca. The isolated ceramides, including Cer-1, Cer-2, Cer-3, Cer-4, Cer-5 and Cer-6 showed promising antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 when investigated using in silico approaches by preventing its attachment to human cells and/or inhibiting its viral replication. Cer-4 and Cer-5 were the most effective in inhibiting the human angiotensin converting enzyme (hACE)–spike protein complex which is essential for the virus to enter the human host. In addition to this, Cer-4 also showed an inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 protease (Mpro) that is responsible for its viral replication and transcription. In this study, we also used liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectroscopy (LC–ESI–HRMS) to identify several metabolites of U. lactuca, including metabolites such as fatty acids, their glyceride derivatives, terpenoids, sterols and oxysterols from the organic extract. Some of these metabolites also possessed promising antiviral activity, as previously reported.

The quality of Ulva lactuca fatty acid microemulsion with ascorbic acid antioxidant during storage

This study aims to determine the effect of temperature and storage duration on Ulva lactuca fatty acid quality in microemulsion with ascorbic acid antioxidants. U. lactuca is a green algae obtained from coastal areas in Trenggole, Yogyakarta. The stages in this study were extraction of U. lactuca fatty acid, production of its microemulsion, and addition of ascorbic acid antioxidant. The extraction of fatty acid was carried out using hexane and ethanol solvents with a ratio of 1:19 (v/v) at 70°C for 3 hours. Furthermore, the microemulsion production was done by using three different types of surfactants, including Tween 80, Tween 20, and Span 80, at a ratio of 7,0:7,5:5,5 (v/v), respectively, with 80% water content and 200 ppm of U. lactuca fatty acid. This study consisted of three treatments of ascorbic acid antioxidants, namely 0, 100, and 200 ppm. The microemulsions with ascorbic acid were stored at 10, 30, and 50°C. The quality measurements were carried out between 4 to 20 days. The results showed the temperatures and storage time significantly affected turbidity, antioxidant activity, peroxide, and TBA value up to the 20th day of storage. The turbidity value increased more than 1% on the 20th day, while the peroxide and TBA values were still in the standard of food products. Therefore, the use of ascorbic acid as an antioxidant with a concentration of 200 ppm was appropriate to inhibit the rate of damage to the microemulsion.