Application of macroalgae from the Portuguese coast in functional foods: biochemical and chemical characterization

Seaweeds are an important marine resource used for millennia, with applications in many sectors such as food, cosmetic, pharmaceutic, agriculture, among others. They can be classified as: red algae (Rhodophyta), brown algae (Phaeophyta) and green algae (Chlorophyta). The addition of seaweeds or their extracts to food products should enrich these products with bioactive compounds, substances that help improving health. Thus, this study aims to: i) characterize chemically and biochemically four seaweed species Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Himanthalia elongata and Ulva sp.; ii) develop dairy products, incorporating seaweed; iii) assessment of Ulva sp. and C. crispus maintenance under laboratory conditions, without losing their properties and freshness. The results showed that the highest amounts of protein were found in C. crispus and P. palmata. The analysis of antioxidant enzymes showed higher SOD (U/mg total protein) in C. crispus, while the highest catalase activities were found in H. elongata and Ulva sp. Furthermore, the highest antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenolic content (TPC) were determined in H. elongata. Regarding total lipids and sugars, low levels were measured in all species. Two dairy products (cheese curd and yogurt) were developed with Ulva sp. and C. crispus. After developing the algae-enriched products, a sensory analysis was performed to find the best formulation. Then, protein content, AC, TPC and fatty acid profile were assessed. Significant differences were found in protein content and in some fatty acids, when comparing enriched with non-enriched dairy products. Thus, depending on seaweed species, it was possible to enrich the dairy products with some functional compounds. Moreover, the maintenance of the algae in the laboratory was promising, showing potential to grow under controlled conditions. This work highlights the great potential of marine algae for enriching food products with bioactive compounds, with benefits for a healthy diet and providing health benefits.As macroalgas são um importante recurso marinho utilizado há milénios, com aplicações em diversos setores como o alimentar, cosmético, farmacêutico, agrícola, entre outros. Podem ser classificados em: algas vermelhas (Rhodophyta), algas castanhas (Phaeophyta) e algas verdes (Chlorophyta). A adição de algas marinhas ou dos seus extratos aos produtos alimentares pode enriquecer esses produtos com compostos bioativos, substâncias que trazem benefícios à saúde. Assim, este estudo tem como objetivos: i) caracterizar química e bioquimicamente quatro espécies de macroalgas: Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Himanthalia elongata e Ulva sp.; ii) desenvolver produtos lácteos, incorporando algas marinhas; iii) avaliar a capacidade da Ulva. sp. e C. crispus sobreviverem em condições laboratoriais e não perderem as suas propriedades. Os resultados mostraram que as maiores quantidades de proteína foram encontradas na C. crispus e P. palmata. A análise das enzimas antioxidantes mostrou maior atividade de SOD (U/mg proteína total) na C. crispus, enquanto as maiores atividades de catalase foram encontradas em H. elongata e Ulva. sp. Além disso, a maior capacidade antioxidante (AC) e conteúdo fenólico total (TPC) foram determinados em H. elongata. Em relação aos lípidos e açúcares totais, níveis baixos foram medidos em todas as espécies. Dois produtos lácteos (requeijão e iogurte) foram desenvolvidos com Ulva. sp. e C. crispus respetivamente. Após desenvolver os produtos enriquecidos com algas, foi realizada uma análise sensorial para encontrar a melhor formulação. Em seguida, o conteúdo de proteína, AC, TPC e perfil de ácidos gordos foram avaliados. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas no teor de proteína e em alguns ácidos gordos, quando comparados os laticínios enriquecidos com os não enriquecidos. Assim, dependendo das espécies de algas marinhas, foi possível enriquecer os laticínios com alguns compostos funcionais. Além disso, a manutenção das algas em laboratório foi promissora, apresentando potencial de crescimento em condições controladas. Este trabalho destaca o grande potencial das algas marinhas para o enriquecimento de produtos alimentares com compostos bioativos, criando assim uma alimentação saudável e proporcionando benefícios à saúde

Data_Sheet_1_First generation of multifunctional peptides derived from latarcin-3a from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin.DOCX

The need for discovering new compounds that can act selectively on pathogens is becoming increasingly evident, given the number of deaths worldwide due to bacterial infections or tumor cells. New multifunctional biotechnological tools are being sought, including compounds present in spider venoms, which have high biotechnological potential. The present work aims to perform the rational design and functional evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin, known as latarcin-3a. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 4 and 128 μg.ml−1. Anti-biofilm tests were then performed to obtain MICs, where the peptides demonstrated activity from 4 to 128 μg.ml−1. In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were carried out from tumor cell lines, lineages C1498, Kasumi-1, K-562, Jurkat, MOLT4, and Raji. Erythrocyte integrity was evaluated in the presence of synthetic peptides analog, which did not promote hemolysis at 128 μg.ml−1. The peptide that showed the best antibacterial activity was Lt-MAP3 and the best antitumor was Lt-MAP2. In conclusion, rational design of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides may be promising alternative tools in the treatment of emerging diseases such as bacterial infections and tumor cells.</p

Image_5_First generation of multifunctional peptides derived from latarcin-3a from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin.TIF

The need for discovering new compounds that can act selectively on pathogens is becoming increasingly evident, given the number of deaths worldwide due to bacterial infections or tumor cells. New multifunctional biotechnological tools are being sought, including compounds present in spider venoms, which have high biotechnological potential. The present work aims to perform the rational design and functional evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin, known as latarcin-3a. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 4 and 128 μg.ml−1. Anti-biofilm tests were then performed to obtain MICs, where the peptides demonstrated activity from 4 to 128 μg.ml−1. In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were carried out from tumor cell lines, lineages C1498, Kasumi-1, K-562, Jurkat, MOLT4, and Raji. Erythrocyte integrity was evaluated in the presence of synthetic peptides analog, which did not promote hemolysis at 128 μg.ml−1. The peptide that showed the best antibacterial activity was Lt-MAP3 and the best antitumor was Lt-MAP2. In conclusion, rational design of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides may be promising alternative tools in the treatment of emerging diseases such as bacterial infections and tumor cells.</p

Image_7_First generation of multifunctional peptides derived from latarcin-3a from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin.TIF

The need for discovering new compounds that can act selectively on pathogens is becoming increasingly evident, given the number of deaths worldwide due to bacterial infections or tumor cells. New multifunctional biotechnological tools are being sought, including compounds present in spider venoms, which have high biotechnological potential. The present work aims to perform the rational design and functional evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin, known as latarcin-3a. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 4 and 128 μg.ml−1. Anti-biofilm tests were then performed to obtain MICs, where the peptides demonstrated activity from 4 to 128 μg.ml−1. In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were carried out from tumor cell lines, lineages C1498, Kasumi-1, K-562, Jurkat, MOLT4, and Raji. Erythrocyte integrity was evaluated in the presence of synthetic peptides analog, which did not promote hemolysis at 128 μg.ml−1. The peptide that showed the best antibacterial activity was Lt-MAP3 and the best antitumor was Lt-MAP2. In conclusion, rational design of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides may be promising alternative tools in the treatment of emerging diseases such as bacterial infections and tumor cells.</p

Image_6_First generation of multifunctional peptides derived from latarcin-3a from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin.TIF

The need for discovering new compounds that can act selectively on pathogens is becoming increasingly evident, given the number of deaths worldwide due to bacterial infections or tumor cells. New multifunctional biotechnological tools are being sought, including compounds present in spider venoms, which have high biotechnological potential. The present work aims to perform the rational design and functional evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin, known as latarcin-3a. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 4 and 128 μg.ml−1. Anti-biofilm tests were then performed to obtain MICs, where the peptides demonstrated activity from 4 to 128 μg.ml−1. In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were carried out from tumor cell lines, lineages C1498, Kasumi-1, K-562, Jurkat, MOLT4, and Raji. Erythrocyte integrity was evaluated in the presence of synthetic peptides analog, which did not promote hemolysis at 128 μg.ml−1. The peptide that showed the best antibacterial activity was Lt-MAP3 and the best antitumor was Lt-MAP2. In conclusion, rational design of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides may be promising alternative tools in the treatment of emerging diseases such as bacterial infections and tumor cells.</p

Image_3_First generation of multifunctional peptides derived from latarcin-3a from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin.TIF

The need for discovering new compounds that can act selectively on pathogens is becoming increasingly evident, given the number of deaths worldwide due to bacterial infections or tumor cells. New multifunctional biotechnological tools are being sought, including compounds present in spider venoms, which have high biotechnological potential. The present work aims to perform the rational design and functional evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin, known as latarcin-3a. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 4 and 128 μg.ml−1. Anti-biofilm tests were then performed to obtain MICs, where the peptides demonstrated activity from 4 to 128 μg.ml−1. In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were carried out from tumor cell lines, lineages C1498, Kasumi-1, K-562, Jurkat, MOLT4, and Raji. Erythrocyte integrity was evaluated in the presence of synthetic peptides analog, which did not promote hemolysis at 128 μg.ml−1. The peptide that showed the best antibacterial activity was Lt-MAP3 and the best antitumor was Lt-MAP2. In conclusion, rational design of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides may be promising alternative tools in the treatment of emerging diseases such as bacterial infections and tumor cells.</p

Image_2_First generation of multifunctional peptides derived from latarcin-3a from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin.TIF

The need for discovering new compounds that can act selectively on pathogens is becoming increasingly evident, given the number of deaths worldwide due to bacterial infections or tumor cells. New multifunctional biotechnological tools are being sought, including compounds present in spider venoms, which have high biotechnological potential. The present work aims to perform the rational design and functional evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin, known as latarcin-3a. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 4 and 128 μg.ml−1. Anti-biofilm tests were then performed to obtain MICs, where the peptides demonstrated activity from 4 to 128 μg.ml−1. In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were carried out from tumor cell lines, lineages C1498, Kasumi-1, K-562, Jurkat, MOLT4, and Raji. Erythrocyte integrity was evaluated in the presence of synthetic peptides analog, which did not promote hemolysis at 128 μg.ml−1. The peptide that showed the best antibacterial activity was Lt-MAP3 and the best antitumor was Lt-MAP2. In conclusion, rational design of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides may be promising alternative tools in the treatment of emerging diseases such as bacterial infections and tumor cells.</p

Image_8_First generation of multifunctional peptides derived from latarcin-3a from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin.TIF

The need for discovering new compounds that can act selectively on pathogens is becoming increasingly evident, given the number of deaths worldwide due to bacterial infections or tumor cells. New multifunctional biotechnological tools are being sought, including compounds present in spider venoms, which have high biotechnological potential. The present work aims to perform the rational design and functional evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin, known as latarcin-3a. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 4 and 128 μg.ml−1. Anti-biofilm tests were then performed to obtain MICs, where the peptides demonstrated activity from 4 to 128 μg.ml−1. In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were carried out from tumor cell lines, lineages C1498, Kasumi-1, K-562, Jurkat, MOLT4, and Raji. Erythrocyte integrity was evaluated in the presence of synthetic peptides analog, which did not promote hemolysis at 128 μg.ml−1. The peptide that showed the best antibacterial activity was Lt-MAP3 and the best antitumor was Lt-MAP2. In conclusion, rational design of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides may be promising alternative tools in the treatment of emerging diseases such as bacterial infections and tumor cells.</p

Image_4_First generation of multifunctional peptides derived from latarcin-3a from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin.TIF

The need for discovering new compounds that can act selectively on pathogens is becoming increasingly evident, given the number of deaths worldwide due to bacterial infections or tumor cells. New multifunctional biotechnological tools are being sought, including compounds present in spider venoms, which have high biotechnological potential. The present work aims to perform the rational design and functional evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin, known as latarcin-3a. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 4 and 128 μg.ml−1. Anti-biofilm tests were then performed to obtain MICs, where the peptides demonstrated activity from 4 to 128 μg.ml−1. In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were carried out from tumor cell lines, lineages C1498, Kasumi-1, K-562, Jurkat, MOLT4, and Raji. Erythrocyte integrity was evaluated in the presence of synthetic peptides analog, which did not promote hemolysis at 128 μg.ml−1. The peptide that showed the best antibacterial activity was Lt-MAP3 and the best antitumor was Lt-MAP2. In conclusion, rational design of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides may be promising alternative tools in the treatment of emerging diseases such as bacterial infections and tumor cells.</p

Image_1_First generation of multifunctional peptides derived from latarcin-3a from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin.TIF

The need for discovering new compounds that can act selectively on pathogens is becoming increasingly evident, given the number of deaths worldwide due to bacterial infections or tumor cells. New multifunctional biotechnological tools are being sought, including compounds present in spider venoms, which have high biotechnological potential. The present work aims to perform the rational design and functional evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin, known as latarcin-3a. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 4 and 128 μg.ml−1. Anti-biofilm tests were then performed to obtain MICs, where the peptides demonstrated activity from 4 to 128 μg.ml−1. In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were carried out from tumor cell lines, lineages C1498, Kasumi-1, K-562, Jurkat, MOLT4, and Raji. Erythrocyte integrity was evaluated in the presence of synthetic peptides analog, which did not promote hemolysis at 128 μg.ml−1. The peptide that showed the best antibacterial activity was Lt-MAP3 and the best antitumor was Lt-MAP2. In conclusion, rational design of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides may be promising alternative tools in the treatment of emerging diseases such as bacterial infections and tumor cells.</p