Screening for New Cosmeceuticals from Brown Algae Fucus vesiculosus with Antioxidant and Photo-Protecting Properties

Phlorotannins play a role in biological functions to protect the cells against UV and oxidative damage in brown algae. We hypothesized that these compounds can function as photo-protectors and antioxidants in skin care formulations. Two types of extracts (water (FV-WE) and 67% v/v ethanol (FV-EE)) from Fucus vesiculosus were obtained with a phlorotannin content between 7−14% in dry extract. Exposure to sun light during growth was included as a factor on the phlorotannin content but did not influence the phlorotannin content. However, green colored F. vesiculosus had lower total phenolic content (TPC) (FV-WE = 6.9 g GAE 100 g⁻¹ dw, FV-EE = 7.8 g GAE 100 g⁻¹ dw) compared to those with a yellow/brownish color (FV-WE = 10.4–13.7 g GAE 100 g⁻¹ dw, FV-EE = 11.2–14.0 g GAE 100 g⁻¹ dw). UVA and UVB photo protective capabilities of the extracts through different biological effective protection factors (BEPFs) were evaluated using in vitro methods; the Mansur method for sun protection factor (SPF) and calculation of effective solar absorption radiation (%ESAR) to determine SPF and UVA protection factor (UVA-PF) of the extract and in seaweed enriched lotion. The SPF was negligible, when evaluating FV-WE in lotion (10 and 20% w/w). Moreover, %ESAR of the FV-WE showed SPF and some UVA-PF, but not enough to give sufficient SPF in lotions (10% w/w). It was concluded that the concentration of UV protecting compounds in the extracts was too low to and that further fractionation and purification of phlorotannins is needed to increase the SPF.     

Influence of High Molecular Weight Glutenins on Viscoelastic Properties of Intact Wheat Kernel and Relation to Functional Properties of Wheat Dough

High and low molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS and LMW‐GS, respectively) are the main factors determining the viscoelastic properties of wheat dough. The mechanical and viscoelastic properties of 29 samples of wheat kernels differing in HMW‐GS were evaluated with load‐compression tests. Samples were grouped by genotypes differing in HMW‐GS composition (allelic variants: Glu‐A1: null, 1, 2*; Glu‐B1: 7, 7+8, 7+9, 13+16, and 17+18; Glu‐D1: 5+10, 2+12). Groups representing Glu‐A1 1 and 2*; Glu‐B1 7, 7+9 and 17+18; and Glu‐D1 5+10 generally possessed hard grain and showed the largest kernel elasticity values, while those representing subunits Glu‐A1 null; Glu‐B1 7+8; and Glu‐D1 2+12 had soft kernels and showed lower elastic work values. Genotypes possessing HMW‐GS 1, 17+18 and 5+10 gave large SDS‐sedimentation values and better dough viscoelastic properties than those with allelels: null, 7+8, and 2+12. Kernel hardness showed significant correlation with the dough‐strength‐related parameters: SDS‐sedimentation; dough mixing time; and the alveographic parameters, W and P. There was a negative correlation between kernel plastic work and dough mixing time and the dough tenacity/extensibility parameters, P/L. The significant relationship between sedimentation tests and kernel elastic work seems to indicate that elastic work is related to genotype (protein composition). The general tendency was that higher values in kernel elastic work and size corresponded to better dough rheological quality. Mechanical properties of the kernel were significantly related to the elastic behavior measured in a single wheat kernel. The use of the compression test on individual kernels is easy, rapid and nondestructive and therefore seems to show potential use as a rapid tool in breeding to improve wheat quality.     

Study of Viscoelastic Properties of Wheat Kernels Using Compression Load Method

The method to measure hardness and other viscoelastic properties of intact wheat kernels is presented. Wheat with 9.3% moisture showed high elastic behavior compared with wheat tempered at 22.5% moisture that showed a plastic behavior. Load‐deformation curves showed that bread wheat behaves as a more plastic material than durum wheat, which is a more elastic material. Yield point of all the wheat samples was ≈18.5 N, independent of wheat type and moisture content. The height of the wheat kernel increased linearly, and the compression area increased exponentially, with increasing moisture content. The modulus of elasticity of wheat ranged from 99.2 MPa for 22.5% moisture content to 394.8 MPa for 9.3% moisture content. Young's modulus range for soft wheat such as Salamanca, Saturno, and Cortazar cultivars was 232.2–308.5 MPa, as compared with Rayón bread wheat at 321.5 MPa and the Altar, Sofía, and Rafi cultivars of durum wheat that had elastic moduli of 438.7–485.8 MPa. The compression force and final stress decreased from 69.9 N and 40.1 MPa in soft wheat to 90 N and 78.9 MPa in durum, respectively. Total work range was 14.7 MPa/sec in soft wheat to 19.7 MPa/sec for durum wheat and, as expected, was higher in the durum and bread wheat than in soft wheat. The plastic part ranged from 2.4 MPa/sec in soft wheat to 0.6 MPa/sec in durum wheat.     

An approach to the evaluation and management of natural carbon sinks: From plant species to urban green systems

The maintenance and improvement of current natural carbon sinks, as well as the creation of others, are presently considered among the main strategies by which to address global climate change, and are pursued in parallel to the implementation of policies of carbon emission reduction. To date, this approach has been applied mainly to forest areas, obtaining relevant results that help to identify areas of weakness in the strategy and to design appropriate management measures. Nevertheless, under the current situation, and at territorial level, urban areas and infrastructures, in which urban green systems play a significant role, present opportunities for contributing towards carbon sink potential. Various studies conducted by our research group have emphasized the role of urban green systems as natural carbon sinks, including research conducted under initiatives from European authorities (“Climeport project/Mediterranean Ports’ Contribution to Climate Change”), regional government (Andalusian Strategy against Global Climate Change) and Andalusian universities (Andalusian University Rectors Climate Change Pact). Through these projects, we have assessed entire systems, identifying the species of urban trees and shrubs with the greatest sink potential under different climate scenarios, proposing garden management schemes, and providing a basis for the creation, design, management and improvement of natural carbon sinks in the cities.     

Performance of a photo‐heterotrophic,hypersaline system for intensive cultivation of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) with minimal water replacement in lined ponds using a stochastic approach

The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of Litopenaeus vannamei in an intensive photo‐heterotrophic hypersaline system with minimal seawater replacement, and establish relationships between parameters of a stochastic production model and relevant water quality variables. Six experimental 1000 m² lined ponds were stocked at a density of 120 shrimp m^?2 for a 105‐day trial. Salinity increased from 37 to 45 ± 2 g/L, and the water level was maintained with the weekly addition of filtered seawater, equivalent to 1.6% per day. The stochastic model predicted that, at harvest, there is 95% confidence that the system produces between 12.1 and 14.7 t/ha with a mean final individual weight of 13.1 g and a mean survival of 84.2%. Sensitivity analyses showed that dissolved oxygen and individual final weight of shrimp were the main variables influencing yield variance. Nitrogenous compounds were maintained between optimal cultivation levels (NH₃–NH₄⁺ = 0.73 ± 0.43 mg/L, N–NO₂^? = 0.09 ± 0.05 mg/L, N–NO₃^? = 3.22 ± 0.11 mg/L). Heterotrophic bacteria (6.6 ± 3.4 × 10⁵ CFU/ml) and chlorophyll‐α concentration (108.5 ± 80.2 μg/L) showed a similar development pattern, indicating a strong relationship between bacteria and microalgae during cultivation. Vibrio spp. concentrations were low (1.24 ± 1.42 × 10³ CFU/ml). It was shown that the photo‐heterotrophic system could be used in hypersaline conditions, typical of semi‐arid regions, to consistently produce between 12.1 and 14.7 t/ha in 15 weeks.     

Growth,tissue metabolites and digestive functionality in Sparus aurata juveniles fed different levels of macroalgae,Gracilaria cornea and Ulva rigida

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of two macroalgae as dietary ingredients on growth, body composition, intermediate metabolism, intestinal enzymes and gut histology of Sparus aurata juveniles. Six isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets incorporating 5%, 15% or 25% of Gracilaria cornea or Ulva rigida meal were tested against a control diet. Duplicate groups of fifteen fish (14 g) were fed the experimental diets for 70 days. Growth performance showed an inverse linear relationship with the inclusion level of Gracilaria. Feed conversion ratio increased significantly in fish fed 25% Gracilaria. Ulva presented a quadratic relationship with the lowest SGR at 15% of inclusion. Fish fed 25% Ulva exhibited significantly lower lipid content than those fed control diet. Overall, metabolites did not show differences with specimens fed control diet, except for plasmatic glucose and muscle lactate. Intestinal proteolytic activity was reduced with the macroalgae inclusion level, but all fish showed the same enzyme pattern. The histological study revealed no negative effect on liver and intestine structure by the macroalgae inclusion. The present work demonstrated that these ingredients can be used in practical diets for sea bream, but a more comprehensive research is needed to determine the optimum dietary level in a longer feeding trial.     

Sulfated Polysaccharide Extracted from the Green Algae Codium bernabei: Physicochemical Characterization and Antioxidant,Anticoagulant and Antitumor Activity

Codium bernabei is a green alga that grows on Chilean coasts. The composition of its structural polysaccharides is still unknown. Hence, the aim of this work is to isolate and characterize the hot water extracted polysaccharide fractions. For this purpose, the water extracts were further precipitated in alcohol (TPs) and acid media (APs), respectively. Both fractions were characterized using different physicochemical techniques such as GC-MS, GPC, FTIR, TGA, and SEM. It is confirmed that the extracted fractions are mainly made of sulfated galactan unit, with a degree of sulfation of 19.3% (TPs) and 17.4% (ATs) and a protein content of 3.5% in APs and 15.6% in TPs. Other neutral sugars such as xylose, glucose, galactose, fucose, mannose, and arabinose were found in a molar ratio (0.05:0.6:1.0:0.02:0.14:0.11) for TPs and (0.05:0.31:1.0:0.03:0.1:0.13) for ATs. The molecular weight of the polysaccharide samples was lower than 20 kDa. Both polysaccharides were thermally stable (Tonset > 190 °C) and showed antioxidant activity according to the ABTS^•+ and DPPH tests, where TPs fractions had higher scavenging activity (35%) compared to the APs fractions. The PT and APTTS assays were used to measure the anticoagulant activity of the polysaccharide fractions. In general, the PT activity of the TPs and APs was not different from normal plasma values. The exception was the TPs treatment at 1000 µg mL⁻¹ concentration. The APTTS test revealed that clotting time for both polysaccharides was prolonged regarding normal values at 1000 µg mL⁻¹. Finally, the antitumor test in colorectal carcinoma (HTC-116) cell line, breast cancer (MCF-7) and human leukemia (HL-60) cell lines showed the cytotoxic effect of TPs and APs. Those results suggest the potential biotechnological application of sulfate galactan polysaccharides isolated from a Chilean marine resource.     

Effect of β-glucans on viscoelastic properties of barley kernels and their relationship to structure and soluble dietary fibre

The stress relaxation behaviour of barley kernels with differences in β-glucan was studied using the generalized Maxwell model for explaining the differences in quality. The relaxation moduli show that cultivar significantly affected the relaxation times (τ₂ and τ₃) and compressional viscosity (η_E2 and η_E3) of the 3 Maxwell elements and the pure elastic component (E₀). These data were twice as high in cultivars with high β-glucans compared to low β-glucans. Protein and malt extract, as well as β-glucan, showed similar patterns to the corresponding cultivars from the same locations. Malt extract was correlated with both insoluble fibre (−0.71; P < 0.0007) and total fibre (−0.66; P < 0.006). High β-glucan cultivars presented relatively high soluble fibre, wort viscosity and presented higher relaxation times. Soluble fibre and the wort viscosity were correlated with relaxation times τ₁, τ₂, τ₃. Also, β-glucans were correlated with τ₃ and viscosity η_E3. The overall importance of the effect of β-glucans on viscoelasticity, malting and food quality as shown in this investigation is in agreement with earlier investigations.     

Dynamics of Fasciola hepatica infection in two species of snails in a rural locality of Mexico

The aim of the present study was to identify the species that are natural intermediate hosts of Fasciola hepatica in a Research Centre in Chapa de Mota, State of Mexico, Mexico, where temperate and humid conditions prevail. Also, the magnitude and dynamics of the natural infection in four biotopes were analysed. The study was performed between October 2000 and November 2001. The molluscs were collected, identified and studied for trematode infection. Soil humidity and temperature were determined monthly. A total of 4042 snails were collected 3372 (83%) were Fossaria humilis and 670 (17%) F. bulimoides. F. hepatica was present in 2537 (75.2%) and 515 (76.9%) of the two snail species, respectively. Temperature, soil humidity and microenvironment affected the dynamics of the host population and the parasite infestation, with a significant increase from August to November 2001. The highest prevalence was observed in the warmer and more humid biotopes.