"Super Algae" will be used to produce natural substances and medicines from the sea
After they developed Innovative technology that allows the growth of "enriched algae" In the nutrients, proteins, dietary fiber and minerals for human and animal needs, the researchers from the School of Zoology at the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences And the Seas and Lakes Research Institute is taking another important step: they have succeeded in significantly increasing the ability of seaweed to produce healthy natural substances. The research focused on increasing the production of substances of medical value to humans, such as: antioxidants, whose concentration in algae was doubled from the normal concentration; Natural sunscreens, whose concentration has been tripled; and protective pigments unique to algae, of great medical value, the concentration of which has been increased more than 2 times. The research was carried out using an innovative approach of sustainable and environmentally friendly aquaculture, which combines growing algae alongside fish farming, and actually benefits the algae while at the same time helping to purify the sea water and reducing the damage to the balance the natural of the marine habitat. According to the researchers, the research findings may serve the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and nutritional supplement industries.
Manufacturers of unique natural materials
The discovery was developed by PhD student Doron Ashkenazi from Tel Aviv University and the Israel Sea and Lake Research Institute, under the guidance of Prof. Avigdor Abelson from the School of Zoology, and Prof. Alvaro Israel from the Sea and Lake Research Institute (Khiel), Haifa, and in collaboration with other leading researchers from around the country and the world. Among them: Guy Paz from the Israel Seas and Lakes Research Institute (Khiel), Haifa; Dr. Shoshana Ben-Walid, expert in organic chemistry; Dr. Eitan Salomon from the National Aquaculture Center in Eilat; as well as Dr. Felix López Figueroa, Julia Vega, Natalie Corby and Marta García Sánchez from the University of Malaga in Spain. The article was published in the scientific journal Marine Drugs, and even won a cover photo thanks to his groundbreaking findings in the field of natural and medicinal substances from marine sources.
"Seaweeds, also known as macroalgae, are marine plants that form the basis of the coastal marine ecosystem. The algae absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen to the environment, purify the water, provide food, and are a habitat and shelter for many fish and invertebrates. Not many know this, but in addition to all these, they produce a wide variety of unique natural substances that are beneficial to humans", explains Doron Ashkenazi. "Algae that live in the tidal zone face extreme living conditions, which include changes in salinity and temperature, dry conditions, changes in the availability of nutrients, as well as high exposure to solar radiation and especially to radiation in the ultraviolet (UV) range. Therefore, in order to survive, the algae have developed a unique set of chemical defense mechanisms: natural chemicals that help them cope with the harsh conditions. It can be said that algae are a very efficient natural plant for the production of these substances, a significant part of which can bring great benefit to man."
In a previous study of growing algae, the same researchers showed an increase in the concentration of proteins and minerals such as zinc, iron, iodine, magnesium, and calcium. In the current study, they wanted to check if and how it is possible to increase and maximize the production of natural substances called secondary metabolites in algae, which bring great benefit to humans, such as antioxidants, protective pigments, and natural filters of ultraviolet radiation.
The future looks greener than ever
For the benefit of this research, a dedicated aquaculture system was established in which three local species of algae were grown: sea lettuce (Ulva), agarit (Gracilaria) and Hypnea. During the growth of the algae in the system, controlled changes were made to the growing conditions, such as the salinity level, the level of nutrients and the intensity of exposure to solar radiation. We will examine how these changes affect the concentration of natural substances in algae, with the aim of encouraging their production. The results did show impressive increases in concentrations: 2 times for antioxidants (antioxidants), 3 times for natural sunscreens, and more than 10 times for protective pigments unique to algae, which have great medical value. Doron Ashkenazi shares: "We have developed optimal conditions and invented a new and clean method for increasing the healthy natural substances in algae to a very high level never seen before. In fact, we have produced superalgae that are capable of being used by humans."
The researchers estimate that in the future it will be possible to similarly produce other natural substances with important medical properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibiotic, and more. According to them, the method has application potential for the seaweed industry and aquaculture, and can help promote the State of Israel as a leading power in seaweed biotechnology. They also emphasize that seaweed aquaculture is environmentally friendly, preserves nature and the ecological balance, and even reduces environmental risks by reducing polluting substances on the beaches, reducing the emission of gases and lowering the carbon footprint. In this way, seaweed farming contributes to dealing with global environmental challenges such as pollution, habitat destruction, the climate crisis, and global warming.
"In the future, humanity will focus on creating science-based environmental solutions, such as the one we propose in the current study: technologies that advocate recycling and smart use of natural resources without overexploiting them. The research shows in a practical way how we can enjoy the services of nature without harming it, and as the algae suggest: how to learn from nature in order to preserve it, and thus live and prosper alongside it," concludes Ashkenazi.
More of the topic in Hayadan:
