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Despite the significance of marine habitat-forming organisms, little is known about their large-scale distribution and abundance in deeper waters, where they are difficult to access. Such information is necessary to develop sound conservation and management strategies. Kelps are main habitat-formers in temperate reefs worldwide; however, these habitats are highly sensitive to environmental change. The kelp Ecklonia radiate is the major habitat-forming organism on subtidal reefs in temperate Australia. Here, we provide large-scale ecological data encompassing the latitudinal distribution along the continent of these kelp forests, which is a necessary first step towards quantitative inferences about the effects of climatic change and other stressors on these valuable habitats. We used the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) facility of Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) to survey 157,000 m2 of seabed, of which ca 13,000 m2 were used to quantify kelp covers at multiple spatial scales (10-100 m to 100-1,000 km) and depths (15-60 m) across several regions ca 2-6 degree latitude apart along the East and West coast of Australia. We investigated the large-scale geographic variation in distribution and abundance of deep-water kelp (>15 m depth) and their relationships with physical variables. Kelp cover generally increased with latitude despite great variability at smaller spatial scales. Maximum depth of kelp occurrence was 40-50 m. Kelp latitudinal distribution along the continent was most strongly related to water temperature and substratum availability. This extensive survey data, coupled with ongoing AUV missions, will allow for the detection of long-term shifts in the distribution and abundance of habitat-forming kelp and the organisms they support on a continental scale, and provide information necessary for successful implementation and management of conservation reserves.

The presence of NaCl in soil or water is one of the most critical environmental stresses limiting crop productivity worldwide. Seaweed extract (SWE) represents an important category of plant biostimulants able to improve crop tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as salinity. The current research aimed at elucidating the physiological and anatomical effects as well as the changes in mineral composition of greenhouse zucchini squash ( Cucurbita pepo L.) treated with Ecklonia maxima SWE. Plants were sprayed every 2 weeks with a solution containing 3 mL L −1 of SWE. Zucchini squash plants were supplied with four nutrient solutions: 1 (non-salt control), 20, 40, or 60 mM NaCl. Increased salinity in the nutrient solution triggered a decrease in marketable yield, shoot biomass, Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index, net CO 2 assimilation rate ( A CO2 ), transpiration rate ( E ), and leaf macronutrient concentration (P, K, Ca, and Mg), whereas it augmented Na and Cl concentrations in leaf tissue without altering PSII photochemistry. Anatomical changes in leaves, including an increase in lamina, palisade, spongy parenchyma thickness, and intercellular spaces, were recorded under saline conditions. Foliar application of SWE increased yield and shoot biomass by 12.0 and 17.4 %, respectively, as well as fruit dry matter and total soluble solid contents in comparison to untreated plants. This was associated with an improvement in A CO2 (+14 %), chlorophyll content (+8 %), and nutritional status (high K and low Na accumulation) in SWE-treated plants. The size of stomata was influenced by foliar application of SWE, since the smallest cell guard length and width were recorded in the leaves of SWE-treated plants. Finally, the phenolic compounds in both palisade and spongy parenchyma were higher in untreated than in SWE-treated plants.

Ecklonia cava subsp. kurome (EK) and E. cava subsp. stolonifera (ES) are rich in phlorotannins and water-soluble polysaccharides (alginates, laminarans and fucoidans). Total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant (O2− radical scavenging and Fe-reducing) and anti-glycation (bovine serum albumin-fructose model) capacities of dried EK and ES were higher than those of Eisenia bicyclis and Eisenia nipponica in vitro (p < 0.05). To clarify the effect of EK and ES on gut microbiota, 5% (w/w) EK or ES was administered to Institute of Cancer Research mice fed a high-sucrose and low-dietary fibre diet for 14 days and their caecal microbiota was analysed using 16S rDNA (V4) amplicon sequencing. The amplicon sequence variant (ASV) numbers of the EK and ES groups were 4- and 2-fold lower than those of the no fibre (NF) diet group. Bacteroidota containing alginate- and laminaran-degrading microbes, such as Bacteroides acidifaciens- and B. intestinalis-like bacteria, were more abundant in EK and ES groups than in the NF group. Faecalibaculum rodentium- and Akkermansia muciniphila-like bacteria were also more abundant in EK and ES groups than in the NF group. These EK- and ES-responsive indigenous gut bacteria have been regarded as beneficial commensal for host health. Further studies on EK and ES including investigation of dose-dependent effects are needed.

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) elicit diverse biological effects, including promoting skin health. EVs isolated from Ecklonia cava (EV-EC) carry heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), which inhibits key regulators such as TNF-α, MAPKs, and NF-κB, consequently downregulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Aging exacerbates oxidative stress, upregulating MAPK and NF-κB signaling and worsening extracellular matrix degradation in the skin. E. cava-derived phlorotannin (PT) mitigates MAPK and NF-κB signaling. We evaluated the impact of EV-EC and PT on skin rejuvenation using an in vitro keratinocyte senescence model and an in vivo aged-mouse model. Western blotting confirmed the presence of HSP70 in EV-EC. Treatment with EV-EC and PT in senescent keratinocytes increased HSP70 expression and decreased the expression of TNF-α, MAPK, NF-κB, activator protein-1 (AP-1), and MMPs. Oxidative stress was also reduced. Sequential treatment with PT and EV-EC (PT/EV-EC) yielded more significant results compared to individual treatments. The administration of PT/EV-EC to the back skin of aged mice mirrored the in vitro findings, resulting in increased collagen fiber accumulation and improved elasticity in the aged skin. Therefore, PT/EV-EC holds promise in promoting skin rejuvenation by increasing HSP70 expression, decreasing the expression of MMPs, and reducing oxidative stress in aged skin.

Human colorectal cancer (CRC) is a recurrent, deadly malignant tumour with a high incidence. The incidence of CRC is of increasing alarm in highly developed countries, as well as in middle to low-income countries, posing a significant global health challenge. Therefore, novel management and prevention strategies are vital in reducing the morbidity and mortality of CRC. Fucoidans from South African seaweeds were hot water extracted and structurally characterised using FTIR, NMR and TGA. The fucoidans were chemically characterised to analyse their composition. In addition, the anti-cancer properties of the fucoidans on human HCT116 colorectal cells were investigated. The effect of fucoidans on HCT116 cell viability was explored using the resazurin assay. Thereafter, the anti-colony formation potential of fucoidans was explored. The potency of fucoidans on the 2D and 3D migration of HCT116 cells was investigated by wound healing assay and spheroid migration assays, respectively. Lastly, the anti-cell adhesion potential of fucoidans on HCT116 cells was also investigated. Our study found that Ecklonia sp. Fucoidans had a higher carbohydrate content and lower sulphate content than Sargassum elegans and commercial Fucus vesiculosus fucoidans. The fucoidans prevented 2D and 3D migration of HCT116 colorectal cancer cells to 80% at a fucoidan concentration of 100 µg/mL. This concentration of fucoidans also significantly inhibited HCT116 cell adhesion by 40%. Moreover, some fucoidan extracts hindered long-term colony formation by HCT116 cancer cells. In summary, the characterised fucoidan extracts demonstrated promising anti-cancer activities in vitro, and this warrants their further analyses in pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is known to be an endocrine state that is characterized by oligomenorrhea, hyperandrogenism, and highly cystic follicles in the ovaries. The use of food ingredients and traditional medicine in Asian countries is well known, and previous studies have shown that Ecklonia cava K. [Alariaceae] (EC) is able to alleviate PCOS symptoms. D-Chiro-inositol (DCI) administration in pathologies where steroid biosynthesis is a crucial factor, i.e., PCOS, has provided satisfactory results. Methods: Therefore, we studied the synergistic effects of the two previously known active compounds. In rats with letrozole-induced PCOS, we focused on alternative therapies using EC and/or DCI extracts to alleviate ovarian failure. Results: As a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, letrozole inhibits the conversion of testosterone to estrogen and subsequently causes PCOS. We divided 6-week-old female mice into the following six groups and evaluated them: vehicle, PCOS, PCOS + MET (metformin), PCOS + DCI, PCOS + EC, and PCOS + DCI + EC. In our study, PCOS rats treated with EC and DCI had low serum LH and T levels and low serum levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-6. These treatments also appeared to regulate the production of factors that affect follicle formation and inflammation in the ovaries. Conclusion: We concluded that EC extract and/or DCI administration influenced aromatase production and reduced LH and T stimulation, and cotreatment with EC and DCI consequently restored ovarian dysfunction or anti-inflammatory responses in rats with PCOS-like symptoms.

Hyperpigmentation due to ultraviolet (UV)-induced melanogenesis causes various esthetic problems. Phlorotannin (PT) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from various plants suppress melanogenesis pathways. We used UV-exposed keratinocytes and animal skin to determine if co-treatment with PT and EVs from Ecklonia cava (EVE) could inhibit melanogenesis by reducing UV-induced oxidative stress and the expression of the thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing the 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin-18 (IL-18) pathway, which are upstream signals of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor. UV exposure increased oxidative stress in keratinocytes and animal skin, as evaluated by 8-OHdG expression, and this effect was reduced by co-treatment with PT and EVE. UV also increased binding between NLRP3 and TXNIP, which increased NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-18 secretion, and this effect was reduced by co-treatment with PT and EVE in keratinocytes and animal skin. In melanocytes, conditioned media (CM) from UV-exposed keratinocytes increased the expression of melanogenesis-related pathways; however, these effects were reduced with CM from UV-exposed keratinocytes treated with PT and EVE. Similarly, PT and EVE treatment reduced melanogenesis-related signals, melanin content, and increased basement membrane (BM) components in UV-exposed animal skin. Thus, co-treatment with PT and EVE reduced melanogenesis and restored the BM structure by reducing oxidative stress and TXNIP/NLRP3/IL-18 pathway expression.

Fucoidan is a fucose-rich sulfated polysaccharide found mainly in brown seaweeds. Fucoidan has recently gained much attention due to its bioactive and medicinal properties, hence its high potential to be utilized in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, an accurate, reliable, and simple method for the specific determination of fucoidan would be a useful tool when looking to recover this valuable polysaccharide. This research focused on developing an assay utilizing the thiazine dye, methylene blue, for the quantification of fucoidan, with a specific application for fucoidan found in algal extracts. Fucoidan could be specifically determined at pH 1, to maximum concentrations of 4 g L -1 in solution without the interference of alginate and other seaweed extract contaminants. At pH 7 and 11, quantification of fucoidan led to interference from alginate and gallic acid. A conversion factor of 1.8 allowed the quantification of fucoidan from Ecklonia maxima extracts using a commercial standard from Fucus vesiculosis. An Ecklonia maxima extract was found to contain 5.47 ± 0.061 g L -1 of fucoidan. Measuring the fucoidan and L-fucose concentration in crude seaweed extract through the methylene blue assay and modified Dische and Shettles J Biol Chem 175:595–603, ( 1948 ) method, respectively, confirmed the accuracy and specificity of the method. The limit of quantification of the methylene blue assay at pH 1 was 0.62 g L -1 of fucoidan.

Brown seaweeds contain fucoidan, which has numerous biological activities. Here, the anti-fine-dust activity of fucoidan extracted from , an abundant brown seaweed from South Africa, was explored. Fourier transmittance infrared spectroscopy, high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection analysis of the monosaccharide content, and nuclear magnetic resonance were used for the structural characterization of the polysaccharides. The toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were evaluated. The results revealed that purified leaf fucoidan fraction 7 (EMLF7), which contained the highest sulfate content, showed the best anti-inflammatory activity by attenuating the TLR-mediated NF-κB/MAPK protein expressions in the particulate matter-stimulated cells. This was solidified by the successful reduction of Prostaglandin E , NO, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. The current findings confirm the anti-inflammatory activity of EMLF7, as well as the potential use of as a low-cost fucoidan source due to its abundance. This suggests its further application as a functional ingredient in consumer products.

Background Ecklonia maxima , an ecologically and economically critical brown alga, holds substantial value in social, economic, and ecological contexts. While it is garnering growing interest for its applications in aquaculture and blue carbon sequestration, its genomic characteristics remain poorly characterized, particularly those of its chloroplast (cp.) genome, including its structure, genetic variation, and adaptive mechanisms. To address this knowledge gap, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the complete cp. genome of E. maxima to investigate its phylogenetic relationships and conduct a comparative analysis with related species within the Ecklonia genus. Results We sequenced and assembled the complete cp. genome of E. maxima . The assembled genome is 130,900 bp in length and exhibits the typical quadripartite structure, consisting of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 76,991 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 42,941 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (each 5,484 bp). Genome annotation identified 169 genes, comprising 137 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 29 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 3 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Non-coding sequences accounted for 25.27% of the genome. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis revealed 47 SSRs, which were predominantly mononucleotide and tetranucleotide repeats with a distinct AT bias. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that E. maxima forms a well-supported sister group (96% bootstrap) to a clade containing its congeners E. radiata , E. cava , E. cava subsp. stolonifera and E. radicosa , indicating their close evolutionary relationship. Comparative genomic analysis among the six Ecklonia species (including E. maxima ) showed high sequence conservation, with the IR regions being more conserved than the LSC and SSC regions. The Ka/Ks (nonsynonymous/synonymous substitution rate) analysis indicated that petF , rpl24 , and syfB were under positive selection, while the majority of genes were under purifying selection. The signatures of positive selection and the high nucleotide diversity (e.g., petF , PI = 0.038) observed in these genes provide direct evidence supporting adaptive evolution to environmental fluctuations. Conclusions The sequencing and analysis of the complete cp. genome of E. maxima in this study provide a valuable genomic resource for future studies on species identification and for elucidating the evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships among species within the genus Ecklonia .