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Published on: August 23, 2024
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Exploring the Potential of Invasive Species Sargassum muticum: Microwave-Assisted Extraction Optimization and
Aurora Silva1,2, Lucia Cassani1, Maria Carpena1
1Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)-CITEXVI, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain.
Marine Drugs
|August 28, 2024
Summary
The invasive seaweed Sargassum muticum can be a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Microwave-assisted extraction optimized using response surface methodology yielded potent antioxidant and antiproliferation agents.
Area of Science:
- Marine Botany
- Phycology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Sargassum muticum is an invasive macroalga causing significant ecological disruption in European coastal areas.
- Despite its invasive nature, macroalgae are recognized sources of valuable bioactive compounds.
- The overabundance of S. muticum presents an opportunity for sustainable resource utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from S. muticum using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE).
- To evaluate the antioxidant and various bioactivities of the optimized extract.
- To explore the potential of S. muticum as a source for novel bioactive molecules.
Main Methods:
- Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize MAE parameters (time, pressure, ethanol concentration).
- Extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, β-carotene bleaching) were key target functions.
- The chemical composition and bioactivity profile of the optimized extract were assessed.
Main Results:
- Optimal extraction conditions were determined: 14.00 min, 11.03 bar, and 33.31% ethanol.
- The optimized MAE crude extract exhibited significant antioxidant properties, effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- The extract demonstrated notable antiproliferation activity and potential as an antibacterial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective agent.
Conclusions:
- Microwave-assisted extraction is an effective method for isolating bioactive compounds from S. muticum.
- The optimized extract possesses valuable bioactive properties, particularly as an antiproliferation agent and ROS scavenger.
- S. muticum represents a promising, sustainable source for developing natural products with diverse therapeutic applications.
