Marine Biomolecules

Oceans include the greatest extremes of pressure, temperature and light, and habitats can range from tropical waters to ocean trenches, several kilometers below sea level at high pressure. With its 70% of the surface of our planet marine ecosystem still remains largely unexplored, understudied and underexploited in comparison with terrestrial ecosystems, organisms and bioprocesses. The biological adaptation of marine organisms to a wide range of environmental conditions in the specific environment (temperature, salinity, tides, pressure, radiation, light, etc.) has made them an enormous reservoir of interesting biological material for both basic research and biotechnological improvements. As a consequence marine ecosystem is valued as a source of enzymes and other biomolecules exhibiting new functions and activities to fulfill human needs. Indeed, in recent years it has been recognised as an untapped source of novel enzymes and metabolites even though, with regard to the assignment of precise biological functions to genes, proteins and enzymes, it is still considered as the least developed. Using metagenomics to recover genetic material directly from environmental samples, this biogenetic diversification can be accessed but despite the contributions from metagenomic technologies the new field requires major improvements. A few words on the complexity of marine environments should be added here. This complexity ranges from symbiotic relationships to biology and chemistry of defence mechanisms and from chemoecology of marine invasions up to the strategies found in prokaryotes to adapt to extreme environments. The interdisciplinary study of this complexity will enable researchers to find an arsenal of enzymes and pathways greatly demanded in biotechnological applications. As far as marine enzymes are concerned they may carry novel chemical and stereochemical properties, thus biocatalytically oriented studies (testing of suitable substrates, appropriate checking of reaction conditions, study of stereochemical asset of catalysis) should be performed to appropriately reveal this “chemical biodiversity” which increases interest for these enzymes. Among other biomolecules, polysaccharides are the most abundant renewable biomaterial found on land and in oceans. Their molecular diversity is very interesting; except polysaccharides used traditionally in food and non-food industries, the structure and the functionality of most of them are unknown and unexplored. Brown seaweeds synthesize unique bioactive polysaccharides: laminarans, alginic acids and fucoidans. A wide range of biological activities (anticoagulant, antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammation, etc.) have been attributed to fucoidans and their role with respect to structure-activity relationship is still under debate. In this Research Topic, we wish to centralize and review contributions, idea and comments related to the issues above. In particular results of enzymatic bioprospecting in gross marine environment will be acknowledged along with research for structural characterization and biological function of biomolecules such as marine polysaccharides and all kind of research related to the complexity of bioprocesses in marine environments. Inter- and multi-disciplinary approach to this field is favoured in this Research Topic and could greatly be facilitated by the web and open access nature as well.

Oceans include the greatest extremes of pressure, temperature and light, and habitats can range from tropical waters to ocean trenches, several kilometers below sea level at high pressure. With its 70% of the surface of our planet marine ecosystem still remains largely unexplored, understudied and underexploited in comparison with terrestrial ecosystems, organisms and bioprocesses. The biological adaptation of marine organisms to a wide range of environmental conditions in the specific environment (temperature, salinity, tides, pressure, radiation, light, etc.) has made them an enormous reservoir of interesting biological material for both basic research and biotechnological improvements. As a consequence marine ecosystem is valued as a source of enzymes and other biomolecules exhibiting new functions and activities to fulfill human needs. Indeed, in recent years it has been recognised as an untapped source of novel enzymes and metabolites even though, with regard to the assignment of precise biological functions to genes, proteins and enzymes, it is still considered as the least developed. Using metagenomics to recover genetic material directly from environmental samples, this biogenetic diversification can be accessed but despite the contributions from metagenomic technologies the new field requires major improvements. A few words on the complexity of marine environments should be added here. This complexity ranges from symbiotic relationships to biology and chemistry of defence mechanisms and from chemoecology of marine invasions up to the strategies found in prokaryotes to adapt to extreme environments. The interdisciplinary study of this complexity will enable researchers to find an arsenal of enzymes and pathways greatly demanded in biotechnological applications. As far as marine enzymes are concerned they may carry novel chemical and stereochemical properties, thus biocatalytically oriented studies (testing of suitable substrates, appropriate checking of reaction conditions, study of stereochemical asset of catalysis) should be performed to appropriately reveal this "chemical biodiversity" which increases interest for these enzymes. Among other biomolecules, polysaccharides are the most abundant renewable biomaterial found on land and in oceans. Their molecular diversity is very interesting; except polysaccharides used traditionally in food and non-food industries, the structure and the functionality of most of them are unknown and unexplored. Brown seaweeds synthesize unique bioactive polysaccharides: laminarans, alginic acids and fucoidans. A wide range of biological activities (anticoagulant, antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammation, etc.) have been attributed to fucoidans and their role with respect to structure-activity relationship is still under debate. In this Research Topic, we wish to centralize and review contributions, idea and comments related to the issues above. In particular results of enzymatic bioprospecting in gross marine environment will be acknowledged along with research for structural characterization and biological function of biomolecules such as marine polysaccharides and all kind of research related to the complexity of bioprocesses in marine environments. Inter- and multi-disciplinary approach to this field is favoured in this Research Topic and could greatly be facilitated by the web and open access nature as well.

Bioactive Marine Natural Products is the first book available that covers all aspects of bioactive marine natural products. It fills the void in the literature for bioactive marine natural products. The book covers various aspects of marine natural products and it is hoped that all the major classes of bioactive compounds are included. Different classes of marine organisms and the separation and isolation techniques are discussed. The chemistry and biology of marine toxins, peptides, alkaloids, nucleosides and prostanoids are discussed in detail. Biological, toxicological and clinical evaluations are also dealt with to ensure that the book may be adopted at any stage by any practicing organic chemist or biologist, working in academia or in R and D divisions of pharmaceutical companies. Each chapter in the book includes an abstract to highlight the major points discussed in the text and concluding remarks are given. References to books, monographs, review articles and original papers are provided at the end of each chapter.

This book offers a comprehensive study of biological molecules acquired from marine organisms, which have been exploited for drug discovery with the aim to treat human diseases. Biomolecules have potential impacts on a diverse range of fields, including medical and pharmaceutical science, industrial science, biotechnology, basic research, molecular science, environmental science and climate change, etc. To understand and effectively apply medicinally important biomolecules, multidisciplinary approaches are called for. The ocean remains a rich biological resource, and the vast untapped potential of novel molecules from marine bio-resources has caught the interest of more and more researchers. These novel biological compounds have never been found in terrestrial or other ecosystems, but only in this rich niche. Advances in sampling techniques and technologies, along with increased funding for research and nature conservation, have now encouraged scientists to look deeper in the waters. Aquaculture supports both tremendous seafood production and the bulk production of marine-derived drugs. Furthermore, molecular methods are now being extensively employed to explore the untapped marine microbial diversity. With the help of molecular and biotech tools, the ability of marine organisms to produce new biosynthetic drugs can be greatly enhanced. This book provides an extensive compilation of the latest information on marine resources and their undisputedly vital role in the treatment of diverse ailments.

Introduction to Marine Biogeochemistry focuses on the ocean's role in the biogeochemical cycling of selected elements and the impact of humans on the cycling of these elements. Among the topics covered are the chemical composition of seawater from the perspectives of elemental speciation and the impacts of solutes on water's physical behavior; biogeochemical phenomena which control accumulation and preservation of marine sediments; marine chemistry of radioactive and stable isotopes; and seawater pollution. The book contains many examples as well as steady-state models to aid readers in understanding this growing and complex science.. The focus of Introduction to Marine Biogeochemistry is the concept of the ocean as a system, linking land and atmospheric processes The text integrates the most current research, allowing students to learn concepts in context Includes detailed coverage of computational aspects

This book provides the latest comprehensive methods for isolation and other novel techniques for marine product development. Furthermore, this book offers knowledge on the biological, medical, and industrial applications of marine-derived medicinal food substances. There has been a tremendous increase in the products derived from marine organisms for commercial application in industries every year. Functional foods of medicinal value are particularly in demand as new technology allows the stabilization of natural ingredients and their availability in pure forms to solve various human diseases. Marine flora and fauna have essential elements and trace minerals that nurture various hormones produced in the endocrine system to regulate the respective metabolisms, thereby providing a safe and healthy life to humans. The overall presentation and clear demarcation of the contents by worldwide contributions is a novel entry point into the market of medicinal foods from the sea. The exploration of marine habitats for novel materials are discussed throughout the book. The exploration and exploitation of the biochemistry of sea flora and fauna are limited, and this book extends the research possibilities into numerous marine habitats. Various approaches for extracting and applying the flora and fauna are discussed. This book will be of value to researchers, marine biotechnologists, and medical practitioners, due to the vast information, as well as industrial and medical applications of marine substances all in one place.

While the world is grappling with the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, marine organisms offer a promising solution with their diverse repertoire of bioactive compounds. This thematic volume explores the untapped potential of marine organisms in the fight against microbial threats. The focus of the 17 featured chapters lies in highlighting the vast array of antimicrobial agents that can be found within marine environments. The chapters provide in-depth knowledge about the latest discoveries, advancements and future needs in antimicrobial research. Readers will learn about astonishing discoveries of natural compounds with remarkable antimicrobial properties and sources. The list of agents covered in the book includes synthetic derivatives, bioactive polysaccharides and marine viruses. The book also includes chapters that cover various stages of the antimicrobial drug development process, providing an overview of recent antimicrobial agents derived from marine organisms, preclinical studies and the identification of patented drugs sourced from the ocean. Furthermore, the book sheds light on the diverse applications of these marine-derived compounds, spanning the fields of medicine, agriculture, and industry. Professionals in the fields of microbiology, marine biology, pharmaceutical sciences, and drug development will gain valuable insights into the use of marine organisms as a source of antimicrobial agents. Audience Medicinal chemists, professional researchers and scholars in microbiology, marine biology and related fields in life sciences.

Marine Molecules from Algae and Cyanobacteria: Extraction, Purification, Toxicology and Applications addresses biomolecules, their roll in living organism, structure elucidation, sources, important characteristics and their industrial applications for educational (academic) and industrial purposes. The book covers all methodologies used in the search of marine natural products, including screening of marine molecules by chemical methods like HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and more. These chemical compounds range from small molecules and enzymes to highly complex secondary metabolites that show bioactivities in physiological systems. Many of these compounds are not commercially available, so the isolation methods of these molecules from microalgae, seaweeds and cyanobacteria is challenging. Because of the complexity of their structure, the total synthesis has been shown to be difficult. Developing protocols to obtain reference standards from natural sources have shown satisfactory results in the chemical industry. The marine environment is a rich but underexploited source of commercially interesting natural products with different applications. Several marine organisms, such as seaweeds, microalgae, sponges, cyanobacteria, ascidians and fungi are sources of natural valuable molecules. Provides chronological advancements of marine biomolecules, biochemical reactions and modern industrial applications in various fields of science and engineering Highlights well-established research, technology and applications on marine biomolecules, along with their rapidly emerging aspects and future research directions Serves as a valuable reference for scientists, chemists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacists and engineers who are searching for modern design and applications of marine molecules