Seaweed bioactive compounds against pathogens and microalgae: Potential uses on pharmacology and harmful algae bloom control

Cyanobacteria are found globally due to their adaptation to various environments. The occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms is not a new phenomenon. The bloom-forming and toxin-producing species have been a persistent nuisance all over the world over the last decades. Evidence suggests that this trend might be attributed to a complex interplay of direct and indirect anthropogenic influences. To control cyanobacterial blooms, various strategies, including physical, chemical, and biological methods have been proposed. Nevertheless, the use of those strategies is usually not effective. The isolation of natural compounds from many aquatic and terrestrial plants and seaweeds has become an alternative approach for controlling harmful algae in aquatic systems. Seaweeds have received attention from scientists because of their bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-microalgae, and antioxidant properties. The undesirable effects of cyanobacteria proliferations and potential control methods are here reviewed, focusing on the use of potent bioactive compounds, isolated from seaweeds, against microalgae and cyanobacteria growth. © 2018 by the authors.

Acknowledgments: This work was supported by FCT Project UID/Multi/04423/2013,by the Structured Program of R&D&I INNOVMAR—Innovation and Sustainability in the Management and Exploitation of Marine of R&D&I INNOVMAR—Innovation and Sustainability in the Management and Exploitation of Marine Resources Resources (reference NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000035, Research Line NOVELMAR), funded by the Northern Regional Operational Program (NORTE2020) through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and bCyV Mthaer +pIro(0je3c0t2 _CCVVMMaAr+RI_ I(_013_0P2_)CfuVnMdeAdRb_yI_t1h_ePp) rofugnradmedI nbteyrrtehge VpAroEgrsapman hIna—terProegrt uVg aAl ( PEOspCaTnEhPa)—20P1o4r-t2u0g2a0l.