In the vast horizons of the oceans, a world of opportunities and challenges is being unveiled through innovative research that unites artificial intelligence, marine biotechnology, and the desire to improve human health and environmental sustainability. From coastal waters to the depths of scientific knowledge, scientists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries are exploring ways to combat algal blooms, develop cancer treatments, create alternatives to traditional aquatic food, and slow ocean acidification. In this scenario, Artificial Intelligence serves as a beacon for the early detection of problems and the creation of innovative solutions. From the risk of marine algal blooms to the promise of mycoproteins, the fusion between technology and marine biology is leading humanity to a new chapter of transformative discoveries and actions.

AQUACULTURE

Using Artificial Intelligence to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms

Jason Deglint, founder of Blue Lion Labs, explains how artificial intelligence (AI) can provide an early warning system for potential algal blooms in aquaculture. During his PhD in systems design engineering at the University of Waterloo, a leading innovation institute in AI and robotics in North America, Deglint (CEO) founded Blue Lion Labs, creating a method to combine low-cost microscopic imaging with machine learning to identify microscopic organisms in water.

TheFishSite
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Genetic Identification and Traceability of Insect Meals

Insects have been proposed as a rich alternative protein source for the partial or total replacement of fishmeal in aquaculture. For maximum safety and efficacy of insect meals, quality control of the composition of these products is considered mandatory. The objective of this study was the genetic analysis of the composition of commercially available insect meals at the species level. Individuals of *Hermetia illucens*, *Tenebrio molitor*, and *Musca domestica* available on the market were analyzed, as well as nine insect meals produced from these species. Genetic identification of insects at the species level was based on a fragment of the COI gene. The methodology used allows for the qualitative genetic identification of insect flours and could be included in traceability methods for products containing insects and other animal species.

NCBI
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LIVING MARINE RESOURCES

Rapid and environmentally friendly microwave-assisted biosynthesis of Ag/AgCl-NPs coated with algae extract as multifunctional biomaterials with non-toxic effects on normal human cells.

The proliferation of harmful algae impacts human well-being and is a global concern. Sargassum spp., a type of algae or seaweed that can potentially bloom in certain regions of the sea around Thailand, possesses remarkable electronic capacity as a unique reducing and stabilizing agent, suggesting its potential to mediate nanoparticle-based composites. This study proposes an environmentally friendly microwave-assisted biosynthesis (MAS) method for fabricating silver nanoparticles coated with aqueous extract of Sargassum (Ag/AgCl-NPs-ME).

NCBI
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Marine-derived compounds from sea urchins as potential candidates for anticancer drugs against colorectal cancer: In silico and in vitro studies

Compounds derived from sea urchins are potential candidates for the development of effective drugs for the treatment of oncological diseases. In this study, 19 compounds derived from sea urchins (Diadema savignyi) were used to treat colorectal cancer using the HCT116 cell line. Molecular docking methods, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), toxicity, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and molecular mechanics generalized surface area (MM-GBSA) were used to confirm ligand-protein interaction. Importin-11 receptor interactions with sea urchin compounds revealed that four compounds had higher binding affinities (ranging from -8.6 to -7.1 kcal/mol). In vitro tests revealed that compound CID 6432458 was effective (docking score of -8.6 kcal/mol) against the HCT116 cell line.

NCBI
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Combining Algae Culture in Raceway Tanks and Seawater Electrolysis for Ocean Deacidification

This publication discloses a method for ocean deacidification that combines algae culture in a series of raceway tanks with the electrolysis of hypersaline water. The tanks are interconnected and arranged in phases that include a growth phase and a harvesting phase. The hypersaline water is electrolyzed, producing mineral acids that are added to the tanks in the growth phase, resulting in

The overall increase in pH (≥ 8.4) of tank water during the harvesting phase. Furthermore, supplementation with mineral acids results in more efficient removal of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), which advantageously translates into a better rate of algal biomass production and therefore increased carbon sequestration.

Espacenet
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MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY

Sustainable refinery of mixotrophic microalgae for astaxanthin and lipids from Chlorella zofingiensis

Microalgal astaxanthin possesses numerous bioactivities and has various applications in the health field. Current research focuses on the design and optimization of the two-phase mixotrophic bioprocess of Chlorella zofingiensis for astaxanthin production. The gradual increase in light intensity (4-8 k-lux) and a 3x concentration of micronutrients were the key parameters for maximizing biomass production of 2.5 g/L during 15 days of phase I. Furthermore, stress conditions (excess CO2, light, salinity, etc.) increased astaxanthin production in phase II. This astaxanthin bioprocess resulted in improved lipid yields of 35-37%, which could be used for biodiesel. This study shows a promising scale-up potential with attractive sustainability characteristics of the *C. zofingiensis* model for commercial astaxanthin-lipid biorefinery.

NCBI
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F3 Krill Replacement Challenge: The Power of Mycoprotein

The F3 Krill Replacement Challenge, organized by F3-Future of Fish Feed, is looking for a krill substitute that does not contain fishmeal, fish oil, krill, or other wild marine ingredients. One of the challenge participants is the Finnish company Enifer Bio, which has developed a mycoprotein for animal feed aimed at replacing krill meal in aquatic animal feed. “Our product, Pekilo P65, has a high crude protein content (65%) and 10% growth-stimulating nucleotides. In addition, it has 15% immune-stimulating fungal beta-glucan,” said Heikki Keskitalo, business development director at eniferBio, to Aquafeed.com. The Pekilo protein is produced by fermentation from industrial side streams. The product has already been tested on Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout. Aquafeed
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