Dive into a world where science meets the sea. From probiotics that boost aquaculture to seaweed that fights breast cancer and fish waste that transforms into insect meal – innovation is making waves. Discover how marine biotechnology is creating biodegradable materials, unlocking new enzymes, and redefining bone regeneration. Curious to know how the secrets of the ocean are changing medicine, sustainability, and technology? Catch the tide and explore these fascinating discoveries!

AQUACULTURE

Probiotics and Phytobiotics as Food and Water Supplements in Biofloc Aquaculture Systems

Biofloc Technology (BFT) is a sustainable aquaculture system that integrates probiotics and phytobiotics as food and water supplements. Probiotics improve water quality and strengthen animal defenses, while phytobiotics, plant-based additives, promote animal health and growth. Their correct use can increase yield and ensure healthier and more resilient aquatic species.

PubMed
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Canadian Partnership to Transform Fish Waste into Insect Meal

NRGene Canada and ILE-A-LA-CROSSE are developing and implementing an innovative larval growth technology to convert fish processing waste into high-value resources. This process will enable the production of high-quality protein for the pet food and aquaculture industries, as well as nutrient-rich fertilizers. To achieve this, the technology will optimize Black Soldier Fly (BSF) strains in fish processing waste, maximizing resource efficiency and generating sustainable, high-value-added products.

Aquafeed
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System for separating, inactivating, or removing ectoparasites in fish

A system for removing and treating ectoparasites in fish, consisting of an inlet for fish and water, a first drainage unit to separate the fish from the water, and a tank containing an aqueous solution with a pH of at least 10.5. A second drainage unit separates the fish from the solution. An effective system designed to monitor and adjust the pH of the solution.

Espacenet
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LIVING MARINE RESOURCES

Extrudable Biodegradable Composite Materials and Related Process

An extrudable biodegradable composition includes seaweed nanocellulose in the range of 1-3% by weight; a seaweed derivative in the range of 40-99% by weight; biodegradable polymer in the range of 0-30% by weight; plasticizer in the range of 0-25% by weight; and crosslinking agent in the range of 0-15% by weight. The extruded biodegradable composition has a viscosity greater than about 500 cP, and an extruded product made from the extruded biodegradable composition has a controlled water-soluble or water-resistant property with a tensile strength of about 10-30 MPa.

Espacenet
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Bioactive Compounds Derived from Seaweed: Potent Modulators in Breast Cancer Therapy

Breast cancer remains a global challenge, sparking interest in natural therapies such as seaweed, which is rich in bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, polyphenols, and carotenoids. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, modulating processes such as apoptosis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Key components like fucoidans and phlorotannins have antiproliferative and antimetastatic properties. This review explores their antitumor mechanisms and potential for integration into breast cancer treatments, highlighting clinical challenges and future research directions.

PubMed
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MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY

Lichenase and cellobiohydrolase activities of a new bifunctional β-glucanase from the marine bacterium Streptomyces sp. J103

This study characterizes Spg103, a bifunctional β-glucanase from the marine bacterium Streptomyces sp. J103. Spg103, active at 60 °C and pH 6, showed greater stability in the presence of Na+ and EDTA. Spg103 exhibits lichenase and cellobiohydrolase activities, favoring mixed β-glucans, such as barley β-glucan, over β-1,4 bonds. TLC and UPLC-MS analyses confirmed its endolytic activity, producing cellotriose, in addition to exo-type activity. These results suggest that Spg103 has great potential for biotechnological applications, especially in the degradation of mixed-linkage β-glucans.

Pubmed
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Biodegradable marine polymer compound, biodegradation promoter, and biodegradable resin composition

A biodegradable marine polymer compound consisting of a monovalent metal cation and a polymeric polyvalent anion, which has a repeating unit that includes at least one bond selected from ether bonds, ester bonds, amide bonds, and carbonate bonds in its main chain, with a total of two or more monovalent anionic substituent groups at the terminals of the main chain and/or a side chain.

Espacenet
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Sustainable Marine-Derived Materials for Bone and Cartilage Regeneration

Recent advances in bone tissue engineering highlight marine waste by-products as sustainable resources rich in hydroxyapatite, collagen, calcium carbonate, and essential minerals. The reuse of these materials addresses environmental concerns and offers innovative solutions for regenerative medicine. The compatibility of these resources with biological materials such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, nanoparticles (NPs), and polymers is also highlighted, emphasizing their role in advancing eco-friendly biomedical research.

PubMed
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