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Antimicrobial potential of six brown algae from Central Adriatic Sea

Over the last few decades, a search of compounds with proved biological activities have been of interest for numerous research groups across the world. The pharmacological activity and health- promoting benefits of the phenolics, made them as one of the largest and most widely investigated group of phytochemicals. The evidence of biological potential of phenolics from marine algae, especially brown algae (Pheophyceae) has been reported but the information is scarce. This study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial potential of brown algae, species Cystoseira amentacea var. stricta, Padina pavonica, Taonia atomaria, Dictyopteris polypodioides, Halopteris scoparia, and Cystoseira compressa. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli, using agar-well diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Total phenolic content of the six algae was analyzed using Folin-Ciocalteu methodology, and it ranged from 228 to 1915 mg gallic acid equivalents per liter (GAE/L). Inhibition zones (12-14 mm) in agarwell diffusion method were observed for C. compressa and P. pavonica against S. aureus, L. monocytogenes and E. coli. P. pavonica showed the most effective antimicrobial activity against all strains with the MIC values from 65 to 130 mg GAE/L. Results show evidence of antimicrobial potential of brown algae against some major pathogens. Given that numerous factors such as species, season, age, geographical location, and environmental conditions influence the differences in the algae phytochemical profile and biological activity, further studies are needed to identify specific compounds behind the antimicrobial potential and the effect of extinctive factors.

Marine algae, antimicrobial potential, Adriatic Sea, Total phenolics, MIC

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