1. Biomaterials and bioactive natural products from marine invertebratesGiovanna Romano, Mariana Almeida, Ana Varela Coelho, Adele Cutignano, Luís Moreira Gonçalves, Espen Hansen, Denis Khnykin, Tali Mass, Andreja Ramšak, Miguel Rocha S., Tiago Henriques da Silva, Michela Sugni, Loriano Ballarin, Anne-Marie Geneviere, 2022, review article Abstract: Aquatic invertebrates are a major source of biomaterials and bioactive natural products that can find applications as pharmaceutics, nutraceutics, cosmetics, antibiotics, antifouling products and biomaterials. Symbiotic microorganisms are often the real producers of many secondary metabolites initially isolated from marine invertebrates; however, a certain number of them are actually synthesized by the macro-organisms. In this review, we analysed the literature of the years 2010–2019 on natural products (bioactive molecules and biomaterials) from the main phyla of marine invertebrates explored so far, including sponges, cnidarians, molluscs, echinoderms and ascidians, and present relevant examples of natural products of interest to public and private stakeholders. We also describe omics tools that have been more relevant in identifying and understanding mechanisms and processes underlying the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in marine invertebrates. Since there is increasing attention on finding new solutions for a sustainable large-scale supply of bioactive compounds, we propose that a possible improvement in the biodiscovery pipeline might also come from the study and utilization of aquatic invertebrate stem cells. Keywords: marine natural products, marine biomaterials, marine invertebrates, bioactivity, stem cells Published in DiRROS: 05.08.2024; Views: 2119; Downloads: 1453
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2. A new network for the advancement of marine biotechnology in Europe and beyondAna Rotter, Ariola Bacu, Michèle Barbier, Francesco Bertoni, Atle M. Bones, M. Leonor Cancela, Jens Carlsson, Maria F. Carvalho, Marta Cegłowska, Meltem Conk Dalay, Jerica Sabotič, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Marine organisms produce a vast diversity of metabolites with biological activities useful for humans, e.g., cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, insecticidal, herbicidal, anticancer, pro-osteogenic and pro-regenerative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, cholesterol-lowering, nutritional, photoprotective, horticultural or other beneficial properties. These metabolites could help satisfy the increasing demand for alternative sources of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, food, feed, and novel bio-based products. In addition, marine biomass itself can serve as the source material for the production of various bulk commodities (e.g., biofuels, bioplastics, biomaterials). The sustainable exploitation of marine bio-resources and the development of biomolecules and polymers are also known as the growing field of marine biotechnology. Up to now, over 35,000 natural products have been characterized from marine organisms, but many more are yet to be uncovered, as the vast diversity of biota in the marine systems remains largely unexplored. Since marine biotechnology is still in its infancy, there is a need to create effective, operational, inclusive, sustainable, transnational and transdisciplinary networks with a serious and ambitious commitment for knowledge transfer, training provision, dissemination of best practices and identification of the emerging technological trends through science communication activities. A collaborative (net)work is today compelling to provide innovative solutions and products that can be commercialized to contribute to the circular bioeconomy. This perspective article highlights the importance of establishing such collaborative frameworks using the example of Ocean4Biotech, an Action within the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) that connects all and any stakeholders with an interest in marine biotechnology in Europe and beyond. Keywords: marine biotechnology, marine natural products, blue growth, marine biodiversity and chemodiversity, responsible research and innovation, stakeholder engagement, science communication, sustainability Published in DiRROS: 22.07.2024; Views: 1599; Downloads: 798
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