Cannabidiol (CBD) is a lipophilic phytocannabinoid of interest for dermocosmetic and topical applications, but its poor aqueous solubility and sensitivity to environmental conditions make its formulation challenging. This work aimed to develop avocado oil-in-water emulgels for CBD incorporation using a mixed emulsifying system based on Kolliphor EL and cricket protein and a commercial Aloe vera/Chondrus crispus gel as the structuring phase. First, different Kolliphor EL:cricket protein ratios were evaluated according to droplet size distribution. No significant differences in droplet size were found among formulations containing at least 67% Kolliphor EL (p > 0.05); therefore, 67K-33G was selected because it maximized the substitution of Kolliphor EL with cricket protein without significantly affecting droplet size. Progressive replacement of water by the commercial hydrocolloid gel markedly increased consistency and viscoelasticity, producing a transition from fluid emulsions to elastic emulgels between 50 AV and 75 AV. The 75 AV formulation showed low Turbiscan Stability Index values, a predominantly elastic response, and a more balanced structure than 100 AV. The selected emulgel showed a total analytical recovery of 96.2 ± 1.2% for CBD and retained 97.3 ± 0.7% of the initially recovered CBD after 30 days of storage at 4 °C protected from light. These results support the potential of Aloe vera/Chondrus crispus-based emulgels as semisolid carriers for lipophilic bioactive compounds.

Vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases are enzymes found in bacteria, fungi and red or brown macroalgae. They are used as a defense system for the latter by producing bromoform. The intermediate product, HOBr or HOCl, is also a microbicidal compound that can be exploited in many domains as medical tools or disinfectant sprays for example. We show that the mutation identified in Ohshiro's work, which alters substrate specificity toward chloride, is transferable to the homologous enzyme from Chondrus crispus. We then applied genetic and enzymatic engineering to design a chimera with glucose oxidase, thereby enhancing antimicrobial properties by providing a local source of H2O2. We used the SpyTag/SpyCatcher technology to form the chimera and obtained homogenous objects, indicating that one oligomeric form is favored. We demonstrated the release of HOBr and HOCl thanks to NADH that reacts spontaneously with it outside the active site of the enzyme. We also measured the steady-state kinetic parameters of the wild-type or modified enzymes. The formation of the chimera increased the specificity of ccVHPO1 inside the chimera, towards KBr or H2O2, compared to the enzyme alone with the SpyCatcher. Finally, we showed a significant increase in the microbicidal effect between a coupled enzymatic system with the glucose oxidase (the two enzymes are free in solution) compared to the chimera system, which is completely bactericidal at concentrations around 20 nM.

Therapy resistance is attributed to over 80% of cancer deaths per year, emphasizing the urgent need to overcome this challenge for improved patient outcomes. Despite its widespread use in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5FU) remains poorly understood. As an antimetabolite, 5FU imposes substantial metabolic stress, forcing cells that survive treatment to rapidly adapt. We explored acute 5FU-driven changes in mitochondria, the organelle critical for coordinating metabolic stress responses. Here we demonstrate in a range of CRC models that 5FU treatment promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and increases mitochondrial function in surviving cells. Furthermore, we show that targeting mitochondrial metabolism, particularly by inhibiting Complex I, sensitizes CRC cells to 5FU, resulting in delayed tumour growth and prolonged survival in preclinical models. Additionally, analysis of patient data suggests that oxidative metabolism signatures may predict responses to 5FU-based chemotherapy. These findings shed light on mechanisms underlying 5FU resistance and propose a rational strategy for combination therapy in CRC, emphasizing the potential clinical benefit of targeting mitochondrial metabolism to overcome resistance and enhance patient outcomes.

Structural coloration, a physical phenomenon observed in many living organisms, may arise from the interference of light with highly organized surface nanostructures. In some seaweeds, these nanostructures consist of cuticular lamellae in the outer part of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the epidermis. However, the chemical composition of seaweed cuticles is poorly understood and the molecular components of lamellae remain unidentified. Here, we use integrated genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches together with analytical profiling of carbohydrates to determine the composition of the multilayered cuticle in the red alga Chondrus crispus and assess its evolutionary conservation. The structural assembly reveals common features with the ECM of animals. The carbohydrate fraction includes a complex mixture of carrageenans and glycosaminoglycan-like compositions. A major von Willebrand factor A domain protein, Lamellae Cohesive Protein, plays a critical role in protein-protein interactions and binding to sulfated polysaccharides. We have further identified the major proteins of the algal cuticle, providing a framework for addressing the evolutionary origins of the cuticle and raising important questions regarding its role, particularly across the red algal life cycle marked by major structural differences in its ECM.

A quantitative NMR assay was utilized to identify methylglyoxal-scavenging natural products from Rhodophytes, Chondrus crispus and Gracilaria vermiculophylla. This revealed the activity of guanylurea-containing amino acid derivatives, gongrine and gigartinine. The molecules share structural features with the frontline blood glucose-lowering drug and plant natural product derivative, metformin, and scavenge methylglyoxal via the same mechanism, resulting in an imidazole-containing Advanced Glycation Endproduct or AGE. The protective effect of the molecules reported here was evaluated in a cell-based model for reactive aldehyde stress using methylglyoxal exposure to reduce cell viability. Gongrine, gigartinine, and metformin all preserve cell viability in HepG2 following methylglyoxal exposure. This is the first report of methylglyoxal scavenging and cell viability protection of these macroalgae-derived guanylurea-containing natural products, which can be found in high abundance in commonly consumed and industrially produced macroalgae species. The compounds presented here, along with their algal sources, offer a unique opportunity to produce guanylureas with therapeutic potential through sustainable production methods from easily cultivated algal sources.

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are photoprotective compounds primarily produced by marine organisms, especially red algae. Chemically, MAAs and their precursors are low-molecular-weight natural products that absorb ultraviolet radiation in the range of 270-360 nm without generating free radicals. Owing to these properties, MAAs have attracted considerable interest for potential pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications as natural sunscreen agents. In this study, the first hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-ultra-performance liquid chromatography (HILIC-UPLC) method, coupled with both diode array detector (DAD) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), was developed for the determination of 11 MAAs and 2 MAA precursors in various algal species. As column, a YMC-Triart Diol-HILIC (particle size: 1.9 µm) was used, and the separation of the MAAs realized in under 5 min. The validation of the method was carried out following International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, demonstrating linearity, selectivity, precision, and accuracy. The analysis of extracts prepared from well-known species, such as Porphyra sp. and Chondrus crispus, confirmed practical applicability. Demonstrating feasibility of MS/MS-based quantification of co-eluting compounds, the method represents an appealing alternative that surpasses established procedures not only in terms of analysis time but also by providing a substantially increased informative value.

Sulfated polysaccharides, carrageenans (CRGs) derived from Chondrus armatus, were used as mucoadhesive matrices for incorporating the antiviral drug acyclovir (ACV). Through IR spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations, it was demonstrated that CRGs interact with ACV, forming complexes via intermolecular hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions, with an enthalpy of approximately 15-20 kcal/mol. The monomodal ζ-potential distribution observed in the CRG/ACV mixture confirmed the successful formation of this complex. The antiviral efficacy of the CRG/ACV complex was evaluated during the early stages of herpes simple virus (HSV-1) infection, focusing on its ability to inhibit the cytopathic effects of the virus on host cells. Notably, CRGs enhanced antiviral activity by allowing a reduction in the ACV dosage. Unlike ACV alone, the CRG complex exhibited a prophylactic effect, with therapeutic efficacy comparable to that of ACV. When incorporated into liposomes, the CRG/ACV complex displayed excellent mucoadhesive properties. This liposomal formulation demonstrated notable antiviral activity against infected cells with selective index (SI) 344 and a heightened prophylactic effect (SI 128) compared to the complex alone. Overall, these new antiviral compounds show promise in selectively inhibiting viral adsorption and replication processes without adversely affecting the host organism.

A novel cold-adapted κ-carrageenase (Car2891) was identified from the marine bacterium Cellulophaga sp. P-1 isolated from Chondrus. The enzyme was recombinantly expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) and biochemically characterized. Car2891 exhibited optimal activity at 30 °C and pH 8.0, maintaining high stability and catalytic performance from 0 °C to 30 °C under neutral-weakly alkaline conditions. Its activity was enhanced by Na[+], Mg[2+], and Mn[2+] but strongly inhibited by Hg[2+], Cu[2+], Ni[2+], and EDTA. Kinetic analysis revealed a Km value of 6.1 mg mL[-1] and a Vmax value of 31.65 mg mL[-1] min[-1] for κ-carrageenan. Hydrolysis pattern analysis revealed an endo-acting cleavage mechanism, initially yielding hexa- and tetrasaccharides, with disaccharides and tetrasaccharides as the final major products. These properties demonstrate Car2891's potential as an efficient and controllable biocatalyst for the environmentally friendly processing of κ-carrageenan and the scalable production of functional oligosaccharides.

Seaweed are primary producers and potential vectors of microplastics (MPs) contamination, yet robust extraction methods that digest complex algal matrices while preserving polymer integrity remain limited. A sequential enzymatic-oxidative digestion was optimized for three seaweeds (Fucus vesiculosus, Chondrus crispus and Ulva lactuca). The optimized process involved the initial addition of cellulase (1% w/v, 24 h, 50 °C) followed by H₂O₂ (30% v/v, 48-72 h, 65 °C). Across nine 0.5 g dry-weight sub-replicates (3 per seaweed), 30 MPs were found (6.7 MPs/g⁻¹). The integrity of polymers was assessed for 12 MPs polymers, with acceptable performance being defined as ≥ 90% recovery and spectroscopic (through FTIR analysis) identifiability. Eight polymers met this threshold (90-101%). Four polymers were adversely affected with the long 72 H₂O₂ incubation, namely: cellulose-acetate (53% recovery), polyamide (61%), acrylic (3%) and rayon (2%). Although polymers remained identifiable, sequential digestion produced mass loss and visible changes (e.g. polyamide opacity, cellulose-acetate brittleness), which may increase fragmentation and miss-identification. Therefore, the protocol is suitable for most common MPs, but not for rayon and acrylic, and should be applied cautiously where cellulose-acetate or polyamide are expected.

Gloiopeltis furcata is an annual red alga of Endocladiaceae, Florideophyceae, showing high economic and medical values. The chloroplast genome is instrumental for evolutionary studies, yet that of G. furcata remains unreported. Here, the chloroplast genome of G. furcata was assembled and analyzed. The genome size is 177,606 bp, which contains 184 genes (152 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNAs, and 3 rRNAs).  Four simple sequence repeat (SSR) types were detected. The AGA-encoded arginine had the highest relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) value, while CGG-encoded arginine had the lowest. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that G. furcata is a sister to Chondrus crispus.

Investigator-initiated studies that include information collected by patients are rising, but limited data is available on patient and investigator experience in this setting. The I-CARE cohort included patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) monthly collecting clinical information in 15 countries for up to 6 years. We describe patients and investigators' involvement in I-CARE and identify predictors of early withdrawal due to patient non-engagement. Patients' characteristics according to the number of electronic Patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) completed during follow-up were assessed. Predictors of early withdrawal due to patient non-engagement were identified using logistic regression. The coding of outcomes reported by patients and corrections by investigators on patients' ePROs were assessed. Among 12,846 patients included by 502 investigators, 79.3% and 77.3% filled more than one ePRO and at least one ePRO within 6 months before the study end date, respectively. All ePROs were completed in 72.8% and 56.4% of patients during year 1 and 3, respectively. Male gender, younger age (< 20), being unemployed or a student, and no previous history of abdominal surgery were associated with early withdrawal. Investigators corrected 52.5% of cancer or dysplasia reported by patients compared to 10% of serious infections. Investigators added or removed a treatment sequence in 19.6% of the 6708 patients treated with biologics. These results highlight the implication of patients in research and the importance of data validation by investigators alongside the challenge and potential of collecting medical data from patients. These findings can inform similar future initiatives in other diseases. (EudraCT, Number: 2014-004728-23; ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT02377258).

Sea moss or Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) is a type of red seaweed that is used as food and medicine, although no medicinal value has been proven. Sea moss contains carrageenan, which is used as food additive and other polysaccharides (carbohydrates). It also contains numerous minerals, including iodine and some toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury that come from the water where it was grown.[1] Maternal consumption of excess iodine from seaweed has caused thyroid suppression in breastfed infants.[2-4] Sea moss should be avoided during breastfeeding unless the levels of iodine and heavy metals have been shown to be low enough to be safe.

Europe's Beating Cancer Plan is a substantial European Union (EU) investment into cancer prevention and treatment. Integration of genetic services towards personalised cancer prevention and care is a flagship of this plan. Genetic counselling is critical to this integration, facilitating informed patient decision making and improved clinical management. However, growing demands for genetic testing and concurrently increasing workforce shortages necessitate new strategies to equitably ensure sustainable access to counselling across the EU. This project aimed to inform future European activities by identifying priority European strategies for addressing common European genetic literacy, workforce, and reimbursement barriers to genetic counselling in cancer noted in prior work. A Delphi survey was conducted, with genetics, oncology, and patient stakeholders invited from all EU Member States. The response rate was 62% (124 total invitations). Over three phases, 77 participants - 28 geneticists; 14 oncologists; 18 genetic counsellors; 16 patient representatives; 1 otherwise qualified expert - rated 19 strategies according to their Importance, Urgency, and Feasibility and selected their top three priority strategies. Five strategies met pre-defined consensus thresholds and received a clear plurality of priority ratings: (1) EU-wide genetic counsellor recognition; (2) Including genetics expertise in oncology guideline creation; (3) Shared EU genetic counsellor registration/education with legal weight; (4) Mandatory counselling reimbursement when clinical guidelines are met; (5) Mandatory inclusion of genetics in oncology fellowship/continuing education. Results provide a roadmap of European actions which promise to sustainably improve access to genetic counselling in cancer care. Upcoming and ongoing EU projects promise to advance their implementation.

Human behavior change is needed to stop the triple planetary crisis. Zoos reach millions of people every year and there is evidence available that people do change their behavior because of zoo led interventions. Designing interventions with behavior change frameworks in mind can increase the efficacy of interventions. The Behavior Change Wheel is a guide for describing, designing and evaluating behavior change strategies, rooted in the COM-B model. It can be used for retrospective assessment of existing interventions. Here we present a content analysis of websites of members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). We classified behavior change projects in relation to categories on the Behavior Change Wheel including Intervention Function and Policy Category. A total of 754 behavior change projects were identified and analyzed, resulting in 1650 Intervention Function and 1154 Policy Category codes. Persuasion (n = 450) and Education (n = 289) were the most frequently identified Intervention Functions. Communication/marketing (n = 515, 68.30%), was the most frequently used Policy Category. Zoos themselves were most often the agents of behavior change and projects most frequently targeted the general public. Most projects used multiple intervention functions in conjunction with each other, with only 12.73% (n = 210) of Intervention Functions occurring on their own. Combining Intervention Functions has positive implications for intervention effectiveness, but barriers to effectiveness such as limited project targets were identified. Developing behavior change projects in zoos with behavior change frameworks in mind would likely further increase the effectiveness of these projects.