Bioprospecting Novel Bioactive Molecules from the Seaweeds in Oman

Seaweeds or marine macro-algae form the base for the marine ecosystems and considered as direct or indirect source of food for people across the world. Today, algae have made their way to almost all the areas of human life like food, feed, fuel, medicines etc. Marine algae provide exceptional diverse storage of bioactive compounds such as antimicrobial elements. 5 different varieties of seaweeds were collected from Salalah and they were: Ulva fasciata, Asparagopsis taxiform, Rhizoids of Jolyna laminarioide, Jolyna laminarioides and Laminaria brasiliensis. The biochemical composition of these seaweeds were determined by using several analytical techniques such as gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and spectrophotometric methods. The phenolic content, antioxidant of TPC, DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP analysis were measured. The results have shown a higher antioxidant activity in Brown (Rhizoids of Jolyna laminarioides) comparing with the other varieties. The antimicrobial activity of Ulva fasciataon on E. coli (G-) and Rhizoids of Jolyna laminarioides) on S. aureus (G+) was higher comparing with the control sample and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study points out the possibility of seaweeds to be used in making different products that can be employed in biotechnological, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications even though more investigations are required for separating, purifying and characterizing the varieties of seaweeds in Oman.