Experimental evidence of antimicrobial activity in Antarctic seaweeds: ecological role and antibiotic potential

Seaweeds contain a wide range of secondary metabolites which serve multiple functions, including chemical and ecological mediation with microorganisms. Moreover, owing to their diverse bioactivity, including their antibiotic properties, they show potential for human use. Nonetheless, the chemical ecology of seaweeds is not equally understood across different regions; for example, Antarctic seaweeds are among the lesser studied groups. With the aim of improving our current understanding of the chemical ecology and potential bioactivity of Antarctic seaweeds, we performed a screening of antibiotic activity using crude extracts from 22 Antarctic macroalgae species. Extractions were performed separating lipophilic and hydrophilic fractions at natural concentrations. Antimicrobial activity assays were performed using the disk diffusion method against seven Antarctic bacteria and seven human pathogenic surrogates. Our results showed that red seaweeds (especially Delisea pulchra) inhibited a larger number of microorganisms compared with brown seaweeds, and that lipophilic fractions were more active than hydrophilic ones. Both types of bacteria tested (Gram negative and Gram positive) were inhibited, especially by butanolic fractions, suggesting a trend of non-specific chemical defence. However, Gram-negative bacteria and one pathogenic fungus showed greater resistance. Our study contributes to the evidence of antimicrobial chemical interactions between Antarctic seaweeds and sympatric microorganisms, as well as the potential of seaweed extracts for pharmacological applications.

Automated summary

Seaweeds contain secondary metabolites with multiple functions. The chemical ecology of Antarctic seaweeds is less understood, so we conducted a screening of antibiotic activity using extracts from 22 Antarctic macroalgae species. The results showed that red seaweeds inhibited more microorganisms compared to brown seaweeds, with lipophilic fractions being more active. The study contributes to understanding the chemical interactions between Antarctic seaweeds and microorganisms, as well as the potential pharmacological applications of seaweed extracts.