In situ chemical characterization of Colpomenia sinuosa (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae) and physiological performance under laboratory conditions

• Grant number: 25/00102-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Pant Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Fanly Fungyi Chow Ho
• Grantee: Giselle Meneses Vani
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Marine macroalgae play a crucial role in benthic marine ecosystems, influencing primary productivity and providing bioactive resources for diverse applications. Colpomenia sinuosa (Mertens ex Roth) Derbès & Solier is a brown marine macroalga with a wide global distribution, found along practically the entire Brazilian coast. It is characterized by an anatomically simple hollow sac-shape with a surface that can vary from smooth to rough. This species has promising applications against cancer and bioethanol production, but knowledge about its biology and chemical composition is still limited. Therefore, the project aims to understand the physiological performance of C. sinuosa in its place of occurrence (in situ) by analyzing the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of different individuals from a population on the coast of Ubatuba, São Paulo, as well as its performance under laboratory conditions. Initial results show that the alga does not acclimate easily to laboratory conditions, which raises questions about its adaptation. To this end, the chemical characterization of the material in situ will be performed from the collected individuals (approximately 15 to 25 individuals). Other collected individuals will be subjected to laboratory experiments to characterize their performance: growth and growth rate, photosynthesis and pigments. The in situ chemical characterization will include the quantification of pigments, polysaccharides and sulfation degree, phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential. We hope to discuss the chemical and physiological characteristics of C. sinuosa, aiming to contribute to the knowledge of its development and its bioactive benefits. (AU)