ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
antimicrobial activity
;
Caribbean
;
seaweed
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Antibacterial activity of lipid extracts from three species of Caribbean marine algae, Spyridia filamentosa, S. hypnoides and Wrangelia bicuspidata was evaluated monthly for one year. Activities were tested for whole plant extracts and TLC-separable zones. Whole plant extracts demonstrated monthly variability in activity with respect to both habitat and life history phase in addition to periods of similarity. No consistency was seen regarding activity against different microorganisms. TLC analyses of the extracts led to the identification of twenty-seven chromatographically distinct regions (TLC zones) each from both S. filamentosa and S. hypnoides and twenty-five from W. bicuspidata, which demonstrated antimicrobial activity. Between these species, twenty-one active TLC zones appeared to be shared based on their similar chromatographic characteristics. Individual TLC zones also demonstrated variable activity throughout the sampling period with respect to habitat and life history phase as well as periods of similarity. Algal antibiosis in these species is recognized as being highly complex, involving numerous chemical compounds, each of which is highly variable in terms of its presence and/or probable concentration.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00047846
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