• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1299-1306
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• 2014

Background: Nano-biotechnology is recognized as offering revolutionary changes in various fields of medicine. Biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles have a wide range of applications. Materials and Methods: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized with an aqueous extract of Pterocladiella (Pterocladia) capillacea, used as a reducing and stabilizing agent, and characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive analysis (EDX). The biosynthesized AgNPs were tested for cytotoxic activity in a human hepatocellular carcinoma ($HepG_2$) cell line cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 1% antibiotic and antimycotic solution and 2 mM glutamine. Bacterial susceptibility to AgNPs was assessed with Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis [Gram+ve] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli [Gram-ve]. The agar well diffusion technique was adopted to evaluate the bactericidal activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs using Ampicillin and Gentamicin as gram+ve and gram-ve antibacterial standard drugs, respectively. Results: The biosynthesized AgNPs were $11.4{\pm}3.52$ nm in diameter. FT-IR analysis showed that carbonyl groups from the amino acid residues and proteins could assist in formation and stabilization of AgNPs. The AgNPs showed potent cytotoxic activity against the human hepatocellular carcinoma ($HepG_2$) cell line at higher concentrations. The results also showed that the biosynthesized AgNPs inhibited the entire panel of tested bacteria with a marked specificity towards Bacillus subtillus. Conclusions: Cytotoxic activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs may be due to the presence of alkaloids present in the algal extract. Our AgNPs appear more bactericidal against gram-positive bacteria (B. subtillus).

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.177-183
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• 2011

The radioprotective efficacy of a methanol extract of the red algae Polyopes lancifolia (Harvey) kawaguchi et wang (mPL) was evaluated in mice subjected to total-body gamma irradiation. mPL protection against radiation-induced oxidative stress was examined by histological evaluation of intestinal crypt-cell survival and liver activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). mPL (100 mg/kg body weight) administered intraperitoneally at 24 h and 1 h prior to irradiation protected jejunal crypt cells from radiation-induced apoptosis (p < 0.01). The pretreatment of mPL attenuated a radiation-induced decrease in villous height (p < 0.05), and improved jejunal crypt survival (p < 0.05). The dose reduction factor was 1.14 at 3.5 days after irradiation. Treatment with mPL prior to irradiation resulted in significantly higher (p < 0.01) levels of SOD and CAT activities, compared to those levels of irradiated control mice with vehicle treatment. These results suggest that mPL is a useful radioprotective agent capable of defending intestinal progenitor cells against total-body irradiation, at least in part through mPL antioxidative activity.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.1007-1016
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• 2021

This study examined the characteristics and seasonal distribution patterns of subtidal marine algal communities along the east coast of Korea, from 2016 to 2017, and recorded the coverage ratio (%) by the algal type. During the study period, 134 marine algae species (16 green, 29 brown, and 89 red) were identified at the survey sites. The maximum number of species was observed at the Nagok site (70 species), and the minimum at the Gisamoon site (50 species). The total average biomass (dry weight) during the survey period was 66.22 g/m², including green algae (2.19 g/m²), brown algae (38.10 g/m²), and red algae (25.94 g/m²). The dominant seaweeds in the vertical distribution based on coverage rates (%) were Sargassum yezoense and Dictyopteris divaricata at the upper, Symphyocladia latiuscula and Undaria pinnatifida at the middle, and Agarum clathratum subsp. yakishiriense and Plocamium telfairiae at the lower sections of the distribution. Richness, evenness, and diversity index, calculated based on the biomass of the abundant species, were estimated to be 6.36, 0.55, and 1.98, respectively, over the entire sea area. Based on the evaluation of the environmental states using community indices, the ecological evaluation index (EEI-c) of subtidal marine algal communities along the east coast of Korea was marked as 'good-moderate'.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.25-30
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• 2015

Objectives : Laver (Porphyra tenera), a red algae species, is one of the most widely consumed edible seaweed in Korea. Laver contains various substances such as essential amino acid, fiber, minerals and polyphenols that benefit human health. In the present study, we prepared ethanol extracts from commercially processed product of Porphyra tenera, and evaluated the growth inhibitory effect against human oral squamous carcinoma YD-10B cells. Methods : Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL assay and flow cytometry with the green fluorescent dye FITC annexin V entering apoptotic cells and the red fluorescent dye PI not entering. The expression of the relevant proteins was detected using Western blot. Results : Ethanol extracts of Porphyra tenera (PTE, $50-200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) caused a significant decrease of cell viability in a dose dependant manner. The cell death occurred as a result of apoptotic process as determined by TUNEL assay and flow cytometric analysis. In line with this observation, decrease in procaspase proteins and increase in cytosolic cytochrome c were observed in cells treated with PTE. In addition, exposure to PTE decreased the expression levels of Bcl-2, and induced PARP cleavage and AIF translocation from mitochondria to nucleus. Conclusions : In conclusion, PTE exerts anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis via caspase activation and AIF nuclear translocation in YD-10B cells. These results provide evidence for the possible therapeutic effect of Porphyra tenera in oral cancer cells.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.366-375
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• 2009

This study examined the changes of side dishes in "Eumsikdimibang", "Gyuhapchongseo", "Chosunmusangsinsikyorijebub" over time. As food ingredients, seaweed, red pepper, salted fish, Korean hot pepper paste have been used in "Gyuhapchongseo". The use of cattle by parts, saltwater fish, Chinese cabbage, powdered red pepper, garlic have increased in"Chosunmusangsinsikyorijebub". Cooking techniques, such as the use of wheat flour, a double boiler by the use of steam, and boiling and then roasting cuisine were mostly used in"Eumsikdimibang", but reduced in"Gyuhapchongseo". In "Gyuhapchongseo", the cooking methods are primarily aimed at a positive visual effect, and slices of dried meat seasoned with spices have increased. In"Chosunmusangsinsikyorijebub", various Tang (Guk), the taste of food changed by controlling the gravy content (Gigimi, Chigye, Chorim), meat mixing oil, vegetable and mushroom together to cook and boiling down the main food ingredients to soak the seasoning were increased. Dog-meat steamed dish using the intestine of dog in "Eumsikdimibang" was changed to small intestine of cattle steamed dish in "Gyuhapchongseo". And seasoned dog meat with choncho in "Eumsikdimibang" influenced on beef tail soup with Korean hot pepper paste in "Gyuhapchongseo", and Yookgyejang soup using Korean hot pepper paste in"Chosunmusangsinsikyorijebub". In steamed young chicken, the stuffing such as soybean paste, choncho, welsh onion, leek and flour in "Eumsikdimibang" was changed to minced beef, welsh onion, dropwort and Shiitake mushroom in"Gyuhapchongseo". The steamed young chicken in "Chosunmusangsinsikyorijebub" with stuffing was added to chicken soup using glutinous rice, and ginseng powder. Now, the chicken soup was changed to Samgyetang with glutinous rice, and ginseng. In "Chosunmusangsinsikyorijebub", various vegetable dishes were cooked with beef.

• Mycobiology
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.401-409
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• 2023

Nigrospora (Xylariales, Apiosporaceae) consists of species of terrestrial plant endophytes and pathogens. Nigrospora has also been reported in marine environments such as mangroves, sea fans, and macroalgae. However, limited research has been conducted on Nigrospora associated with macroalgae. Here, we isolated Nigrospora species from three types of algae (brown, green, and red algae) from Korean islands (Chuja, Jeju, and Ulleung) based on phylogenetic analyses of multigenetic markers: the internal transcribed spacers (ITS), beta-tubulin (BenA), and translation elongation factor 1 (TEF1-α). A total of 17 Nigrospora strains were isolated from macroalgae and identified as nine distinct species. The majority of Nigrospora species (seven) were found on brown algae, followed by red algae (three), and then green algae (two). To our understanding, this study represents the first account of N. cooperae, N. covidalis, N. guilinensis, N. lacticolonia, N. osmanthi, N. pyriformis, and N. rubi occurring in marine environments. Additionally, this study provides the first report of the occurrence of N. cooperae, N. covidalis, N. guilinensis, N. lacticolonia, and N. osmanthi in South Korea. This study will provide valuable insights for future research exploring the functions of fungi in macroalgal communities.

• ALGAE
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.305-311
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• 2007

The summer algal flora and community of 15 uninhabited islands in Dochodo, southwestern coast of Korea, were investigated from 9 June to 16 September 2007. A total 53 species (10 green, 14 brown and 29 red algae) of marine algae were identified. Among 15 uninhabited islands, the number of species observed was the highest as 33 species at Jeongdo and Gyeongchido the least as 24 species at Hugdo and Mido. The dominant species were Enteromorpha compressa, Ishige okamurae, Gloiopeltis furcata, Ulva pertusa and Sargassum thunbergii. The algal zonation of intertidal zone was figured out by Gloiopeltis furcata, Caulacanthus okamurae – Ulva pertusa, Sargassum thungergii – Gelidium amansii, Sargassum horneri from upper to lower zone. The flora investigated could be classified into six functional groups such as coarsely branched form (39.6%), filamentous form (25.8%), sheet form (14.1%), thick leathery form (9.9%), jointed calcarious form (5.6%) and crustose form algae (4.9%).

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.930-936
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• 2020

The red seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa has been used for the production of bioethanol. Pretreatment for monosaccharide production was carried out with 12% (w/v) G. verrucosa slurry and 500 mM HNO₃ at 121℃ for 90 min. Enzymatic hydrolysis was performed with a mixture of commercial enzymes (Cellic C-Tec 2 and Celluclast 1.5 L; 16 U/ml) at 50℃ and 150 rpm for 48 h. G. verrucosa was composed of 66.9% carbohydrates. In this study, 61.0 g/L monosaccharides were obtained from 120.0 g dw/l G. verrucosa. The fermentation inhibitors such as hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), levulinic acid, and formic acid were produced during pretreatment. Activated carbon was used to remove HMF. Wild-type and adaptively evolved Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida lusitaniae, and Kluyveromyces marxianus were used for fermentation to evaluate ethanol production.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.319-325
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• 2017

Marine algal flora and community structures were examined seasonally at three sites around the Shingori Nuclear Power Plant, Korea from February to November 2016. A total of 76 species were identified, including 9 green, 14 brown and 53 red algae. The greatest number of species occurred at Daesongri (51 species) followed by Sinamri (43 species) and at the discharge area (38 species) during the study period. Of the 76 seaweeds, 59 annuals and 17 warm tolerant species were recorded. Annual average biomass in dry weight varied from $168.02g/m^2$ at the discharge area to $222.53g/m^2$ at Sinamri. The coarsely branched form was the dominant functional form of seaweeds at the three sites. Seaweed community structures at the discharge site were distinguishable by decreasing species richness, biomass, species diversity index, richness index, and evenness index. The ratio of warm tolerance species and the dominance index values were remarkably higher at the discharge than those at the other sites.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.761-771
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• 2013

The species composition and variation of marine plants at Saguenjin in the east coast of Korea were investigated monthly from October 2008 to December 2009. As a result, 92 species of marine plants identified, 91 species were seaweeds (7 green algae, 22 brown algae, 62 red algae) and 1 were sea grass. Dominant species in importance value were melobesioidean algae, Ulva pertusa and Phyllospadix iwatensis. The vertical distribution of algae were characterized by melobesioidean algae, U. pertusa at 3 m depth, melobesioidean algae, P. iwatensis and U. pertusa at 5 m depth and melobesioidean algae, Chondrus ocellatus and Prionitis cornea at 10 m depth.