Integrative Biology Journals

Natural Products and Bioprospecting ›› 2023, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (5): 32-32.DOI: 10.1007/s13659-023-00395-y

• ORIGINAL ARTICLES • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Bioactivity profile of dissolved organic matter and its relation to molecular composition

Teresa S. Catalá1,2,3, Linn G. Speidel3,4, Arlette Wenzel-Storjohann5, Thorsten Dittmar3,6, Deniz Tasdemir5,7   

  1. 1. Global Society Institute, Wälderhaus, Hamburg, Germany;
    2. Organization for Science, Education and Global Society gGmbH, Stuttgart, Germany;
    3. ICBM-MPI Bridging Group for Marine Geochemistry, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany;
    4. Geological Institute, Department of Earth Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland;
    5. GEOMAR Centre for Marine Biotechnology, Research Unit Marine Natural Products Chemistry, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Am Kiel-Kanal 44, 24106, Kiel, Germany;
    6. Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany;
    7. Kiel University, Christian-Albrechts-Platz 4, 24118, Kiel, Germany
  • Received:2023-07-23 Online:2023-11-03 Published:2023-10-24
  • Contact: Teresa S. Catalá,E-mail:teresa.scatala@globalsocietyinstitute.org
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie individual Fellow- ship “DOC-Dark Ocean Cosmeceutical: The Cosmetical and Pharmaceutical Potential of Marine Dissolved Organic Matter” (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, number 749586) and the Start-up funding for junior research groups, 》Program- mhaushalt Forschung《 (PH-F) of the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg.

Bioactivity profile of dissolved organic matter and its relation to molecular composition

Teresa S. Catalá1,2,3, Linn G. Speidel3,4, Arlette Wenzel-Storjohann5, Thorsten Dittmar3,6, Deniz Tasdemir5,7   

  1. 1. Global Society Institute, Wälderhaus, Hamburg, Germany;
    2. Organization for Science, Education and Global Society gGmbH, Stuttgart, Germany;
    3. ICBM-MPI Bridging Group for Marine Geochemistry, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany;
    4. Geological Institute, Department of Earth Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland;
    5. GEOMAR Centre for Marine Biotechnology, Research Unit Marine Natural Products Chemistry, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Am Kiel-Kanal 44, 24106, Kiel, Germany;
    6. Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany;
    7. Kiel University, Christian-Albrechts-Platz 4, 24118, Kiel, Germany
  • 通讯作者: Teresa S. Catalá,E-mail:teresa.scatala@globalsocietyinstitute.org
  • 基金资助:
    This work was supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie individual Fellow- ship “DOC-Dark Ocean Cosmeceutical: The Cosmetical and Pharmaceutical Potential of Marine Dissolved Organic Matter” (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, number 749586) and the Start-up funding for junior research groups, 》Program- mhaushalt Forschung《 (PH-F) of the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg.

Abstract: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) occupies a huge and uncharted molecular space. Given its properties, DOM can be presented as a promising biotechnological resource. However, research into bioactivities of DOM is still in early stages. In this study, the biotechnological potential of terrestrial and marine DOM, its molecular composition and their relationships are investigated. Samples were screened for their in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and antioxidant activities. Antibacterial activity was detected against Staphylococcus aureus in almost all DOM samples, with freshwater DOM showing the lowest IC50 values. Most samples also inhibited Staphylococcus epidermidis, and four DOM extracts showed up to fourfold higher potency than the reference drug. Antifungal activity was limited to only porewater DOM towards human dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. No significant in vitro anticancer activity was observed. Low antioxidant potential was exerted. The molecular characterization by FT-ICR MS allowed a broad compositional overview. Three main distinguished groups have been identified by PCoA analyses. Antibacterial activities are related to high aromaticity content and highly-unsaturated molecular formulae (O-poor). Antifungal effect is correlated with highly-unsaturated molecular formulae (O-rich). Antioxidant activity is positively related to the presence of double bonds and polyphenols. This study evidenced for the first time antibacterial and antifungal activity in DOM with potential applications in cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and aquaculture industry. The lack of cytotoxicity and the almost unlimited presence of this organic material may open new avenues in future marine bioprospecting efforts.

Key words: Dissolved organic matter, Antibacterial activity, Antifungal activity, Antioxidant activity, Molecular composition

摘要: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) occupies a huge and uncharted molecular space. Given its properties, DOM can be presented as a promising biotechnological resource. However, research into bioactivities of DOM is still in early stages. In this study, the biotechnological potential of terrestrial and marine DOM, its molecular composition and their relationships are investigated. Samples were screened for their in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and antioxidant activities. Antibacterial activity was detected against Staphylococcus aureus in almost all DOM samples, with freshwater DOM showing the lowest IC50 values. Most samples also inhibited Staphylococcus epidermidis, and four DOM extracts showed up to fourfold higher potency than the reference drug. Antifungal activity was limited to only porewater DOM towards human dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. No significant in vitro anticancer activity was observed. Low antioxidant potential was exerted. The molecular characterization by FT-ICR MS allowed a broad compositional overview. Three main distinguished groups have been identified by PCoA analyses. Antibacterial activities are related to high aromaticity content and highly-unsaturated molecular formulae (O-poor). Antifungal effect is correlated with highly-unsaturated molecular formulae (O-rich). Antioxidant activity is positively related to the presence of double bonds and polyphenols. This study evidenced for the first time antibacterial and antifungal activity in DOM with potential applications in cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and aquaculture industry. The lack of cytotoxicity and the almost unlimited presence of this organic material may open new avenues in future marine bioprospecting efforts.

关键词: Dissolved organic matter, Antibacterial activity, Antifungal activity, Antioxidant activity, Molecular composition