Exploring Algal Metabolism: Insights from Metabolomics and Computational Approaches
Algae, despite being labeled as an underexplored biological source of chemical constituents, remain inadequately studied in terms of their metabolism. Metabolomics has emerged as a high-throughput technology to investigate the full metabolic profile of samples that could aid in the understanding and...
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MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Biology and Life Sciences Forum |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9976/35/1/9 |
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| author | Maria Carpena Aurora Silva Franklin Chamorro Javier Echave Ana Olivia S. Jorge Maria Fátima Barroso Miguel A. Prieto |
| author_facet | Maria Carpena Aurora Silva Franklin Chamorro Javier Echave Ana Olivia S. Jorge Maria Fátima Barroso Miguel A. Prieto |
| author_sort | Maria Carpena |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Algae, despite being labeled as an underexplored biological source of chemical constituents, remain inadequately studied in terms of their metabolism. Metabolomics has emerged as a high-throughput technology to investigate the full metabolic profile of samples that could aid in the understanding and characterization of algae. By delving into their primary composition, particularly polysaccharides and phycobiliproteins, alongside secondary metabolites like polyphenols and pigments, researchers can uncover not only their rheological and nutritional properties but also their diverse biological activities. Given the growing interest in algae in food and related industries, innovative approaches should be explored to enhance the value of their functional components. In this sense, in the context of contemporary in-silico studies, metabolomics should be paired with computational methodologies, to develop novel techniques for studying biomolecular interactions. Molecular docking has emerged, with the function of predicting the atomic-level interaction between small molecules (ligands) and target proteins (proteins). This synergistic approach integrating both technologies could allow us to characterize algal profiles, evaluate their potential for bioactive properties, and better understand their metabolism. This work explores the development of metabolomic and computational strategies targeted toward the functional characterization of algae. By harnessing these technologies, we can unlock new possibilities for using algae in various industrial applications, paving the way for sustainable and innovative solutions in the future. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1f653573a13a472c957e88f5e90aed10 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-9976 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Biology and Life Sciences Forum |
| spelling | doaj-art-1f653573a13a472c957e88f5e90aed102025-08-20T03:43:11ZengMDPI AGBiology and Life Sciences Forum2673-99762024-11-01351910.3390/blsf2024035009Exploring Algal Metabolism: Insights from Metabolomics and Computational ApproachesMaria Carpena0Aurora Silva1Franklin Chamorro2Javier Echave3Ana Olivia S. Jorge4Maria Fátima Barroso5Miguel A. Prieto6Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)—CITEXVI, 36310 Vigo, SpainUniversidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)—CITEXVI, 36310 Vigo, SpainUniversidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)—CITEXVI, 36310 Vigo, SpainUniversidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)—CITEXVI, 36310 Vigo, SpainUniversidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)—CITEXVI, 36310 Vigo, SpainREQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4200-072 Porto, PortugalUniversidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)—CITEXVI, 36310 Vigo, SpainAlgae, despite being labeled as an underexplored biological source of chemical constituents, remain inadequately studied in terms of their metabolism. Metabolomics has emerged as a high-throughput technology to investigate the full metabolic profile of samples that could aid in the understanding and characterization of algae. By delving into their primary composition, particularly polysaccharides and phycobiliproteins, alongside secondary metabolites like polyphenols and pigments, researchers can uncover not only their rheological and nutritional properties but also their diverse biological activities. Given the growing interest in algae in food and related industries, innovative approaches should be explored to enhance the value of their functional components. In this sense, in the context of contemporary in-silico studies, metabolomics should be paired with computational methodologies, to develop novel techniques for studying biomolecular interactions. Molecular docking has emerged, with the function of predicting the atomic-level interaction between small molecules (ligands) and target proteins (proteins). This synergistic approach integrating both technologies could allow us to characterize algal profiles, evaluate their potential for bioactive properties, and better understand their metabolism. This work explores the development of metabolomic and computational strategies targeted toward the functional characterization of algae. By harnessing these technologies, we can unlock new possibilities for using algae in various industrial applications, paving the way for sustainable and innovative solutions in the future.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9976/35/1/9metabolomicscomputational strategiesbiomolecular interactionsalgae |
| spellingShingle | Maria Carpena Aurora Silva Franklin Chamorro Javier Echave Ana Olivia S. Jorge Maria Fátima Barroso Miguel A. Prieto Exploring Algal Metabolism: Insights from Metabolomics and Computational Approaches Biology and Life Sciences Forum metabolomics computational strategies biomolecular interactions algae |
| title | Exploring Algal Metabolism: Insights from Metabolomics and Computational Approaches |
| title_full | Exploring Algal Metabolism: Insights from Metabolomics and Computational Approaches |
| title_fullStr | Exploring Algal Metabolism: Insights from Metabolomics and Computational Approaches |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring Algal Metabolism: Insights from Metabolomics and Computational Approaches |
| title_short | Exploring Algal Metabolism: Insights from Metabolomics and Computational Approaches |
| title_sort | exploring algal metabolism insights from metabolomics and computational approaches |
| topic | metabolomics computational strategies biomolecular interactions algae |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9976/35/1/9 |
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