Antibiotics made from Seaweed and AMR innovation.

Synthetic man-made antibiotics are no longer effective against most bacteria and fungi. Their overuse also negatively impacts marine ecosystems. Now take a closer look at natural antibiotics made from Ulva seaweed. 

We can control the spread of antimicrobial resistance and keep antimicrobials working.

Antibiotics derived from seaweed offer potential benefits over man-made antibiotics, primarily due to their natural origin, diverse mechanisms of action, and potential to combat antimicrobial resistance. These advantages position them as promising candidates for future medicine.

Key Benefits

Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Ulva  Seaweed compounds are being researched by Ulva Sea Farms as a potential solution to the global health crisis of antibiotic-resistant "superbugs". Their unique chemical structures and diverse modes of action may be effective against pathogens that have developed resistance to conventional synthetic antibiotics.

Novel Mechanisms of Action: Instead of simply killing bacteria, as many traditional antibiotics do, seaweed compounds can act in varied ways. Some mechanisms include:

Disrupting cell membranes.

Inhibiting pathogen adhesion to host tissues, acting as a "biological shield".

Interfering with biofilm formation, a common issue in chronic infections.

Modulating the host's immune response, enhancing the body's natural defences.

Acting as prebiotics in the gut, promoting beneficial bacteria and gut health, which helps mitigate the adverse effects of antibiotics on the gut microbiome.

Reduced Side Effects and Toxicity: Ulva Seaweed-derived compounds are often noted for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity compared to some synthetic drugs, making them attractive for various biomedical applications such as wound dressings and oral supplements.

Broad-Spectrum Activity: Specific compounds, such as certain phlorotannins and sulfated polysaccharides, have demonstrated effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as viruses and fungi.

Sustainability: Seaweed is a renewable and sustainable natural resource that can be farmed offshore without competing for land with traditional food production, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetically produced agents. 

Synergistic Potential: Research suggests that Ulva seaweed extracts can work synergistically with existing antibiotics, potentially enhancing their efficacy and allowing for lower doses of conventional drugs, which could reduce side effects and slow the development of resistance.

 Man-made antibiotics are considered "emerging contaminants" in marine ecosystems, originating from agricultural runoff, aquaculture, and treated or untreated sewage. Due to their low biodegradability, they persist in seawater and sediment, causing diverse, often detrimental, effects on marine life at different trophic levels.

Here is a breakdown of how man-made antibiotics affect marine life:

Development of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB) and Genes (ARGs):

Constant exposure to low levels of antibiotics puts selective pressure on marine bacteria, leading to the proliferation of resistant strains.

Marine microorganisms can transfer these resistance genes horizontally to others, turning marine environments into hotspots for ARB.

Resistant bacteria have been detected in fish, marine mammals, and seabirds, creating a risk for transferring resistance up the food chain.

Disruption of Marine Microbiomes:

Antibiotics change the composition and structure of microbial communities, such as those associated with seagrasses or corals.

In seagrasses, antibiotic exposure reduces the abundance of protective bacterial taxa and increases potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Pseudoalteromonadaceae), making them more vulnerable to disease.

Impact on Primary Producers (Algae and Plants):

Antibiotics can cause oxidative stress in chloroplasts, reducing photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids) and hindering growth in algae and seaweeds.

Studies show that exposure can decrease seagrass leaf growth rates and reduce primary production.

Toxicity and Physiological Effects on Marine Animals:

Antibiotics can cause acute and chronic toxicity in invertebrates, fish, and shellfish, leading to developmental, metabolic, and reproductive disorders.

Exposure can cause oxidative stress, histopathological lesions, and genotoxic effects in fish.

Larval stages of shellfish and fish are particularly sensitive to antibiotic residues.

Systemic Ecosystem Changes:

High concentrations of antibiotics can shift the ecosystem's metabolic state from autotrophic (producing oxygen) to heterotrophic (consuming oxygen), especially in contaminated areas.

Reduced primary production in plants like seagrass limits their ability to sequester blue carbon, impacting their role in mitigating climate change.

Bioaccumulation:

Certain antibiotics (e.g., fluoroquinolones) have high bioaccumulation potential and can accumulate in the tissues of marine organisms, particularly in muscles, posing risks to higher trophic levels.

The most affected regions are often coastal areas, close to aquaculture farms, a

Current Status

While promising, most research on seaweed antibiotics is still in the in vitro (lab) or preclinical in vivo (animal model) stages. Further clinical trials and research are required to fully understand their potential, ensure safety, and develop standardised, reliable pharmaceutical products for human use.

Can you help?

Ulva Sea Farms is seeking investments and funding to move forward with our Ulva antibiotics. We’d love to hear from you if you can help. ulvaseafarms@email.com