Dr Hejna to lead a project on the health promoting properties of brown seaweed extracts

28 07 2025

Dr. Monika Hejna from the Institute of Microbiology has been awarded a grant by the National Science Centre (NCN) under the SONATA 20 call for the project titled “Innovative Marine-Derived Substitute Ingredients with Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties: Nutraceuticals as a Preventive Alternative in Commercial Animal Farming Systems.” Alongside with research team of Prof. Magdalena Popowska, she will investigate how extracts from brown algae can support the immune system and, consequently, potentially replace commonly used antibiotics in the long term.

Because the excessive use of antibiotics in animal farming and other industrial sectors has led to an alarming increase in bacterial resistance, posing a threat to human and animal health. This growing problem has prompted scientists to search for natural and innovative solutions to prevent diseases in livestock without relying on antibiotics. Among the potential solutions, marine algae have emerged as a promising natural alternative. They are rich in bioactive compounds known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.

The MARINA-CARE project aims to explore the health promoting potential of four species of brown algae: Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus serratus, Pelvetia canaliculata, and Laminaria digitata. In addition to studying the individual bioactivity of each species, researchers will examine six species combinations to determine whether combining their properties enhances their effectiveness.

The researchers then will conduct a chemical analysis in which powders from selected brown algae will be tested for their nutritional value and key bioactive compounds. Fatty acids and pigments will also be identified. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of the algae extracts will be also examined using pig immune cells. Lastly, the antibacterial properties of the algae extracts will be tested against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes.

The researchers hope that brown algae could become a powerful, natural alternative to antibiotics and that their use in animal feed will help strengthen the immunity of livestock.