Technology Offers
From discovery to market
Here are listed all the technologies available for cooperation opportunities, from licensing to other partnerships.
Want to know more about our available technologies? Please contact CIIMAR´s Technology Transfer and Business Development Office.
MARINE BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS
Hierridin C as antimalarial and anticancer agent
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This technology relates to new halogenated alkyl-aromatic secondary metabolites, obtained from Cyanobium sp. (LEGE 06113), hierridin C, and its derivatives and their use as antimalarial and anticancer agents. This technology comprises methods for obtaining the compound from cyanobacterial cultures and methods for chemically synthesizing hierridin C and its derivatives under laboratory conditions. The solution herein relates to compounds sharing the same halogenated skeleton as hierridin C, and to its use in formulations for treating, preventing, or inhibiting malaria in humans.
Sporeforming probiotic strains for aquaculture
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The technology described involves the isolation and characterization of novel sporeforming probiotic strains with NSPs active hydrolase activity from fish gut microbiota. The bacterial strains have the potential to produce carbohydrate-active enzymes allowing the host to obtain energy from otherwise indigestible dietary constituents. The model species used was the European seabass. The technology can be used in other species.
Napyradiomycins as antifouling agents
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The technology refers to the napyradiomycins family of compounds, as antifouling agents. Napyradiomycins prevent the fouling of both marine micro and macroorganisms, such as bacteria, barnacles, mussels, and algae among others. The compounds do not introduce toxic effects on organisms and present reduced environmentaltoxicity. Napyradiomycins are fermentation products derived from actinobacteria of the genus Streptomyces known for their antimicrobial and anticancer activities. The compounds can be added to building material, including paints, varnishes, primers and seals, to treat surfaces in contact with water, targeting the primary attachment phases of the fouling process, preventing the accumulation of other marine species.
Xanthonic compounds and their use as antifouling agents
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The solution herein relates to synthetic small molecules from an important class of heterocyclic derivatives and homologs– xanthonic compounds- and their use as antifouling agents for protection against marine biofouling. These compounds are environmentally friendly and can reduce marine biofouling without inducing toxic effects to target and non-target species
Ultra-violet absorbing compounds with antimicrobial properties
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The patent is related to scytonemin analogs, a novel class of compounds, obtained from natural sources, namely cyanobacteria. These compounds can absorb up to 90% of UV-A radiation and can cover a broader UV to blue light absorption range. The compounds present faint colouration, and some are even colourless, thus being easily incorporated in formulations for cosmetic products, sunscreens or lenses for sunglasses. Furthermore, some of these molecules present interesting antimicrobial properties, ingredients.
Hydroxypheophorbide compounds as lipid-reducing agents
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132-hydroxypheophorbide (hpa) compounds are promising candidates for treating obesity and related co-morbidities. These compounds are derived from chlorophyll, already known for its beneficial bioactivities. Hpa has demonstrated novel and significant lipid-reducing activity, evaluated using the zebrafish Nile red fat metabolism assay and a 3D cell culture model of murine pre-adipocytes. The compounds can be used in therapy or treatment of obesity, overweight and related disorders. The compound can be obtained from natural resources, such as Spirulina, a GRAS cyanobacteria.
Marine compounds with antimicrobial activity
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The invention describes the synthesis and the use of synthetic pyrazino [1,2-b]quinazoline-3,6-diones derivatives, a new class of compounds with antibacterial and/or antimalarial activities. The compounds are a subclass of alkaloids mostly isolated from marine and terrestrial sources. Best lead compounds are potent antimicrobials against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 4-8 µg/mL) and others against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (IC50 0.02-2 µg/mL). Molecular docking studies support the inhibition of gene expression of Plasmodium and Leishmania sp. via prolyl-tRNA synthetase.
Halogenated compounds with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity
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This technology relates to novel halogenated fatty acid lactylates, in particular chlorinated fatty acid lactylates compounds, isolated from the cyanobacterial strain Sphaerospermopsis sp. LEGE 00249, with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity towards healthcare-associated microbial infections. These halogenated fatty acid lactylates, present antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and antibiofilm activity against coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). The compounds can be used in medicine with potential applications in the treatment and prevention of biofilm-associated infections.
Cyanobacterial bioactive compounds for anticancer and antifouling activity
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The present invention relates to bioactive compoundshypoxanthine (1) arabinoside, 2′-deoxyinosine (2), and phormidolide D (3)- obtained from the cyanobacterium strain Leptothoe sp. LEGE 181152, through bioassay-guided approaches. The compound 3 has cytotoxic activity towards cancel cells, for example spheroids of the human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT 116). Additionally, the compounds 1-2 have activity against macrofouling (e.g., Mytilus galloprovincialis plantigrades) and microfouling (e.g., Roseobacter litoralis biofilm-forming bacteria) marine organisms.
Natured-inspired antifouling compound
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This invention relates to synthetic antifouling compounds, nature-inspired and eco-friendly- a solution to the underwater adhesion of certain organisms (bacteria, algae, invertebrates) on surfaces, which causes deterioration, systems clogging in boats and contamination. The compound is non-toxic and water-soluble, it can be used in a composition that includes 0.1 to 10 wt.%. The composition can be incorporated into a polymeric formulation.
New cationic steroids with antimicrobial properties
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The present invention provides an amphiphilic smallmolecule with bactericidal and fungicidal activity. The compound is synthetized in scalable conditions from readily available and cheap building blocks. The molecule shows significant biocidal activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria, including the ESKAPE pathogens, and fungi. Notably, the compound acts synergistically with amphotericin B and fluconazole against the reference Candida albicans strain. Significant dosedependent disruption of bacterial membranes is observed upon treatment with the new cationic steroid. Polymeric coatings containing up to 1.5 % w/v cationic steroid sustain effective reduction of the formation of Escherichia coli biofilms in ureteral stents, in relevant hydrodynamic conditions.
Antifungal agents to combat the chestnut brown rot fungus
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The technology provides a solution that uses marine actinobacteria strains, from Streptomyces genus, or its spores, as a fungicide capable of inhibiting the growth of the Gs fungus. The extracts of the Streptomyces strains presented a significant anti-Gs activity comparable to or higher than the inhibition caused by Fluconazole and Amphotericin, two common antifungal agents. This technology can sustainably control Gs, which can be used in integrated and organic agriculture for biological control.
Extracellular vesicles for Protein delivery in aquaculture
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The technology leverages genetically engineered, nonpathogenic cyanobacteria (freshwater Synechocystis sp.) to produce hypervesiculating extracellular vesicles (EVs) capable of carrying and delivering specific heterologous proteins to mammalian cells and animals, includingfish. The invention refers to methods by which cyanobacterial EVs can work as nanocarriers of custom proteins in fish, with prospective applications in modulation of nutritional status or stimulating specific adaptive immune responses.
Marinones as antifouling compounds
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This invention discloses the use of marinones, a family of
natural marine compounds (general formulas I, II and III), as
antifouling agents preventing the adhesion and growth of
marine microorganisms (bacteria, diatoms) and
macroorganisms (barnacles, mussels, algae, hydroids,
tunicates).
Marinones inhibit micro- and macro-fouling on surfaces in
contact with seawater without inducing toxicity. They can be
incorporated into coatings (paints, varnishes, primers,
sealants) at 0.001–90% (w/w) for effective protection of
ships, aquaculture gear, energy platforms and maritime
infrastructures.
Alichondrichlorin for use in treating cancer
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This invention introduces alichondrichlorin, a novel
chlorinated secondary metabolite isolated from the marine
planctomycete Alienimonas chondri.
The compound shows potent, selective cytotoxic activity
against multiple human cancer cell lines, including breast
adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and hepatocellular carcinoma,
while sparing non-tumour human cells (THLE-2).
The patent further covers pharmaceutical compositions,
therapeutic uses, and methods of treatment employing
alichondrichlorin or pharmaceutically acceptable
derivatives.
PRODUCTS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AQUACULTURE
Autonomous aquaculture fish feeding system
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The use of predictive models in aquaculture can be an excellent tool to combine increased production yields with reduced environmental impacts. This technology relates to an autonomous aquaculture fish feeding system that comprises an autonomous vessel with temperature and salinity sensors. The system is equipped with an electronic data processor configured for calculating a fish weight prediction model from the collected temperature and salinity data. The system can then adjust the feeding schedule, reducing waste and improving efficiency of the aquaculture production. The system is designed for marine fish, preferably for inland aquaculture facilities. The technology was tested with the European seabass and can be adapted to other types of aquaculture facilities and fish species.
Teleost fish larval diets supplemented with natural extracts for fish growth performance
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Fish growth is dependenton feed quality and composition. The present invention relates to a premium-quality teleost fish larval diet, supplemented with natural extracts of curcumin, green tea and grape seed. The inclusion of plant extracts in fish diets can promote multiple functional physiological changes including inflammatory and immunostimulantresponses. Antioxidants play a key role in protein turnover by reducing oxidative damage in skeletal muscle, promoting growth performance in the long-term. The invention also describes a method for improving fish growth performance by providing these diets to fish during the larvae and post-larvae phases.
Cold extruded feed formulation for sea urchin
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The technology describes a cold extruded, dry and stable sea urchin feed, that enhances gonadal growth and colour of P. lividus. The feed can be produced at a large scale and stored for an extended period of time. Furthermore, the feed has prolonged self-sustention in seawater and meets the nutritional requirements of P. lividus– with the ideal proportion of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and pigments (carotenoids, 20– 300 mg/kg). The ingredients are provided by natural sources including spices, vegetables, seaweeds, microalgae, and synthetic sources.
New hydrolysates to control bacterial infections in fish
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This invention relates to a method to obtain a blood hydrolysate (BH), from slaughter industry by-productpreferably swine blood. The BH extract has a high protein content (20-30 wt.%) and is rich in bioactive peptides. It can be used as a food supplement in aquafeeds to promote fish robustness and control bacterial infections- specifically in the prevention or treatment of T. maritimum infections.
Enzyme-rich extract for improvement of aquafeeds
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The present technology transforms BSG through SSF (using
Aspergillus ibericus) into a valuable enzyme-rich extract that
can be used as a feed additive in animal diets, preferably
fish diets.
The extract is used as a pre-treatment process for plant
feedstuff-based diets, helping to release sugars and amino
acids, leading to high diet and protein efficiencies. By
increasing nutritional value, the quantity of diet per kg of
fish produced can be reduced.
METHODS FOR EXTRACTION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS
Method for obtaining rich-protein extracts from algae
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The technology allows an effective disruption of algae cell walls to obtain high-nutrient-digestible protoplast. As a first step, the cellulosic cell wall is disrupted through physicalmechanical means with a vibratory mill with rings; in the second step, the disrupted algae is submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis carried by a specific mixture of enzymes. This results in a disrupted algal suspension with a high level of “free” protein, peptides, and amino acids, as well as other valuable soluble nutrients and bioactive compounds. The extract can be further used as a food and feed ingredient due to its high nutrient digestibility. Other applications for the extract, such as in healthcare and cosmetics, can be also considered.
DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Autonomous device for capturing aquatic eDNA
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The present disclosure relates to the development of a lowcost in situ automatic bio-sampler (IS-ABS) device. The ISABS enables the collection and concentration of aquatic eDNA, particularly through filtration of plankton-rich water samples. This system can be easily integrated with an AUV. Samples collected with the device are suitable for highly sensitive genomic analyses (genomics, metagenomics, and transcriptomics), allowing the study of entire plankton communities and broader biodiversity through eDNA, rather than being limited to specific species or microbial groups.
Synergistic bioremediation composition for hydrocarbon pollutant degradation
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The present disclosure relates to an innovative, effective and environmentally friendly synergistic bioremediation composition for hydrocarbon pollutants degradation, namely for oil spills and maritime fuels. The formulation is composed of different autochthonous microorganisms- isolated from the Atlantic Iberian Peninsula Coast, supported by a cocktail of nutrients to stimulate microbial activity.
Underwater metabolic chamber
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The technology provides a portable in situ underwater metabolic chamber capable of measuring metabolic parameters, including primary productivity, respiration rates, oxygen flux, in situ incubation, carbon cycling, and climate change. The measurements can be accurately obtained across various conditions and marine communities without disturbing them, directly within the natural habitat.
Biosensor for assessing responses to pesticide applications in soils
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The invention refers toabiosensor device andmethod, holdingearthwormsasmodel soilorganisms, forassessing responses to pesticide applications in soil. The first earthworm-baseddeviceforin-fieldassessment. Earthworms areexposed tocontrolledenvironments that arecloselyrelatedtorealsuperiorsoil layersbeingexposed tophytosanitarytreatments.
