01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-08-0099 |
| Title of Abstract | Treasures from the Extremes: Unlocking the Bioactive Potential of Marine Life along the Kuwait Coast of the Arabian Gulf |
| Authors | Sabeena Farvin Koduvayur Habeebullah*, Surendraraj Alagarsamy, Salim OK, Saja Fakhraldeen, Turki Al Said, Faiza Al Yamani |
| Organisation | Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research |
| Address | Safat Kuwait City, Hawalli, Kuwait Pincode: 1638 E-mail: shabeebullah@kisr.edu.kw |
| Country | Kuwait |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | The Kuwaiti coast of the Arabian Gulf, a marginal sea of the Indian Ocean, is characterized by unique environmental conditions, including elevated water temperatures, salinity, and ultraviolet (UV) index. Despite these challenging conditions, the region boasts a rich biodiversity. We hypothesize that to adapt to these harsh environments, marine organisms in this area produce a distinct array of secondary metabolites that differ from those found in other oceanic regions. Phyco-prospecting research revealed that, unlike temperate waters, seaweeds from this region contain higher levels of flavonoids than phlorotannins. Red seaweeds contain higher concentrations of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). Seven novel, four known, and several unidentified MAAs were isolated from the seaweeds. Interestingly, microalgae exposed to UV radiation respond by altering their pigment profiles, shifting from chlorophylls to photosynthetic and photoprotective carotenoids, and producing unique stress-responsive proteins. Pigment profiling of seaweeds revealed that fucoxanthin is the dominant pigment in species that thrive under Kuwait⿿s extreme summer conditions. The UV-protective efficacy of fucoxanthin varies depending on its molecular structure and the seaweed species from which it is isolated. In microbial bioprospecting studies, Pseudoalteromonas citrea has been identified as a potent antimicrobial producer. Among the 11 pigment-producing bacteria with high antioxidant activity, violacein from Pseudoalteromonas amylolytica and prodigiosin from Zooshikella ganghwensis exhibited strong antihypertensive effects, with the latter also carrying antitumor genes. The culturable and metagenomic bacterial diversity of Kuwait's hypersaline habitats was documented, and functional screening of a metagenomic library prepared from these samples was conducted to identify novel enzymes. A novel halotolerant α-amylase with exceptionally high specific activity was isolated from Priestia flexa from the Mina Abdullah sabkha. A novel thermophilic alkaline protease isoenzyme was purified from Marinobacter sediminum isolated from Bubiyan Sabkha. The findings from these studies offer exciting prospects for marine bioprospecting in extreme environments. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Marginal sea, Arabian Gulf, Marine Life, Bioactive Potential |
| For Awards | no |