Project Type
Poster
Publication Date
4-11-2022
Department or Program
Biological Sciences
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor #1
Wynn, April
Abstract
Rhodophyta Gracilaria is a genus of Rhodophyta, red algae, found throughout the world and has played a variety of roles throughout the years. Gracilaria has previously been used medically in India and China for the treatment of dysentery and respiratory disease while in Malaysia as a remedy for inflammation. It has also been an ingredient in the cuisine of many different cultures from garnish on Poke bowls in Hawaii, to a component in Japanese Ogonori, a type of Japanese salad. Research on Gracilaria has increased throughout the years. This is indicative of its potential in a wide variety of fields and how further research is required to take advantage of its full potential. It has current applications in the skincare, pharmacological products, and the biotechnical industry. Today, one of the most significant purposes of Gracilaira cultivation is the production of agar used in growth medium for fungi and bacteria. Gracilaira uses are only starting to become apparent, in particular, the bioactive effects of Gracilaria seem to be promising. Its antibacterial and cancer-fighting properties make it a prime subject for further examination since it has the potential to provide additional remedies for the biotechnical and pharmacological industries.