Scientists from Italy have recently shared a coral preservation breakthrough using a natural antioxidant extracted from turmeric. The team from Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) and the University of Milan-Bicocca used curcumin to shield coral from climate change-induced damage.
As per the news release, the joint research group collaborated with Genoa Aquarium and designed a biodegradable biomaterial to safely administer curcumin without harming the marine ecosystem. Successful tests conducted at the Genoa Aquarium highlight curcumin's significant effectiveness in preventing coral bleaching.
Climate-Induced Coral Bleaching
Coral bleaching poses a dire threat to these vital organisms, with severe consequences for coral reefs, which play critical roles in the global economy, coastal protection, and marine biodiversity. The majority of corals depend on a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae, which are essential for their survival and vibrant colors.
Unfortunately, rising sea and ocean temperatures caused by climate change disrupt this delicate symbiosis. As a result, the coral loses its colorful appearance, turning white due to the absence of algae, and faces the risk of starvation.
Science Times previously reported that climate change has caused widespread coral bleaching, affecting major coral barrier reefs worldwide, including the iconic Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Unfortunately, no effective methods have been found to counter this phenomenon and prevent coral bleaching without jeopardizing the survival of these critical habitats and the exceptional biodiversity they support.
Given the alarming implications of coral bleaching, urgent research efforts are underway to find sustainable solutions that can safeguard these precious ecosystems while mitigating the effects of climate change.
Such endeavors aim to preserve the delicate balance between corals and their symbiotic algae, allowing these invaluable marine habitats to endure and continue supporting various ecosystems and economies that rely on them.
Natural Protection Against Coral Bleaching
Their recent study, titled "Biodegradable Zein-Based Biocomposite Films for Underwater Delivery of Curcumin Reduce Thermal Stress Effects in Corals" published in the ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces publication, reveals promising results in reducing coral bleaching.
Researchers have developed a patented technology to protect coral from bleaching caused by climate change, SciTech Daily reported. They demonstrated how curcumin effectively protects coral from bleaching caused by climate change.
The researchers conducted tests at Genoa Aquarium to simulate tropical sea overheating conditions by raising the water temperature to 33°C (91°F). During these tests, untreated corals suffered from bleaching, while corals treated with curcumin showed no signs of this effect. This result highlights the technique's effectiveness in reducing coral vulnerability to thermal stress.
For this study, the researchers utilized Stylophora pistillata, a coral species commonly found in the tropical Indian Ocean and listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List. The delivery of curcumin to the coral is achieved through a controlled process, utilizing a biomaterial made from zein, a maize-derived protein.
The researchers developed this system to ensure the safety of the surrounding environment during the application. The research focuses on applying this technology on a large scale in nature.
They also aim to explore the use of other natural antioxidant substances to prevent coral reef destruction. The innovative approach, involving biodegradable and biocompatible materials releasing natural substances, is believed to be a major breakthrough in marine ecosystem recovery strategies, says University of Milan-Bicocca researcher Simone Montano.
RELATED ARTICLE: Marine Biologists Develop Heat-Resistant Coral to Save Great Barrier Reef
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