A study on the growth and secondary metabolite production in the soft coral Sinularia flexibilis for biotechnological exploitations

Abstract

Sessile marine invertebrates produce toxins to deter or kill predators and competitors. In recent years, biomedical exploitation of these bioproducts, organism availability for mass production, and limited stock in their natural habitats have been serious obstacles hindering benefit from these organisms. Cultivation of these invertebrates, is one of various approaches for producing the large biomass required. In this report, results of a preliminary study on the captive symbiotic soft coral Sinularia flexibilis, the richest species within its genus, are presented. Using asexual propagation of this species, fragments of the coral were established in a cultivation tank. These coral samples showed absolute survival (100%, n=24) within 16 weeks, high specific growth rates (17-21×10−3d−1), and a minimum doubling time of 6 weeks in the laboratory. In addition, biosynthesis of major bioactive compound of this species, flexibilide, continued in a range of 0.1-0.25 mg g−1 dry weight. Considering high potential of the Iranian southern waters and the diversity of similar marine organisms, it is important to apply marine biotechnology for substantial exploitation of these potential resources.

Keywords

• closed cultivation
• flexibilide
• sinularia flexibilis
• secondary metabolites
• specific growth rate