Researchers from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia – IIT and the University of Milan-Bicocca have proven the effectiveness of a natural substance in protecting corals from damage caused by climate change.

A recently published study, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces shows the efficacy of curcumin, a natural antioxidant extracted from turmeric, in reducing coral bleaching, a phenomenon primarily caused by climate change. A research team of scientists from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italian Institute of Technology – IIT) and Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca (University of Milan-Bicocca) in collaboration with Acquario di Genova (Aquarium of Genoa) in Italy has developed a degradable biomaterial to deliver the molecule without damaging the surrounding marine environment. Tests carried out in the Genoa Aquarium have shown it to be significantly effective in preventing coral bleaching.

Effects and causes of coral bleaching

In extreme conditions, coral bleaching can lead to the death of coral organisms, with devastating consequences for coral reefs. These reefs are vital to the global economy by protecting coastlines from natural disasters and conserving marine biodiversity. Most corals coexist in symbiosis with microscopic algae that are critical for their survival and vibrant coloration. However, rising sea and ocean temperatures due to climate change may disrupt this symbiosis and cause corals to whiten. In this case, the corals turn white due to algae loss and risk starvation.

In recent years, climate change has affected many of the world’s major barrier reefs, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective methods to combat and prevent coral bleaching without seriously threatening these habitats and their associated biodiversity.

Groundbreaking breakthrough with curcumin

Researchers from the IIT and the University of Milan-Bicocca in conjunction with the Aquarium of Genoa have demonstrated the effectiveness of curcumin in preventing coral bleaching caused by climate change. This natural molecule is introduced into corals in a controlled process using a biomaterial based on zein, a protein derived from corn. This system was developed by researchers to ensure environmental safety.

In testing at the Genoa Aquarium, overheated tropical sea conditions were simulated by raising the water temperature to 33°C (91°F). Under these conditions, all untreated corals experienced bleaching, while curcumin-treated corals showed no signs of this effect. This result demonstrates the effectiveness of this technique in reducing the vulnerability of corals to heat stress. A coral species was used in this study. Stylophora pistillata It is distributed in the tropical Indian Ocean and is included in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species.

Patent application and future research

“This technology is the subject of a patent application submitted, and indeed the next steps of this research will focus on its application in nature and at a large scale,” said Marco Contardi, first author of the study, a researcher in the Smart Materials group at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and a researcher at DISAT (Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences) at the University of Milan-Bicocca. “We will also explore the use of other naturally occurring antioxidant substances to inhibit the bleaching process and thus prevent the destruction of coral reefs.”

“The use of new biodegradable and biocompatible materials that can release natural substances that can reduce coral bleaching is something completely new,” said Simone Montano, DSAT researcher and deputy director of MaRHE (Center for Marine Research and Higher Education) at the University of Milan-Bicocca. “I strongly believe that this innovative approach will be an important breakthrough in the development of strategies for the restoration of marine ecosystems.” Source