Research team from the University of Jordan discovers bioactive compounds from Gulf of Aqaba sponges
Amman3 min read
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A research and academic team at the University of Jordan has revealed natural bioactive compounds extracted from rare types of marine sponges living in the depths of the Gulf of Aqaba. These compounds have shown antibacterial efficacy against a number of bacterial strains, primarily antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which opens new horizons for pharmacological exploration and the development of therapeutic compounds derived from Jordan's marine biodiversity.
According to a university statement, this study comes in light of the growing global threat of microbial resistance. This scientific effort is led by the head of the Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Ecology (LaMME) and Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Ecology at the Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science, Dr. Mamoun Mustafa Al-Rashdan, and Professor of Molecular Pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Malik Awad Al-Zahlef, based on research completed as part of the doctoral theses of researchers Dr. Razan Abu Assaf and Dr. Fatima Al-Jamal.
The statement added that this success was achieved thanks to the close field and exploratory cooperation of the "Molecular Pharmacology Research in Personalized Medicine" group at the University of Jordan with international and national institutions. Marine sponge samples were collected in July 2022 during an expedition by the global "OceanXplorer" mission. The researchers used manned submersibles equipped with robotic arms to reach marine depths ranging between 140 and 362 meters below sea level, in thermal conditions ranging between 21.1 and 22.5 degrees Celsius.
It noted that the logistical support provided by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority contributed to the completion of the field mission, reflecting the importance of integration between national and international institutions in supporting scientific research and exploring natural resources and biodiversity in the Jordanian marine environment.
Regarding laboratory results and analyses, it indicated that the samples were preserved at low temperatures in an ethanol solution, then subjected to precise genetic tests using DNA barcoding technology and compared with global databases, which resulted in the identification of three main types of sponges: "Stelletta sp", "Dactylospongia sp", and "Haliclona sp".
Tests showed that the extract of the "Dactylospongia sp" sponge possesses high inhibitory efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria, especially Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with inhibition rates ranging between 6 and 21 millimeters.
The use of Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) also allowed for the detection of about 40 bioactive compounds, including gallic acid, caffeic acid, quinone compounds, and the marine alkaloid "Manzamine A".
The researchers are paying special attention to developing sustainable production options for these compounds by employing genetic and chemical techniques to reduce the need to collect large quantities of sponges from the natural environment, preserve marine biodiversity, and enhance the chances of transforming scientific discoveries into sustainable applications. This confirms the University of Jordan's commitment to harnessing scientific research to serve society, develop biotechnology and the medical sector in the Kingdom, and contribute to addressing global health challenges.
