Turbo cornutus (sea snail) viscera are generated as seafood-processing byproducts but remain underutilized, despite their potential as sources of marine bioactives. This study evaluated the skin-improving activities of Turbo cornutus viscera ultrasonic extract (TVSE) to assess its suitability as a functional cosmetic ingredient. TVSE was produced via ultrasonic-assisted extraction and assessed for whitening, anti-wrinkle, and antioxidant properties. Whitening activity was examined through tyrosinase inhibition and suppression of melanin production in B16F10 melanoma cells. Anti-wrinkle potential was assessed by inhibiting collagenase and elastase activities and by quantifying matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and procollagen type I C-peptide (PIP) levels in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. Antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HDF cells using a DCFH-DA fluorescence assay under oxidative stress conditions. TVSE significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity and mela- nogenesis, attenuated collagenase and elastase activities, reduced MMP-1 production, promoted PIP production, a marker of collagen synthesis, and mitigated stress-induced ROS accumulation. These findings indicate that TVSE exerts multimodal skin-improving effects and represents a promising marine-derived cosmeceutical material for the valorization of seafood-processing byproducts.

The present study examined the determinants of experts' intentions to utilize marine biological resources in extreme areas (areas beyond national jurisdiction and polar regions) and discussed related policy implications. Using survey data from 523 experts in Korea's marine bio sector across industry, academia, and research institutes, we estimated an ordered logit model. The dependent variable was a three-level participation stage (nonparticipation, potential participation, and active participation), capturing the progression from latent interest to active engagement. The results indicate that knowledge of international norms positively associated with higher participation stages. Perceived challenges in resource acquisition and cultivation, perceived resource demand, and implementation constraints were also positively associated with participation, whereas perceived difficulties in data verification and validation were negatively associated. These findings provide survey-based evidence on expert-level determinants of participation intentions and underscore the need for capacity building in international norms, as well as strengthening data and verification foundations, including standardization, validation systems, and shared infrastructure.

Microalgae have recently emerged as valuable bioresources due to their diverse functional compounds and are increasingly used as sustainable ingredients in cosmetic and biomedical applications. Although most studies have focused on intracellular metabolites, accumulating evidence suggests that microalgal culture media also contain bioactive extracellular components. Haematococcus lacustris is well known for its capacity to accumulate astaxanthin under stress conditions. However, the biological potential of its green-stage culture medium remains largely unexplored. In this study, we isolated extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the culture medium of green-stage H. lacustris and evaluated their anti-melanogenic activity using a zebrafish model. The purified EVs significantly suppressed melanin production without inducing toxicity. These findings indicate that EVs constitute a key bioactive component in the culture medium and further suggest that green-stage H. lacustris may serve as a sustainable microalgal resource for cosmetic applications.

This study investigates the structural characteristics of marine biotechnology research by evaluating the relationships among marine biological resources, applied technologies, and research methods. A total of 193 articles published in the Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology (2006-2025) were examined. Information on target resources, applied technologies, and research methods was systematically extracted and examined using network-based approaches, including analyses of resource-technology, technology-method, and resource-method relationships, along with similarity analysis and hierarchical clustering. The results indicate that marine biotechnology research is organized as an interconnected system rather than a set of independent elements. First, resource-technology analysis reveals that resource groups differ in their structural roles, with some broadly linked to multiple technologies and others exhibiting more specialized associations. Technologies also occupy distinct positions within the network, with certain technologies serving as central or bridging elements. Second, technology-method analysis indicates that each technology is implemented through characteristic combinations of research methods. A small set of core methods is repeatedly used across studies, whereas numerous method combinations form a fragmented long-tail structure. Third, resource-method analysis shows that resource groups differ in their method compositions. Some emphasize functional evaluation and molecular- and cellular-level analyses, whereas others rely more heavily on process- or purification-oriented approaches. Rather than forming discrete categories, these differences constitute a continuous spectrum of method compositions across resource groups. Overall, the findings suggest that marine biotechnology research is best understood as an integrated system defined by the interdependent relationships among resources, technologies, and methods. By providing a structural perspective on research trends, this study offers valuable insights for strategic R&D planning in the field.

Fermented marine resources have emerged as promising functional materials with diverse biological activities. However, their roles in bone metabolism and the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. In this study, the effects of a fermented extract of sea tangle (Laminaria japonica; FST) on osteogenic differentiation and the involvement of autophagy in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts were investigated. Under non-cytotoxic conditions, FST significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodule formation under osteogenic growth medium conditions. FST also upregulated the expression of key osteogenic markers, including Runx2, osterix, bone morphogenetic protein-2, and collagen I, and promoted the nuclear localization of Runx2. Notably, FST activated autophagy, as demonstrated by the increased expression of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3)-II and Beclin 1, an increased Cyto-ID-positive cell population, and enhanced LC3 puncta formation. Co-treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine attenuated FST-induced autophagy and significantly suppressed osteogenic marker expression, ALP activity, and mineralization. These findings indicate that autophagy plays a critical role in mediating FST-induced osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, FST promotes osteoblast differentiation through autophagy-dependent mechanisms, likely involving the activation of Runx2-mediated transcriptional programs. This study provides novel mechanistic insights into the bone-protective potential of fermented marine-derived resources and suggests that FST is a promising candidate for the development of functional materials targeting bone-related disorders.