Mark Anthony B. Fuerte | Gerzyn May S. Basco | Amanda Mae A. Delfin | Angela Isabel O. Fruelda | Doreen Grace L. Magapa | Patricia Alexis C. Molino | Jemima E. Pelingon | Dizza Marie B. Villamor | Jose G. Perez
Dolabella auricularia or sea hare is a marine organism which is distributed widely in sea water and this organism secretes a sticky purple ink which contains bioactive compounds which have antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. The ink secretions were further separated into its polar and nonpolar fractions. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potentials of the polar and nonpolar fractions of Dolabella auricularia ink secretion by measuring the zones of inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus, % DPPH scavenging effect, and LC50, respectively. Ink secretions were partitioned into its polar and nonpolar fractions and were subjected to different assays. The well diffusion sensitivity testing was done to determine its antibacterial property against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, DPPH free radical scavenging activity assay was done to determine its antioxidant property, and the brine shrimp lethality assay was done to determine the concentration at which it is potent to cells. Both fractions exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity at concentrations lower than 100ppm. Increasing the concentration of the extract provides a greater effect. Furthermore, better activity on the said properties was generated by the nonpolar fraction. Dolabella auricularia ink secretions have antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. Further and in-depth studies should be conducted where the bioactive compounds in each fraction will be determined, quantified, and purified. Further, additional microorganisms should be tested.