Antimicrobial activity of some marine algae of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Thirty five species of seaweeds were screened for antibacterial (against St~phylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and antifungal (against Cladosporium cladosporioide3 and Candida albicans) activity. Twenty six species exhibited antibac-terial and/or antifungal activity. Extracts with pronounced activity were obtained from Chondrococcus hornemanni (Rhodophyta) and the active component was found in a mixture containing dihalogenated monoterpenes. Acrylic acid appears to be responsible for the antimicrobial activity of C;racilaria corticata (Rhodophyta) and Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta).