Green Tuft Algae

filamentous green macroalgae (Chlorophyta, Cladophorales) found in marine and freshwater environments worldwide, growing attached to rocks and submerged surfaces in coastal zones and volcanic lakes. tough, branching, hair-like filaments that form dense mats. classified as a nuisance species in most water bodies because it blooms aggressively and disrupts aquatic ecology

among macroalgae tested, C. rupestris showed the highest total carotenoid content (1.26 mg/g) compared to other species tested.

antidiabetic — methanol, ethanol, and ethyl acetate extracts showed α-amylase inhibition of 72%, 65%, and 70% respectively, and α-glucosidase inhibition of 67%, 61%, and 64% at 1000 µg/ml. hitting both enzymes simultaneously, same dual mechanism as pharmaceutical antidiabetic drugs.

antimicrobial — the lipidic extract collected in January showed antibacterial activity against Enterococcus sp., Streptococcus agalactiae, and Vibrio cholerae non-O1.

African sleeping sickness has very few effective treatments, most of which are highly toxic. Extracts of this algae was very effective against this sickness; T. brucei rhodesiense.
also showed activity against T. cruzi (Chagas disease) and Leishmania donovani (visceral leishmaniasis).

Can be made and used as a bioplastic.

generates the highest-crystallinity cellulose nanocrystals of any plant-like organism, and can be used to make paper batteries and biodegradable composites.