Metagenomics Unveils Posidonia oceanica “Banquettes” as a Potential Source of Novel Bioactive Compounds and Carbohydrate Active Enzymes (CAZymes)

Abstract

Posidonia oceanica is a long-living and very slow-growing marine seagrass endemic to the Mediterranean Sea that forms large amounts of leaf material and rhizomes, which can reach the shore and build important banks known as “banquettes.” These banquettes accumulate on the shore, where they can prevent erosion, although they also cause social concern due to their impact on beach use. Furthermore, Posidonia dry material has been considered a source of traditional remedies in several areas of the Mediterranean, and a few studies have been carried out to explore pharmacological activities of Posidonia extracts.