A Spongosorites siliquaria collected off western Puerto Rico at a depth of 84 meters (276 feet) during Exploration of Deepwater Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for Biotechnology Potential. Spongosorites sponges are very rich in chemistry. Some contain topsentins, which are potent anti-inflammatory compounds; some have dragmacidin G, a broad-spectrum antibiotic; and others have dragmacidin D, which kills triple negative breast cancer cells when grown as small tumors. The research team is always excited when they see a Spongosorites.
Exciting Sponge
Image courtesy of Exploration of Deepwater Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for Biotechnology Potential.
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A Spongosorites siliquaria collected off western Puerto Rico at a depth of 84 meters (276 feet) during Exploration of Deepwater Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for Biotechnology Potential. Spongosorites sponges are very rich in chemistry. Some contain topsentins, which are potent anti-inflammatory compounds; some have dragmacidin G, a broad-spectrum antibiotic; and others have dragmacidin D, which kills triple negative breast cancer cells when grown as small tumors. The research team is always excited when they see a Spongosorites.

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