Past and Recent Trends on Navicula Research: A Comparative Systematic Literature Network Analysis

Our findings reveal a marked increase in publication volume, co-authorship networks, and international collaborations in the last decade. Thematically, early studies emphasized Navicula's role as a fouling organism, while more recent publications focus on antifouling strategies and material innovation. In taxonomy, early works relied on morphology-based identification with limited strain coverage, whereas current research addresses classification errors and cultivation challenges. In ecotoxicology, influential articles identify Navicula as a methanogen capable of accumulating methylated mercury and producing β-methylamino-L-alanine, raising human health concerns. Concurrently, its biochemical potential, particularly as a source of antioxidants and stigmasterol, has expanded its relevance to biomedical and nutraceutical fields. Together, these trends underscore the multidimensional importance of Navicula and point to promising directions for future interdisciplinary research. Keywords : Biofouling Biodiversity Sustainability Antioxidants Stigmasterol