The methanol, dichloromethane, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate extracts and volatile components of Spirulina platensis were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial activity (four Gram-positive, six Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans ATCC 10239). GC-MS analysis of the volatile components of S. platensis resulted in the identification of 15 compounds which constituted 96.45% of the total compounds. The volatile components of S. platensis consisted of heptadecane (39.70%) and tetradecane (34.61%) as major components. The methanol extract showed more potent antimicrobial activity than dichloromethane, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate extracts and volatile components.

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The biosorption of lead(II), cadmium(II) and nickel(II) ions from aqueous solution by Spirulina platensis was studied as a function of time, concentration, temperature, repetitive reactivity, and ionic competition. The kinetic results obeyed well the pseudo second-order model. Freundlich, Dubinin Radushkevich and Temkin isotherm models were applied in describing the equilibrium partition of the ions. Freundlich isotherm was applied to describe the design of a single-stage batch sorption system. According to the thermodynamic parameters such as G• , H • and S• calculated, the sorption process was endothermic and largely driven towards the products. Sorption activities in a three metal ion system were studied which indicated that there is a relative selectivity of the biosorbent towards Pb 2+ ions. The measurements of the repetitive reusability of S. platensis indicated a large capacity towards the three metal ions.

Context: Algae have gained importance in cosmeceutical product development due to their beneficial effects on skin health and therapeutical value with bioactive compounds. Spirulina platensis Parachas (Phormidiaceae) is renowned as a potential source of high-value chemicals and recently used in skincare products.Objective: This study develops and evaluates skin creams incorporated with bioactive S. platensis extract.Materials and methods:Spirulina platensis was cultivated, the aqueous crude extract was prepared and in vitro cytotoxicity of S. platensis extract in the range of 0.001–1% concentrations for 1, 3 and 7 d on HS2 keratinocyte cells was determined. Crude extracts were incorporated in skin cream formulation at 0.01% (w/w) concentration and in vitro wound healing and genotoxicity studies were performed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the collagen activity.Results: 0.1% S. platensis extract exhibited higher proliferation activity compared with the control group with 198% of cell viability after 3 d. Skin cream including 1.125% S. platensis crude extract showed enhanced wound healing effect on HS2 keratinocyte cell line and the highest HS2 cell viability % was obtained with this concentration. The micronucleus (MN) assay results indicated that S. platensis extract incorporated creams had no genotoxic effect on human peripheral blood cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that collagen 1 immunoreactivity was improved by increased extract concentration and it was strongly positive in cells treated with 1.125% extract incorporated skin cream.Conclusions: The cell viability, wound healing activity and genotoxicity results showed that S. platensis incorporated skin cream could be of potential value in cosmeceutical and biomedical applications.

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is increasing globally due to various causes. It affects the quality life of a large group of people in all around the world. Allergic rhinitis still remains inadequately controlled with present medical means. The need of continuous medical therapy makes individuals anxious about the side effects of the drugs. So there is a need for an alternative strategy. Effects of spirulina, tinospora cordifolia and butterbur were investigated recently on allergic rhinitis in just very few investigations. Spirulina represents a blue-green alga that is produced and commercialized as a dietary supplement for modulating immune functions, as well as ameliorating a variety of diseases. This double blind, placebo controlled study, evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of spirulina for treating patients with allergic rhinitis. Spirulina consumption significantly improved the symptoms and physical findings compared with placebo (P < 0.001***) including nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching. Spirulina is clinically effective on allergic rhinitis when compared with placebo. Further studies should be performed in order to clarify the mechanism of this effect.

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Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow is used in the aquaculture, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of various stress media and high light intensities on astaxanthin accumulation. The experimental design was achieved by four different stress media and two different light intensities for 14 days of induction period. The astaxanthin concentrations of 29.62 mg g(-1) and 30.07 mg g(-1) were obtained in distilled water with CO(2) and N-free medium, respectively, with no significant difference between them at 546 micromol photons m(-2)s(-1). Because of the morphological changes of H. pluvialis, microscopic observation was considered during the induction period to facilitate the selection of stress medium. It was clear that the rate of astaxanthin accumulation was much faster in distilled water with the addition of CO(2). The main point is that, this medium is more economical than others, especially for the large-scale productions.

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