Bioactive compounds by microalgae and potentials for the management of some human disease conditions

Abstract

<abstract> <p>Microalgae biomasses are excellent sources of diverse bioactive compounds such as lipids, polysaccharides, carotenoids, vitamins, phenolics and phycobiliproteins. Large-scale production of these bioactive substances would require microalgae cultivation either in open-culture systems or closed-culture systems. Some of these bioactive compounds (such as polysaccharides, phycobiliproteins and lipids) are produced during their active growth phase. They appear to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidative, anticancer, neuroprotective and chemo-preventive activities. These properties confer on microalgae the potential for use in the treatment and/or management of several neurologic and cell dysfunction-related disease conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), AIDS and COVID-19, as shown in this review. Although several health benefits have been highlighted, there appears to be a consensus in the literature that the field of microalgae is still fledgling, and more research needs to be carried out to ascertain the mechanisms of action that underpin the effectiveness of microalgal compounds. In this review, two biosynthetic pathways were modeled to help elucidate the mode of action of the bioactive compounds from microalgae and their products. These are carotenoid and phycobilin proteins biosynthetic pathways. The education of the public on the importance of microalgae backed with empirical scientific evidence will go a long way to ensure that the benefits from research investigations are quickly rolled out. The potential application of these microalgae to some human disease conditions was highlighted.</p> </abstract>

From Beach to the Bedside: Harnessing Mitochondrial Function in Human Diseases Using New Marine-Derived Strategies

“…In 2011, Sato et al described the molecular mechanism by which aurilide exercises its cytotoxic activity, linking this molecule to the pathway of mitochondrial dynamics and cristae remodeling (controlled by PHB and OPA1) [27,85]. As stated before, PHB interacts with the m-AAA protease complex, which is involved in OPA1 processing [86].…”

“…Aurilide A Dolabella auricularia Accelerate OPA-1 processing, mitochondrial fragmentation, and the release of CytC [27] HeLa S3, NCI60 panel [28] Aurilide B, C Lyngbya majuscule HCT-8, P388, A549, SK-OV-3, PC-3 [29] Kulokekahilide-2 Philinopsis speciosa P388, SK-OV-3, MDA-MB-435 [30] Lagunamides A, B, C and D L. majuscule P388, A549, PC3, HCT8, SK-OV3, HCT8, MCF7 [31,32] Piscidin-1…”

A Green Revolution in Antioxidant Research: Harnessing Microalgae for Wellness and Longevity

“…Microalgae-based antioxidants and bioactive compounds hold great potential for various preventive and therapeutic strategies in medicine, nutrition, and biotechnology. As research in this area continues to progress, the following are some potential applications where microalgae-derived compounds could play a significant role [6,11,20].…”

“…The antioxidant capacity of microalgae is closely linked to their biochemical composition, which varies across different species, growth conditions, and environmental factors. This variability opens a vast reservoir of potential antioxidant sources, each with unique bioactive profiles and health-promoting properties [11]. This review aims to shed light on the green revolution in antioxidant research, with a specific focus on harnessing microalgae for enhancing wellness and extending human longevity.…”

Alternative culture medium for Nannochloropsis oculata mass culture

“…Microalgae are microscopic photosynthetic organisms capable of growing in different environmental conditions using sunlight, phosphorus, and nitrogen. These microorganisms are considered superfoods as they are sources of vitamins, carotenoids, antioxidants, essential amino acids, lipids, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds (Eze et al 2023). Due to their high nutritional value and richness in bioactive compounds, they not only promote the nutrition of aquatic organisms but also enhance immunity and disease resistance (Nagappan et al 2021).…”