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Anticancer Compounds Derived from Marine Diatoms
Hanaa Ali Hussein1,2, Mohd Azmuddin Abdullah1
1Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia.
Marine Drugs
|July 15, 2020
Summary
Diatoms, rich in bioactive compounds, show potent anti-cancer properties. Their unique biosilica structure offers a safe and effective nanocarrier for targeted cancer drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Diatoms are unicellular algae abundant in minerals and bioactive compounds with demonstrated anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial activities.
- Diatoms play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles due to their rapid growth and high yield.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anti-cancer activities of diatoms.
- To explore the potential of diatoms and their biosilica as drug delivery systems for cancer therapy.
- To discuss the use of diatoms as carriers for antibodies and vitamin B12 in drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on diatom bioactivity and applications in cancer therapy.
- Analysis of diatom biosilica properties relevant to drug delivery (surface area, porosity, biocompatibility).
- Examination of in vivo studies assessing the safety of diatom-based nanocarriers.
Main Results:
- Diatoms possess bioactive compounds with significant anti-cancer potential.
- Diatom biosilica exhibits favorable characteristics for nanocarrier applications, including high surface area, nano-porosity, and biocompatibility.
- In vivo studies indicate no significant tissue damage, supporting the safety of diatom-based nanocarriers.
Conclusions:
- Diatoms represent a promising source of anti-cancer agents.
- Diatom biosilica is a viable and safe nanocarrier for targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs.
- Diatom-based systems, including antibody and vitamin B12 conjugates, hold potential in nanomedicine for cancer treatment.
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