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Related Concept Videos

Green Algae01:21

Green Algae

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Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
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Biological agents offer an effective means of controlling microbial growth by leveraging natural processes like predation, competition, and the secretion of antimicrobial substances.Predatory bacteria such as Bdellovibrio species target and kill pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. They are widely used in poultry farms to control infections. Myxococcus species help combat plant-pathogenic fungi. These naturally occurring predators serve as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides and...
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Bioprospecting for bioactive compounds in microalgae: Antimicrobial compounds.

Wendy A Stirk1, Johannes van Staden1

  • 1Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, P/Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.

Biotechnology Advances
|May 17, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Microalgae show potential as antimicrobial agents, but development is stalled. This review analyzes minimum inhibitory concentration data, highlighting the need for standardized assays and diverse species screening to advance microalgae biotechnology.

Keywords:
Antimicrobial activityApplicationsChlorophytaCyanobacteriaMinimum inhibitory concentrationScreening programmesTaxonomic diversityVariation in activity

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Biotechnology
  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Microalgae possess the potential to be developed into antimicrobial agents, but research remains largely in the characterization phase.
  • Screening microalgae for antimicrobial activity is challenging due to their synthesis of secondary metabolites influenced by environmental factors.
  • Traditional disc diffusion assays for antimicrobial activity are unreliable, producing false results.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compile and assess published minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for microalgae with antimicrobial activity.
  • To evaluate factors influencing microalgal antimicrobial activity, including microbial targets, taxonomy, extraction solvents, and harvest growth phase.
  • To identify research gaps and propose a rigorous scientific approach for advancing microalgae as antimicrobial agents.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive dataset of published microalgal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values was compiled.
  • The dataset was analyzed to assess the influence of various factors on antimicrobial activity.
  • Activity was categorized as good (MIC < 1 mg/mL), moderate (MIC 1-8 mg/mL), and weak (MIC > 8.0 mg/mL).

Main Results:

  • Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta were the most represented phyla in the dataset; other phyla were underrepresented.
  • Analysis revealed variations in antimicrobial activity based on test microorganisms, microalgae taxonomy, extraction solvents, and harvest growth phase.
  • The review identified specific areas for further research, including broader species screening, use of appropriate assays, and investigation of synergistic effects.

Conclusions:

  • Quantitative MIC values from assays like microdilution broth are more reliable for comparing antimicrobial activity than disc diffusion assays.
  • Further research is needed to screen a wider diversity of microalgae species using appropriate assays and to identify specific antimicrobial compounds.
  • Advancing microalgae research through standardized screening and compound identification will increase the potential for commercialization of microalgal antimicrobial agents.