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Antimicrobial peptides derived from microalgae for combating antibiotic resistance: Current status and prospects
Reshma Ayswaria1, Jasna Vijayan2, Vinod Kumar Nathan3
1Department of Biotechnology, Mercy College, Palakkad, Kerala, India.
Cell Biochemistry and Function
|February 4, 2023
Summary
Microalgae are engineered as cell factories to produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), offering new solutions against drug-resistant pathogens. Advanced technologies like CRISPR-Cas enhance the development of these vital therapeutic molecules.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Microalgae are versatile photosynthetic organisms capable of producing diverse bioactive compounds.
- Rising antibiotic resistance necessitates novel therapeutic strategies, with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) showing significant promise.
- Microalgae-derived AMPs have potential applications in medicine, aquaculture, and the food industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) produced by microalgae.
- To explore the technologies employed in generating novel and effective AMPs from microalgae.
- To highlight the therapeutic and industrial potential of microalgae-based AMPs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on microalgae, bioactive compounds, and antimicrobial peptides.
- Analysis of genetic engineering and synthetic biology approaches, including CRISPR-Cas systems, for AMP production in microalgae.
- Examination of the applications and challenges associated with microalgae-derived AMPs.
Main Results:
- Microalgae synthesize a variety of AMPs with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Genetic modification of microalgae significantly enhances the yield and diversity of novel AMPs.
- CRISPR-Cas and other advanced technologies offer powerful tools for designing and producing therapeutic AMPs.
Conclusions:
- Microalgae represent a sustainable and effective platform for the production of antimicrobial peptides.
- Engineered microalgae hold significant potential for combating antimicrobial resistance and addressing various industrial needs.
- Continued research into microalgal biotechnology will unlock new avenues for developing next-generation therapeutics.
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