Cyanobacterial and microalgae polymers: antiviral activity and applications.

Area of Science:

• Marine biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for effective antiviral treatments.
• Marine organisms, particularly microalgae and cyanobacteria, are rich sources of bioactive compounds.
• Sulfated polysaccharides (PS) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) exhibit diverse pharmacological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the antiviral potential of marine-derived PS and EPS.
• To explore their mechanisms of action against various viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
• To summarize extraction methodologies for these compounds from microalgae and cyanobacteria.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies of marine PS and EPS with antiviral activity.
• Analysis of reported mechanisms of action against viral infections.
• Compilation of extraction and purification techniques for PS and EPS from microalgae and cyanobacteria.

Main Results:

• Sulfated PS and EPS demonstrate broad-spectrum antiviral activity, including against HIV-1, herpes simplex virus type 1, and SARS-CoV-2.
• These compounds can interfere with viral entry, replication, or assembly.
• Various extraction methods yield PS and EPS with varying yields and properties.

Conclusions:

• Marine microalgae and cyanobacteria are promising sources for novel antiviral agents.
• Sulfated PS and EPS represent a viable therapeutic strategy against viral infections.
• Further research into extraction optimization and clinical application is warranted.