Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Cultivation of Green Microalgae in Bubble Column Photobioreactors and an Assay for Neutral Lipids
Published on: January 7, 2019
Exploring Microalgae as a Novel Resource for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy
Sik Yoon1, Kok Keong Tan2, Won Hoon Song3
1Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Although there is an armamentarium of therapeutic options available for HCC therapy, current treatment modalities still face challenges, such as limited effectiveness and resistance to therapy due to inherent intratumoral heterogeneity. Hence, the development of novel therapeutics is an unmet need. Microalgae possess the ability to provide naturally derived compounds that are attractive for biomedical applications. The multifunctional nature of microalgae, with its unique combination of anticancer metabolites, oxygen-generating capability, and photosensitizing activity, make them a versatile platform for developing next-generation cancer therapeutics. In light of the above, this succinct narrative review highlights the potential biomedical applications of microalgae in cancer therapy, with a focus on HCC. Preclinical studies have shown the significant potential of microalgae as naturally occurring sources of chemopreventive and anticancer agents against HCC. Future directions include the use of biotechnology to enhance the production of microalgal-derived bioactive compounds and the formulation of biocompatible and biodegradable drug-microalgae embolic agents with prolonged release of anticancer drugs, thereby giving rise to synergistic antitumor effects, and their application for the delivery of immune checkpoint inhibitors for immunotherapy in HCC. Overall, microalgae hold considerable promise for advancing innovative therapeutic strategies against HCC.
Insights
Microalgae offer a promising natural source for novel hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapies. Their compounds show potential against HCC, paving the way for advanced cancer treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical applications
- Marine biotechnology
- Cancer therapeutics
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
- Current HCC treatments face challenges including limited efficacy and therapeutic resistance due to tumor heterogeneity.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for effective HCC management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biomedical potential of microalgae in cancer therapy, specifically for HCC.
- To highlight microalgae as a source of anticancer compounds and a platform for novel therapeutics.
- To explore future directions for microalgae-based HCC treatments.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes findings from preclinical studies on microalgae and HCC.
- It examines the unique properties of microalgae, including bioactive metabolites and oxygen-generating capabilities.
- The review discusses biotechnological enhancement and formulation strategies for microalgal therapeutics.
Main Results:
- Preclinical evidence indicates microalgae possess significant chemopreventive and anticancer properties against HCC.
- Microalgae offer a versatile platform for developing next-generation cancer therapeutics.
- Their multifunctional nature supports applications in drug delivery and immunotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Microalgae show considerable promise for developing innovative therapeutic strategies against HCC.
- Biotechnological advancements can enhance the production of microalgal-derived bioactive compounds.
- Future applications include embolic agents and immunotherapy delivery systems for synergistic antitumor effects.
More Related Videos
12:24A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
08:15A Hepatocellular Cancer Patient-Derived Organoid Xenograft Model to Investigate Impact of Liver Regeneration on Tumor Growth
Published on: February 2, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:25Biofuels
01:21Green Algae