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Sustainable microalgae-based Docosahexaenoic Acid-Silver nanoparticles for biomedical applications
Ashfaq Ahmad1, Kaumeel Chokshi2,3, Dalaver Anjum4
1Department of Biological Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Introduction:
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with well-established health benefits. However, its poor water solubility and high susceptibility to oxidation limit its application in the biomedical field. In this study, DHA was extracted and purified from the marine microalga Aurantiochytrium limacinum and incorporated into silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to increase their stability for use in biomedical applications.
Results:
Microscopic characterization confirmed the formation of nanosized, predominantly spherical AgNPs with an effective surface association with DHA. SEM and TEM analyses demonstrated distinct morphological changes following DHA loading, whereas XRD revealed reduced crystallinity, indicating surface modification. FTIR spectroscopy further confirmed the interactions between the DHA functional groups and the AgNP surface.
Discussion:
This study demonstrates a sustainable approach for producing microalgae-derived DHA-loaded AgNPs with enhanced structural stability and multifunctional properties. DHA-AgNPs, developed for biomedical applications, combine antimicrobial activity with improved DHA delivery and support the development of green nanomedicines.
