Physiological and antioxidant response of Litopenaeus vannamei against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection after feeding supplemented diets containing Dunaliella sp. flour and β-glucans

Applications of microalga-powered microrobots in targeted drug delivery

Over the past decade, researchers have proposed a new class of drug delivery systems, bio-hybrid micro-robots, designed with a variety of living cell-driven micro-robots that utilize the unique mobility of natural organisms (bacteria, cells, exosomes, etc.) to transport effective drugs. Microalgae are considered potential drug delivery carriers. Recent studies have shown that microalga-based drug delivery systems exhibit excellent biocompatibility. In addition, microalgae have a large surfactant area, phototaxis, oxygen production, and other characteristics, so they are used as a carrier for the treatment of bacterial infections, cancer, etc. This review summarizes the modification of microalgae including click chemistry and electrostatic adsorption, and can improve the drug loading efficiency through dehydration and hydration strategies. The prepared microalgal drug delivery system can be targeted to different organs by different dosing methods or using external forces. Finally, it summarizes its antibacterial (gastritis, periodontitis, skin wound inflammation, etc.) and antitumor applications.

The immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of β-glucans in invertebrates

β-glucans (βGs) are carbohydrate polymers linked by β-1,3, 1,4 or 1,6 bonds, they have been used to protect against potential pathogens and prevent lethal diseases. The immune system possesses several receptors that identify a wide range of structures and trigger cellular and humoral mechanisms. However, the mechanisms by which βGs activate the immune system of invertebrate organisms have not been fully clarified. This review is focused on evaluating the effect of βGs on innate immune system in invertebrates. βGs stimulate different cellular and humoral mechanisms, such as phagocytosis, oxygen species production, extracellular trap formation, proPO system, and antimicrobial peptide synthesis, moreover, βGs increase survival rate and decrease pathogen load in several species.