Protective effect of aqueous extract from Spirulina platensis against cell death induced by free radicals

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and aqueous extract of Spirulina (Arthrospira) ameliorate diabetes and associated complications in STZ-induced diabetic rats

The present study evaluated the effects of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and Spirulina aqueous extract on diabetes. An in silico docking study with select Spirulina bioactive compounds showed strong binding affinities of folates with glucose metabolism-related proteins. In vitro assay showed 5-MTHF's superior inhibitory activity on alpha-amylase compared to folic acid. The protective effect of Spirulina aqueous extract and 5-MTHF were validated in vivo using an STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Supplementation with Spirulina extract through diet, and a higher dose of 5-MTHF through gavage effectively lowered fasting blood glucose levels and improved oral glucose tolerance and amylase content. Supplementation also countered hyperlipidemia, improved the levels of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the inflammatory markers. Weight loss prevention, mitigation of kidney enlargement, and normalisation of the histology of the pancreas, kidney, and liver were also observed. The ameliorative effect of a higher dose of 5-MTHF was comparatively superior to Spirulina aqueous extract and a corresponding higher dose of folic acid. An increase in serum folate levels on supplementation with Spirulina aqueous extract suggests Spirulina to be a source of bioavailable folate. The positive effect of Spirulina aqueous extract suggests a potential synergistic role for folate along with its other bioactive phytochemicals. The study highlights the potential ameliorative effects of Spirulina aqueous extract and 5-MTHF as a dietary supplement on diabetes and associated complications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04170-9.

Effects of Arthrospira platensis on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Atherosclerosis is initiated by injury or damage to the vascular endothelial cell monolayer. Therefore, the early repair of the damaged vascular endothelium by a proliferation of neighbouring endothelial cells is important to prevent atherosclerosis and thrombotic events. Arthrospira platensis (AP) has been used as a dietary supplement, mainly due to its high content of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and pigments such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycocyanin, ingredients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-thrombotic properties. Therefore, in this prospective, placebo-controlled, data-driven, sample-size-estimated in vitro study, we tested whether an aqueous extract of AP at different concentrations (50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) had an effect on the different cellular parameters of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Therefore, cell impedance measurement and cell proliferation were measured to investigate the monolayer formation. In addition, cell viability, integrity, and metabolism were analysed to evaluate singular cellular functions, especially the antithrombotic state. Furthermore, cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions were observed. The highest proliferation was achieved after the addition of 100 µg/mL. This was consistently confirmed by two independent optical experiments in cell cultures 48 h and 85 h after seeding and additionally by an indirect test. At this concentration, the activation or dysfunction of HUVECs was completely prevented, as confirmed by prostacyclin and interleukin-6 levels. In conclusion, in this study, AP induced a significant increase in HUVEC proliferation without inducing an inflammatory response but altered the hemostasiological balance in favour of prostacyclin over thromboxane, thereby creating an antithrombotic state. Thus, APE could be applied in the future as an accelerator of endothelial cell proliferation after, e.g., stent placement or atherosclerosis.

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Improved Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Characteristics and Microbiota and Did Not Affect Organ Fibrosis Induced by a Fructose-Enriched Diet in Wistar Male Rats

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is reported to play a role in improving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and intestinal microbiota (IM). To study spirulina's effects in the improvement of NAFLD characteristics, IM, and pancreatic-renal lesions induced by a fructose-enriched diet, 40 Wistar healthy male rats, weighing 200-250 g, were randomly divided into four groups of 10, and each rat per group was assigned a diet of equal quantities (20 g/day) for 18 weeks. The first control group (CT) was fed a standardized diet, the second group received a 40% fructose-enriched diet (HFr), and the third (HFr-S5) and fourth groups (HFr-S10) were assigned the same diet composition as the second group but enriched with 5% and 10% spirulina, respectively. At week 18, the HFr-S10 group maintained its level of serum triglycerides and had the lowest liver fat between the groups. At the phylae and family level, and for the same period, the HFr-S10 group had the lowest increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and the Ruminococcaceae and the highest fecal alpha diversity compared to all other groups (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that at a 10% concentration, spirulina could be used in nutritional intervention to improve IM, fatty liver, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters associated with NAFLD.

Enhancing Phycocyanobilin Production Efficiency in Engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum: Strategies and Potential Application

Phycocyanobilin, an algae-originated light-harvesting pigment known for its antioxidant properties, has gained attention as it plays important roles in the food and medication industries and has surged in demand owing to its low-yield extraction from natural resources. In this study, engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum was developed to achieve high PCB production, and three strategies were proposed: reinforcement of the heme biosynthesis pathway with the introduction of two PCB-related enzymes, strengthening of the pentose phosphate pathway to generate an efficient cycle of NADPH, and fed-batch fermentation to maximize PCB production. Each approach increased PCB synthesis, and the final engineered strain successfully produced 78.19 mg/L in a flask and 259.63 mg/L in a 5 L bioreactor, representing the highest bacterial production of PCB reported to date, to our knowledge. The strategies applied in this study will be useful for the synthesis of PCB derivatives and can be applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Time-Dependent Molecular Changes Following MDMA-Induced Nephrotoxicity

The increasing recreational use of ecstasy (MDMA) poses significant risks to human health, including reports of fatal renal failure due to its adverse renal effects. While MDMA-induced renal toxicity might result from systemic effects, there is also substantial evidence of direct harm to renal tissues by MDMA or its metabolites. The precise mechanisms underlying renal toxicity remain unclear. This study explored the impact of a single intraperitoneal dose of MDMA (20 mg/kg) on rat kidneys. Serum BUN and creatinine levels were evaluated to assess renal function, while TNF-α and TGF-β protein concentrations were measured using ELISA. mRNA levels of Bax, Bcl-xl, and Bcl-2 were quantified using quantitative RT-PCR. Additionally, apoptosis and histopathological changes in renal tissue were examined. Results showed a transient increase in serum BUN and creatinine in MDMA-treated rats. There were decreases in TNF-α and TGF-β levels in the renal tissue. Both pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-xl gene expressions were significantly reduced, whereas Bcl-2 expression and apoptosis did not show significant changes. No structural alterations were observed in the renal tissues. Overall, this study suggests that the renal adverse effects of MDMA may be mediated through the disruption of cytokine pathways, with notable reductions in TGF-β possibly linked to decreased TNF-α levels.

Phycocyanin as a nature-inspired antidiabetic agent: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Nutraceuticals have been important for more than two decades for their safety, efficacy, and outstanding effects. Diabetes is a major metabolic syndrome, which may be improved using nutritional pharmaceuticals. Some microalgae species, such as spirulina, stand out by providing biomass with exceptional nutritional properties. Spirulina has a wide range of pharmacological effects, mostly related to phycocyanin. Phycocyanin is a protein compound with antidiabetic properties, known as a nutraceutical.

OBJECTIVE

This review delves into phycocyanin applications in diabetes and its complications and ascertains the mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases were systematically reviewed (up to April 30, 2023), in which only animal and cellular studies were found.

RESULTS

According to animal studies, the administration of phycocyanin affected biochemical parameters (primary outcome) related to diabetes. These results showed an increase in fasting insulin serum and a decrease in fasting blood glucose, glycosylated serum protein, and glycosylated hemoglobin. In cellular studies, though, phycocyanin prevented methylglyoxal and human islet amyloid polypeptide-induced dysfunction in β-cells and induced apoptosis through different molecular pathways (secondary outcome), including activation of Nrf2, PI3K/Akt, and suppression of JNK and p38. Also, phycocyanin exerted its antidiabetic effect by affecting the pathways regulating hepatic glucose metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, based on the available information and literature, targeting these pathways by phycocyanin may unleash an array of benefits, including positive outcomes of the antidiabetic effects of phycocyanin as a nutraceutical.

OTHER

This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) at the National Institute of Health. The registration number is CRD42022307522.

Comparison of antioxidant activity in various spirulina containing products and factors affecting it

Spirulina is a popular food supplement known for its high antioxidant activity. Several studies have shown that antioxidant activity fluctuates depending on the combination of ingredients in the food. Fresh spirulina is a growing market trend; however, pure spirulina short shelf life is a strong limitation. This study aims to investigate antioxidant activity of various novel commercial fresh spirulina-containing products and the factors affecting it. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of each ingredient and binary combinations of spirulina and apple juices, Japanese quince syrup, or cranberry syrup were measured. Synergic, antagonistic, and additive interactions between samples were determined and expressed using the synergy coefficient. FRAP assay showed apparent synergism of spirulina and all the studied ingredients whereas ABTS and Folin-Ciocalteu methods revealed an antagonistic interaction between spirulina and apple juice. Despite the antagonistic interactions, all the products demonstrated at least the same antioxidant activity as pure fresh spirulina and had longer shelf life than, pointing to their commercial potential.

Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant Capacity and Anti-Oxidative Stress Potential of South American Fabaceae Desmodium tortuosum

It has been proposed that oxidative stress is a pathogenic mechanism to induce cytotoxicity and to cause cardiovascular and neuronal diseases. At present, natural compounds such as plant extracts have been used to reduce the cytotoxic effects produced by agents that induce oxidative stress. Our study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and cytoprotective capacity of Desmodium tortuosum (D. tortuosum) extract in the co- and pre-treatment in EA.hy926 and SH-SY5Y cell lines subjected to oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH). Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), caspase 3/7 activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and molecular expression of oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD2, NRF2 and NFκB1) and cell death (APAF1, BAX, Caspase3) were all evaluated. It was observed that the D. tortuosum extract, in a dose-dependent manner, was able to reduce the oxidative and cytotoxicity effects induced by t-BOOH, even normalized to a dose of 200 µg/mL, which would be due to the high content of phenolic compounds mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids and other antioxidant compounds. Finally, these results are indicators that the extract of D. tortuosum could be a natural alternative against the cytotoxic exposure to stressful and cytotoxic chemical agents.

The mitigating effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on the hemotoxicity of gibberellic acid on juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The use of plant growth regulators has led to environmental contamination of water bodies that occur adjacent to agricultural areas. Some of these chemicals are bioactive, not only to plants, but also to non-target exposed biota, namely of the aquatic compartment. Previous work demonstrated the establishment of hepato- and nephrotoxic effects in juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed via aquatic media to gibberellic acid (GA3), which is among the most used plant growth regulators, in agricultural practices. Here, we investigated the effect of GA3 on hematological indices, poikilocytosis, nuclear abnormalities, and genotoxic indices measured in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), as well as the putative protective effects of dietary supplementation of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Fish were evenly assorted into 5 groups: group I served as a control, and groups II-V were fed diets supplemented with Spirulina at rates of 0 g/kg, 5 g/kg, 20 g/kg, and 100 g/kg, respectively, for 2 months before being exposed to 150 mg/L GA3. The results revealed that GA3 exposure decreased significantly all hematological indices (P < 0.05), except leucocytes and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), compared to the control group (P > 0.05). GA3 exposure increased significantly the percentage of nuclear abnormalities, altered erythrocytes and the percentages of tail DNA, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Spirulina supplementation restored the hematological, poikilocytosis, nuclear abnormalities, and the percentages of tail DNA to near normal levels. The 100 g/kg SP treatment was the most effective in attaining such effect, showing concentration-dependency. The present study reinforces our findings of the toxicity of GA3 on O. niloticus and suggests that the addition of Spirulina to fish diet can mitigate the hemotoxic effects of GA3.

Bioaccessibility and bioactivities of phenolic compounds from microalgae during in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation

Microalgae are a developing novel source of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, carotenoids and proteins. In this study, in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation were conducted to examine the total phenolic content and potential antioxidant activity of four microalgal species (Chlorella sp., Spirulina sp., Dunaliella sp., and Isochrysis sp.). The bioaccessibility of targeted phenolic compounds and the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were also estimated. Particularly, Spirulina sp. exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and free radical scavenging (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) capacity after gastrointestinal digestion of 7.93 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g and 2.35 mg Trolox equivalents (TE) per g. Meanwhile, it had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) of 1.07 quercetin equivalents (QE) per g after 8 h of colonic fermentation. Dunaliella sp. and Isochrysis sp. showed comparable ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 4.96 and 4.45 mg QE per g after 4 h of faecal reaction, respectively. p-hydroxybenzoic and caffeic acid almost completely decomposed after the intestine and fermented in the colon with the gut microflora. In Dunaliella sp. and Isochrysis sp., these phenolic acids were found in the colonic fermented residual, probably due to the presence of dietary fibre and the interactions with other components. All four species reached the highest values of SCFA production after 16 h, except Spirulina sp., which displayed the most increased total SCFA production after 8 h of fermentation. It is proposed that Spirulina sp. could be more beneficial to gut health.

Antioxidant effect of spirulina in chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by polymorpho nuclear neutrophils occurs in chronic periodontitis. These ROS are mainly involved in bacterial destruction. However, extracellular release of same results in destruction of surrounding tissue. Spirulina, a potent antioxidant when administered sub gingivally in pockets can offer improved results in chronic periodontitis patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Spirulina when delivered sub gingivally in patients with chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Sixty chronic periodontitis patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I (n = 30) were treated with Scaling and Root planning (SRP) followed by placement of placebo (SRP-P) and in Group II (n = 30) Spirulina microspheres were placed sub gingivally (SRP-S) following SRP. Clinical parameters like bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI) and probing pocket depth (PPD) were evaluated. Levels of salivary and serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated using ultra violet spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

At baseline, in both groups there was no statistically significant difference in clinical and biochemical parameters. Intra group comparisons of parameters from baseline to 90 days were statistically significant in both groups. After 90 days difference in clinical parameters and salivary MDA levels were statistically significant in SRP-S compared to SRP-P group. Though serum MDA levels were reduced in both groups, they were not significant statistically.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study concluded that, local drug delivery of Spirulina adjunctive to SRP has potent antioxidant effect in treatment of chronic periodontitis.

The modulation of sirtuins by natural compounds in the management of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

Cisplatin is a highly effective antitumor agent. However, its use is limited due to severe adverse effects, particularly nephrotoxicity, which occurs in approximately 30% of patients. There is a need for novel renoprotective compounds. Sirtuins play a vital role in various physiological and pathological processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial bioenergetics. It has been shown that sirtuins can exert a protective effect on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by targeting multiple signaling pathways. Besides, sirtuins not only did not reduce the anticancer effect of cisplatin but also increased it. Several natural compounds have been reported to inhibit cisplatin-mediated nephrotoxicity through sirtuin stimulation. These compounds exert their therapeutic effects on cisplatin-induced renal injury by targeting various signaling pathways including Sirt1/p53, Sirt1/NF-κb/p56, AMPK/Sirt1, Sirt1/PGC-1α, and/or by enhancing mitochondrial function.

Hypocholesterolemic, Antioxidative, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Dietary Spirulina platensisis Supplementation on Laying Hens Exposed to Cyclic Heat Stress

This study aimed to investigate the role of dietary Spirulina platensis (SP) supplementation in relieving the negative impacts of heat stress (HS) on the productive performance, cholesterol profile, redox status, and inflammatory cytokines of laying hens. A total of 288, 45-wk-old and 1550.7 ± 2.3 g initial body weight, HY-Line W-36 laying hens were housed in two environmental-controlled compartments. Layers were allotted to eight treatments of a two × four factorial design, with six replicates containing six birds per treatment. The temperature in one of the compartments was kept at a thermoneutral condition (24 °C group), while the temperature in the other compartment was raised to a cyclic heat stress of 35 °C from 9:00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (35 °C group). Layers in each compartment were fed on one of four experimental diets, containing 0%, 3%, 6%, or 9% SP (SP groups). The trial continued for five weeks. As a result of this study, exposure of laying hens to cyclic HS resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the total cholesterol (CH), low-density lipoprotein-CH, liver- and egg yolk-CH, ceruloplasmin, malondialdehyde, interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α, and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the high-density lipoprotein-CH, total antioxidant capacity, and reduced glutathione levels. HS negatively (p < 0.05) affected the hen−day egg production (EP, 90.5% vs. 77.0%), egg weight (EW, 61.8 g vs. 56.8 g), feed intake (FI, 111.6 g vs. 101.5 g) and feed conversion ratio (FCR, 2.00 vs. 2.37). As SP levels increased in layer diets, a linear (p < 0.05) improvement response in most of the parameters was obtained in both HS and non-HS layers, recording the best results with 9% SP (e.g., 78.8% vs. 87.6% EP, 56.7 g vs. 61.9 g EW, 103.3 g vs. 110.2 g FI, and 2.38 vs. 2.04 FCR, in 0% vs. 9% SP, respectively). When incorporating SP into the diets of HS-layers, the negative impacts of HS were remarkably relieved (p < 0.05). Therefore, diets containing 9% SP could be used as a promising approach to improve the productive and physiological performance of laying hens, particularly under heat stress conditions.

Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Compounds from Arthrospira platensis and Its Effects on Tissue and Blood Cells-An Overview

The cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) is a natural source of considerable amounts of ingredients that are relevant for nutra- and pharmaceutical uses. Different hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances can be obtained by extraction from the biomass. The respective extraction techniques determine the composition of substances in the extract and thus its biological activity. In this short review, we provide an overview of the hydrophilic compounds (phenols, phycobiliproteins, polysaccharides, and vitamins) and lipophilic ingredients (chlorophylls, vitamins, fatty acids, and glycolipids) of Arthrospira platensis. The principal influences of these substances on blood and tissue cells are briefly summarized.

Recent Advances in Marine Microalgae Production: Highlighting Human Health Products from Microalgae in View of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19)

Blue biotechnology can greatly help solve some of the most serious social problems due to its wide biodiversity, which includes marine environments. Microalgae are important resources for human needs as an alternative to terrestrial plants because of their rich biodiversity, rapid growth, and product contributions in many fields. The production scheme for microalgae biomass mainly consists of two processes: (I) the Build-Up process and (II) the Pull-Down process. The Build-Up process consists of (1) the super strain concept and (2) cultivation aspects. The Pull-Down process includes (1) harvesting and (2) drying algal biomass. In some cases, such as the manufacture of algal products, the (3) extraction of bioactive compounds is included. Microalgae have a wide range of commercial applications, such as in aquaculture, biofertilizer, bioenergy, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods, which have several industrial and academic applications around the world. The efficiency and success of biomedical products derived from microalgal biomass or its metabolites mainly depend on the technologies used in the cultivation, harvesting, drying, and extraction of microalgae bioactive molecules. The current review focuses on recent advanced technologies that enhance microalgae biomass within microalgae production schemes. Moreover, the current work highlights marine drugs and human health products derived from microalgae that can improve human immunity and reduce viral activities, especially COVID-19.

The Potential of Spirulina platensis to Ameliorate the Adverse Effects of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most prevalent diseases globally. It is estimated that 37.7 million people are infected with HIV globally, and 8.2 million persons are infected with the virus in South Africa. The highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) involves combining various types of antiretroviral drugs that are dependent on the infected person’s viral load. HAART helps regulate the viral load and prevents its associated symptoms from progressing into acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Despite its success in prolonging HIV-infected patients’ lifespans, the use of HAART promotes metabolic syndrome (MetS) through an inflammatory pathway, excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial dysfunction. Interestingly, Spirulina platensis (SP), a blue-green microalgae commonly used as a traditional food by Mexican and African people, has been demonstrated to mitigate MetS by regulating oxidative and inflammatory pathways. SP is also a potent antioxidant that has been shown to exhibit immunological, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. This review is aimed at highlighting the biochemical mechanism of SP with a focus on studies linking SP to the inhibition of HIV, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Further, we propose SP as a potential supplement for HIV-infected persons on lifelong HAART.

Prebiotic Potential and Value-Added Products Derived from Spirulina laxissima SV001—A Step towards Healthy Living

Lately, microalgae-based value-added products have been gaining market value because they moderate the dependency on fossil fuel and high-value chemical products. To this end, the purpose of this study was to develop prebiotic products from the microalgae Spirulina sp. The microalgae were isolated from the fresh water and characterized at the molecular level. The dry biomass, chlorophyll content, phycocyanin, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the isolated strains were analyzed. Moreover, value-added products like Spirulina cake, chocolate, tea, vermicelli and Spirulina juice were made for a vulnerable population due to high nutritive value.

Nutritional Quality and Safety of the Spirulina Dietary Supplements Sold on the Slovenian Market

The microalgae Spirulina may be a popular dietary supplement rich in essential nutrients and vitamins, but oversight of the supplement industry, in general, remains limited, and increasing incidents of adulteration, misbranding, and undeclared ingredients together with misleading claims create potential risks. In response, this study characterized the elemental, amino acid and fatty acid content of commercially available Spirulina supplements in Slovenia using EDXRF, ICP-MS and GC-MS and compared the results with their nutritional declaration. The gathered data confirm that Spirulina supplements are a good source of calcium (0.15 to 29.5% of RDA), phosphorous (3.36–26.7% of RDA), potassium (0.5 to 7.69% of RDA) and selenium (0.01 to 38.6% of RDA) when consumed within recommended amounts. However, although iron contents were relatively high (7.64 to 316% of RDA), the actual bioavailability of iron was much lower since it was mainly present as the ferric cation. This study also confirms that pure Spirulina supplements are a good source of essential and non-essential amino acids, and ω-6 but not ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The presence of additives resulted in significant variation in nutrient content and, in some instances, lower product quality. Moreover, a high proportion (86.7%) of inappropriate declarations regarding the elemental content was observed. Overall, the study conclusions underline the need for a stricter control system for Spirulina-based supplements.

Study the antioxidant effects of blue-green algae Spirulina extract on ROS and MDA production in human lung cancer cells

In order to study the effects of Spirulina, Arthrospira platensis, two cell lines of A549 and HFF were treated with the concentration of IC50 for 24 h. MTT analysis showed that the highest decrease in viability of cells happened at the concentration of 500 μg/ml. The necrosis, releases of LDH, produced DCFH, and Lipid peroxidation were higher in the cancer cell lines in comparison to normal cells. Results showed that the extract affected the cell cycle of the A549 cell line. Also, the algal extract had concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. Also, the production of malonyl dialdehyde was significantly higher in treated cells and there was a significant relationship between produced MDA and ROS. Results showed that A. platensis extract had a remarkable effect on the lung cancer cell cycle and arrest the cell cycle in phase G2; so the cells didn't enter phase M and the proliferation of cancer cells prevented. Furthermore, according to the higher production of ROS and MDA in treated A549 cancer cell lines, it could be concluded that this algal extract could be considered as a natural product with anticancer activity against lung cancer cells.

Comparison of the anticancer effect of microalgal oils and microalgal oil-loaded electrosprayed nanoparticles against PC-3, SHSY-5Y and AGS cell lines

Many of the bioactive substances used in pharmaceutical industry are easily affected by temperature, light and oxygen, and are easily degraded during storage and processing, and exhibit poor adsorption properties during digestion, which limits their direct use. Microalgae are rich in oils which have antimicrobial properties and antioxidants that attract attention in both food and pharmaceutical sectors in recent years. Studies to encapsulate bioactive compound-rich microalgae oils with nanotechnological approaches to improve the physical and chemical stability are relatively new, and it is promising to apply these approaches for pharmaceutical purposes. In this study, cytotoxic effects of oil extracts of Botryococcus braunii and Microcystis aeruginosa and their oil-loaded nanoparticles on L929 cell line, PC-3 prostate cell line, SHSY-5Y neuroblastoma cell line and AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cell line were investigated. The obtained extracts were found to have no cytotoxic effect on L929 cells. However, they showed cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. As for the nanoparticles; a gradual release was determined and the stability of the nanoparticle structure was shown. In the light of obtained findings, it was considered that nanoparticles produced with oil extracts of microalgae which have bioactive substances, have potential to be evaluated especially in pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields.

Extraction and Purification of R-Phycoerythrin Alpha Subunit from the Marine Red Algae Pyropia Yezoensis and Its Biological Activities

Phycoerythrin is a major light-harvesting pigment of red algae and cyanobacteria that is widely used as a fluorescent probe or as a colorant in the food and cosmetic industries. In this study, phycoerythrin was extracted from the red algae Pyropia yezoensis and purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and various chromatography methods. The purified phycoerythrin was analyzed by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The isolated pigment had the typical spectrum of R-phycoerythrin, with a trimmer state with absorbance maxima at 497, 536, and 565 nm. It was further purified and identified by LC-MS/MS and Mascot search. It showed a 100% sequence similarity with the R-phycoerythrin alpha subunit of Pyropia yezoensis. The molecular mass was 17.97 kDa. The antioxidant activity of the purified R-phycoerythrin alpha subunit was analyzed. It showed significant antioxidant activity in ABTS and FRAP assays and had significant cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells.

Effect of Arthrospira powders from different producers on the formation of endothelial cell monolayers

Arthrospira platensis (AP) and some of its derived products have well-established biological activities as antioxidants or as agents to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. Furthermore, AP products have gained increasing importance as potential anti-cancer agents. However, the ingredients of the available products vary greatly with the origin, the type of production and processing, which could have significant consequences for their biological effects. Therefore, the composition and biological influence of five distinct AP powders, which were acquired commercially or produced at a public biotechnology institute, were investigated in regard to their endothelialization capacity using a cell impedance- (CI) based measurement method. The study revealed that the AP composition and especially the influence on HUVEC proliferation differed significantly between the five AP powders up to 109%.Thus, it could be shown that the method used allows the reliable detection of quantitative differences in biological effects of different AP preparations.

Insight into the Antioxidant Effect of Fermented and Non-Fermented Spirulina Water and Ethanol Extracts at the Proteome Level Using a Yeast Cell Model

Spirulina is rich in various antioxidants and nutraceuticals and it has proven to be effective in the treatment of various pathological conditions. This study explores the antioxidant effect of fermented and non-fermented Spirulina extracts on the proteome level using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism. Yeast cells were treated with fermented Spirulina water extract (SV), non-fermented Spirulina water extract (NFV), fermented Spirulina ethanol extract (SE), and non-fermented Spirulina ethanol extract (NFE). Cell lysates were prepared, and label-free quantitative proteome analysis was performed. In SV, when compared to NFV samples, the levels of most differentially expressed proteins were upregulated. Alternatively, SE compared to NFE samples showed a significant downregulation for the majority of the analyzed proteins involved in different cellular processes. Additionally, a higher downregulation of stress response related proteins was observed in SE compared to NFE samples, while their abundance in SV samples increased compared to NFV. This study provided a global view, on a proteome level, of how cells cope with exogenous antioxidants and remodel their cellular processes to maintain metabolic and redox balance. Furthermore, it combined for the first time the analysis of different extract effect, including the contribution of lactic acid fermentation to the cell activity.

Spirulina platensis extract addition to semen extender enhances cryotolerance and fertilizing potentials of buffalo bull spermatozoa

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Spirulina platensis extract (SPE) addition to the freezing extender on freezability, lipid peroxidation, ultrastructure alterations and fertilizing potentials of frozen-thawed buffalo bull spermatozoa. Semen samples were collected with artificial vagina from five adult fertile bulls and diluted with Tris-base extender containing SPE (1, 5, 10 and 20 μg/mL) or without SPE (control). Diluted semen was cooled to 4 °C throughout one hour and frozen in 0.25 mL straws: prior to being stored in liquid nitrogen. Cryopresreved spermatozoa were assessed for post-thawing sperm motility, viability, acrosomal integrity, ultrastructure changes, antioxidant activities, lipid peroxidation and fertility rate. The current results clearly indicated that adding 10μg/mL SPE to the freezing extender significantly improved (P< 0.05) post-thawing motility and decrease the percentage of acrosomal damage (51.67±6.02% and 16.33±1.46%, respectively) compared with the control (28.33±4.41% and 26.33±1.77%, respectively). Moreover, addition of 10 μg/mL SPE to the semen extender significantly diminished (P< 0.05) MDA concentration (10.66±2.40 nmol/10⁹) compared with the control (22.66±4.26 nmol/10⁹). Therefore, the present results revealed that addition of 10μgl/mL SPE to the freezing extender might improve semen quality and reduce cryodamage of the buffalo bull spermatozoa.

Arthrospira platensis accelerates the formation of an endothelial cell monolayer and protects against endothelial cell detachment after bacterial contamination

Within the last years a comprehensive number of scientific studies demonstrated beneficial effect of Arthropira platensis (AP) as dietary supplement due to a high content of proteins, minerals and vitamins. Positive effects like promoting the immune system, reducing inflammation and an anti-oxidant capacity are reported. In this study, the effect of an aqueous AP extract on primary human venous endothelial cells (HUVEC) was investigated. In addition, the effect of AP on HUVEC treated with a bacterial toxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPA), inducing an activation of HUVEC and cellular detachment, was analyzed. Depending on the concentration of AP extract a significantly accelerated formation of an endothelial cell monolayer was observed. Furthermore, the detachment of HUVEC after LPA addition was dramatically reduced by AP. In conclusion, the data are promising and indicatory for an application of Arthrospira platensis in the clinical field.

Effects of Bacillus Subtilis-Fermented White Sword Bean Extract on Adipogenesis and Lipolysis of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

To investigate the adipogenesis and lipolysis effects of the Bacillus subtilis-fermented white sword bean extract (FWSBE) on 3T3-L1 adipocytes, we treated 3T3-L1 preadipocytes before and after differentiation with FWSBE and measured triglyceride, free glycerol, mRNA, and protein levels. First, FWSBE reduced the cell viability of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes under 1000 µg/mL conditions. Triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes was suppressed, and free glycerol content in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes was increased in the FWSBE treatment groups, indicating that FWSBE has anti-obesity effects. Further, FWSBE suppressed adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes by lowering the protein levels of C/EBPα, PPARγ, and FAS and increasing the level of pACC and pAMPK. Additionally, FWSBE promoted lipolysis in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes by increasing the transcription levels of Ppara, Acox, and Lcad and the protein levels of pHSL and ATGL. Thus, we suggest that FWSBE can be a potential dietary supplement because of its anti-obesity properties.

Assessing the Potential of Algae Extracts for Extending the Shelf Life of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fillets

This study evaluates the potential of different algae extracts (Crassiphycus corneus, Cc; Ulva ohnoi, Uo; Arthrospira platensis, Ap; Haematococcus pluvialis, Hp) as additives for the preservation of rainbow trout fillets. The extracts were prepared with different water to ethanol ratios from the four algae species. The highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was observed in Uo extracted in 80% ethanol. Ap aqueous extract also had considerable FRAP activity, in agreement with a high total phenolic content. Radical scavenging activity (DPPH) was higher in Cc 80% ethanol extract, in agreement with a high total carotenoid content. In fact, when the algae aqueous extracts were assayed on the fish fillets, their antioxidant activity exceeded that of ascorbic acid (ASC). All algae extracts delayed microbial growth and lipid oxidation processes in trout fillets throughout the cold storage period compared to controls, and also improved textural parameters, these effects being more evident for Ap and Hp. With respect to the color parameters, the Hp extract prevented the a* values (redness) from decreasing throughout cold storage, a key point when it comes to colored species, not least salmonids. On the other hand, the Ap extract was not as effective as the rest of treatments in avoiding a* and b* decrease throughout the storage period, and thereby the color parameters were impaired. The results obtained, together with the natural origin and the viability for large-scale cultivation, make algae extracts interesting fish preservative agents for the food industry.

Marine cyanobacterium Spirulina maxima as an alternate to the animal cell culture medium supplement

Serum is a stable medium supplement for in vitro cell culture. Live cells are used in stem cell research, drug toxicity and safety testing, disease diagnosis and prevention, and development of antibiotics, drugs, and vaccines. However, use of serum in culture involves concerns such as an ethical debate regarding the collection process, lack of standardized ingredients, and high cost. Herein, therefore, we evaluated the possibility of using edible cyanobacterium (Spirulina maxima), which is a nutrient-rich, sustainable, and ethically acceptable source, as a novel substitute for fetal bovine serum (FBS). H460 cells were cultured to the 10th generation by adding a mixture of spirulina animal cell culture solution (SACCS) and FBS to the culture medium. Cell morphology and viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, proteomes, and transcriptomes were assessed. We observed that SACCS had better growth-promoting capabilities than FBS. Cell proliferation was promoted even when FBS was replaced by 50-70% SACCS; there was no significant difference in cell shape or viability. There were only slight differences in the cell cycle, apoptosis, proteomes, and transcriptomes of the cells grown in presence of SACCS. Therefore, SACCS has the potential to be an effective, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternative to FBS in in vitro culture.

Photosynthetically Controlled Spirulina, but Not Solar Spirulina, Inhibits TNF-α Secretion: Potential Implications for COVID-19-Related Cytokine Storm Therapy

An array of infections, including the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), trigger macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and subsequently hypercytokinemia, commonly referred to as a cytokine storm (CS). It is postulated that CS is mainly responsible for critical COVID-19 cases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recognizing the therapeutic potential of Spirulina blue-green algae (Arthrospira platensis), in this in vitro stimulation study, LPS-activated macrophages and monocytes were treated with aqueous extracts of Spirulina, cultivated in either natural or controlled light conditions. We report that an extract of photosynthetically controlled Spirulina (LED Spirulina), at a concentration of 0.1 µg/mL, decreases macrophage and monocyte-induced TNF-α secretion levels by over 70% and 40%, respectively. We propose prompt in vivo studies in animal models and human subjects to determine the putative effectiveness of a natural, algae-based treatment for viral CS and ARDS, and explore the potential of a novel anti-TNF-α therapy.

Tamarix articulata Extracts Exhibit Antioxidant Activity and Offer Protection against Hydrogen Peroxide-Mediated Toxicity to Human Skin Fibroblasts

Tamarix articulata (TA) is a wild halophytic plant growing in extremely harsh environmental conditions in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Evaluating the protective effect of the methanolic extract of different parts (fresh and dry leaves, stem, and root) of TA was determined by MTT assay using Hs27 skin fibroblasts as the cellular model. The study was designed and conducted in two sets. The first set assesses the toxicity profile of TA extracts in both concentration- and time-dependent ways on Hs27 cells. Our MTT results showed that methanolic extracts from all four parts of TA at varying doses (27.5, 55, 110, and 220 μg/mL) display negligible toxicity when exposed for 4 h. However, exposure of Hs27 cells to varying doses of all four TA extracts for 24 and 48 h promotes significant 23%, 24%, 26%, and 25% (p < 0.05) and 35%, 36%, 39%, and 41% (p < 0.05) cell toxicity at 220 μg/mL of all four TA extracts compared to untreated control cells. To evaluate the protection offered by TA extracts against H₂O₂, we perform a second set of experiments to preincubate Hs27 cells with the TA extracts in both dose- and time-dependent way. This is followed by 300 μM hydrogen peroxide- (H₂O₂-) mediated oxidative insult for 1 h. Using MTT assay, we found that methanolic extracts of TA at different time points (4, 24, and 48 h) and higher doses (220 μg/mL) provide significant protection in cell viability when challenged with H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in Hs27 cells. The protective effect was more pronounced at 48 h and 220 μg/mL and the amounts were 39%, 41%, 41%, and 44% for stem, root, fresh leaf, and dry leaf TA extracts (p < 0.05), respectively, compared to untreated cells (2–4%). Collectively, the current study demonstrates that methanolic extracts of TA contain potential bioactive compounds and offer significant protection against H₂O₂-mediated oxidative stress in Hs27 skin fibroblasts.

Photo-Oxidative Protection of Chlorophyll a in C-Phycocyanin Aqueous Medium

In this study, potential protection of chlorophyll a from illumination and oxidation-induced decomposition has been examined using C-phycocyanin (C-PC) aqueous medium. Photo-oxidation resistance of chlorophyll a was monitored in various aqueous media using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and direct-infusion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry analysis. The spectroscopy results showed that chlorophyll a in C-PC medium experienced the lowest rate of conversion to its derivatives; thus, it was demonstrated that chlorophyll a was mostly intact in the C-PC medium. Furthermore, the C-PC treated with chlorophyll a showed the lowest concentrations of malondialdehyde, and chlorophyll a in C-PC medium did not cause serious damage to human liver cells in vitro after intensive illumination. Therefore, we propose a new method of protecting chlorophyll a from photodegradation and oxidation using C-PC aqueous medium.

Formulation of Creams Containing Spirulina Platensis Powder with Different Nonionic Surfactants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Natural products used in the treatment of acne vulgaris may be promising alternative therapies with fewer side effects and without antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study was to formulate creams containing Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis to be used in acne therapy. Spirulina platensis belongs to the group of micro algae and contains valuable active ingredients. The aim was to select the appropriate nonionic surfactants for the formulations in order to enhance the diffusion of the active substance and to certify the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Spirulina platensis-containing creams. Lyophilized Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) was dissolved in Transcutol HP (TC) and different types of nonionic surfactants (Polysorbate 60 (P60), Cremophor A6:A25 (CR) (1:1), Tefose 63 (TFS), or sucrose ester SP 70 (SP70)) were incorporated in creams as emulsifying agents. The drug release was evaluated by the Franz diffusion method and biocompatibility was tested on HaCaT cells. In vitro antioxidant assays were also performed, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were executed. Antimicrobial activities of the selected compositions were checked against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Cutibacteriumacnes (C. acnes) (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) with the broth microdilution method. Formulations containing SP 70 surfactant with TC showed the most favorable dissolution profiles and were found to be nontoxic. This composition also showed significant increase in free radical scavenger activity compared to the blank sample and the highest SOD enzyme activity was also detected after treatment with the cream samples. In antibacterial studies, significant differences were observed between the treated and control groups after an incubation time of 6 h.

Development of Biodegradable Cosmetic Patch Using a Polylactic Acid/Phycocyanin-Alginate Composite

The usage of non-degradable polymer as the main matrix for a cosmetic patch raises concern, as it can cause environmental pollution when discarded in landfill. Thus, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) was chosen in this study, as PLA has non-toxic properties and similar mechanical properties to conventional plastic materials. An active ingredient in a cosmetic patch serves the purpose of providing beneficial ingredients to the skin; therefore, phycocyanin, an extract from spirulina, was chosen, as it possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Alginate was also incorporated with the phycocyanin for fabrication onto the PLA matrix. A preliminary study was first carried out to identify the antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effect of the phycocyanin on skin cells. It was observed that phycocyanin had no cytotoxic effect on the skin and showed good antioxidant activity. PLA/phycocyanin-alginate composite was fabricated using a solvent casting method, and optimization of preparation conditions (phycocyanin/alginate ratio, stirring time, and temperature) were carried out using the one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method with responses of elongation at break and releasing properties. Attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-FTIR analysis was also conducted to further analyze the functional group of the composites. Surface morphologies were observed for samples before and after the releasing test. From the analyses conducted, PLA/phycocyanin-alginate composite prepared at a phycocyanin/alginate ratio of 40/60 for 20 h at 20 °C gave the best properties in terms of flexibility of film and releasing properties of phycocyanin.

Therapeutic Effects of Spirulina platensis Against Adolescent Stress-Induced Oxidative Stress, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Alterations and Morphological Remodeling in the Amygdala of Adult Female Rats

Objective

The amygdala structural and functional abnormalities have been implicated in numerous neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Given the important role of the amygdala in stress responses and the susceptibility of the females to adolescent stress, the present study investigated the beneficial effects of Spirulina platensis microalgae (SP) as a neuroprotective supplement against adolescent stress-induced oxidative stress, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) alterations, molecular and morphological remodeling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of adult female rats.

Methods

During the adolescent period (PNDs 30–40) rats were subjected to restraint stress (2 h/day for 10 days). Then, the animals were subjected to 15 days treatment (PNDs 41–55) with SP (200 mg/kg/day) followed by biochemical (BDNF and stress oxidative markers), molecular (BDNF and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B [TrkB] mRNA expression), and morphological (dendritic length and spines) assessments in the BLA.

Results

The study revealed that adolescent stress decreased BDNF levels and reduced apical dendritic length and branch points of pyramidal neurons in the BLA. In addition, chronic stress significantly increased oxidative stress parameters and decreased BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression in the BLA. Treatment with SP alleviated both biochemical, molecular, and neuroanatomical deficits that induced by adolescent stress.

Conclusion

Our findings provide important evidence that SP as a non-pharmacological intervention during adolescent period can protect against chronic stress-induced neuroanatomical biochemical, and molecular deficits in adulthood, and thus, reduce stress-related disorders.

In vitro assessment of the cytotoxic effects of secondary metabolites from Spirulina platensis on hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Spirulina platensis, an edible cyanobacterium, is considered as a valuable and natural resource of novel anticancer agents. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of major bioactive metabolites from Spirulina platensis on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The total phenolic and alkaloid content of S. platensis were determined using spectrophotometric procedures and thin-layer chromatography. ‍‍Cellular viability of HepG2 cancer cells and normal fibroblasts was evaluated using MTT assay after 24 h treatment with 0.02–2 mg/ml of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, aqueous, and methanol extracts from Spirulina platensis.

Results

Total phenolic and total alkaloid compounds were 150.5 ± 1.18 mg gallic acid equivalents/mg extract and 11.4 ± 0.05 mg atropine equivalents/mg extract, respectively. All tested extracts and compounds demonstrated the inhibitory effect on the viability of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity on normal cells. The most potent anticancer activity was induced by alkaloids (2 ± 0.001 mg/ml) with 80% reduction in cell viability and an IC50 of 0.53 ± 0.08 mg/ml. IC50 values of the aqueous extract, the methanolic extract, and phenolic compounds were 1.7 ± 0.14, 1.28 ± 0.22, and 0.86 ± 0.14 mg/ml, respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first report to demonstrate anticancer effects of alkaloids and phenolic compounds of Spirulina platensis in relation to liver cancer.

Microalgae aqueous extracts exert intestinal protective effects in Caco-2 cells and dextran sodium sulphate-induced mouse colitis

Aqueous extracts from Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Spirulina platensis and Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 showed gut protective potential in vitro and in vivo.

Chemical characterization of balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorum) sprout extracts and their regulation of inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells

The balloon flower (BF) is a potent natural source of phytochemical compounds and is associated with our health. The sprouting process is accompanied by significant changes in phytochemical compounds in comparison with their original plants. Even though many studies are conducted with BF, there are not yet reports of BF sprouts. In the present study, we determined the chemical composition and biological activity of BF sprouts that had been cultivated for 50 days. Kaempferol-3-O-galactoside and 1-O-caffeoylquinic acid were identified as major components of whole BF sprouts. The leaves/stems of the sprouts had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents and lower IC50 values in DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging assays than whole sprouts or roots. The roots of the sprouts had the highest polygalacin D content (1.44 mg/g). We also determined the effects of different parts of BF sprouts on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. When these cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), their nitrite and pro-inflammatory cytokine production increased. BF sprouts suppressed the LPS-induced production of nitrite, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in a concentration-dependent manner without causing any cytotoxic effects. Nitrite and pro-inflammatory cytokine production were significantly inhibited by the roots and leaves/stems, respectively. The inhibitory effects of BF sprouts on LPS-stimulated inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were associated with suppressed NF-κB activation. These findings suggest that BF sprouts could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds and exert anti-inflammatory effects due to their polygalacin D, deapi-platycodin D3, and polyphenol content.

Biomass and nutritive value of Spirulina (Arthrospira fusiformis) cultivated in a cost-effective medium

Introduction

Cultivation of spirulina at commercial-scales relies on analytical grade–based media, which are expensive and so are the product.

Purpose

This study assessed the biomass, proximate composition, and other useful compounds in Spirulina (Arthrospira fusiformis) produced with a cost-effective culture medium (LCMA), and the results were compared with those from a standard Zarrouk medium–grown spirulina.

Methods

The LCMA medium was formulated by using a commercial NPK10-20-20 fertilizer as a source of the three major nutrients for spirulina growth, and other three ingredients from Zarrouk medium. The experiment was conducted for 28 days in the glass aquaria under indoor conditions. Standard analytical methods were applied for the determination of proximate composition, chlorophyll, minerals, and vitamins in the spirulina biomass.

Result

The LCMA medium showed the best growth conditions by accumulating higher chlorophyll content (0.99 ± 0.02%) and dry weight (0.75 ± 0.01 g/100 ml) as well as attaining higher optical density (2.06 at day 15) earlier than the Zarrouk medium. The results of the proximate analysis for spirulina cultured in the LCMA medium were of good quality, with the protein contributing more than 50% of its dry matter. It was further noticed that the LCMA was an ideal medium for optimization of vitamins and some minerals since it recorded a significant amount of most of the analyzed vitamins together with the minerals sodium and potassium compared with the Zarrouk medium.

Conclusion

It is suggested that LCMA medium could be used as the alternative and cheap medium for maximization of biomass and production of useful biochemical compounds in spirulina species.

Functional Composition, Nutritional Properties, and Biological Activities of MoroccanSpirulinaMicroalga

The present study aimed to characterize the nutraceutical properties and the antimicrobial effect of MoroccanSpirulina(Arthrospira platensis). The nutritional composition was evaluated, including water content, crude protein, total carbohydrates, lipids, phenolic composition, macro- and micromineral content, fiber content, and energy value. Then, the microbiological analysis and antioxidant activity were measured. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration method on bacteria and fungi. MoroccanSpirulinacontained a large amount of protein (76.65 ± 0.15%), followed by carbohydrates (6.46 ± 0.32%), minerals (20.91 ± 0.88%), crude fiber (4.07 ± 1.42%), lipids (2.45 ± 0.82%), ash (14.56 ± 0.74), and twenty phenolic acids being identified and quantified. Moreover, flavonoid and phenolic contents were present at 15.60 ± 2.74 mg RE/g dw and 4.19 ± 0.21 mg GAE/g dw, respectively. Microbiological risk assessment indicated that this product is safe to be consumed as a human food product. The antioxidant activity was higher in the methanolic fraction (23 mg TE/g dw) (DPPH).