Evaluation of Green Silver Nanoparticles Fabricated by Spirulina platensis Phycocyanin as Anticancer and Antimicrobial Agents

Nutraceutical Features of the Phycobiliprotein C-Phycocyanin: Evidence from Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina)

Arthrospira platensis, commonly known as Spirulina, is a photosynthetic filamentous cyanobacterium (blue-green microalga) that has been utilized as a food source since ancient times. More recently, it has gained significant popularity as a dietary supplement due to its rich content of micro- and macro-nutrients. Of particular interest is a water soluble phycobiliprotein derived from Spirulina known as phycocyanin C (C-PC), which stands out as the most abundant protein in this cyanobacterium. C-PC is a fluorescent protein, with its chromophore represented by the tetrapyrrole molecule phycocyanobilin B (PCB-B). While C-PC is commonly employed in food for its coloring properties, it also serves as the molecular basis for numerous nutraceutical features associated with Spirulina. Indeed, the comprehensive C-PC, and to some extent, the isolated PCB-B, has been linked to various health-promoting effects. These benefits encompass conditions triggered by oxidative stress, inflammation, and other pathological conditions. The present review focuses on the bio-pharmacological properties of these molecules, positioning them as promising agents for potential new applications in the expanding nutraceutical market.

Development, physicochemical characterization, and antimicrobial evaluation of niosome-loaded oregano essential oil against fish-borne pathogens

Objective

Niosomes have gained attention as a promising drug delivery system for enhancing the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of natural compounds. Oregano essential oil has demonstrated potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties against food-borne pathogens.

Methods

In this study, researchers aimed to explore the use of niosomes as a delivery system to improve the efficacy of oregano essential oil against food-borne pathogens. The structural and morphological properties of different niosome formulations were examined. Different formulations of niosomes were prepared and their structural and morphological properties were examined. The antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of niosomes containing oregano essential oil were evaluated using microbroth-dilution and microtiter-plate methods, respectively. The biocompatibility of the synthesized niosomes was assessed using the MTT method on human foreskin fibroblasts normal cell line (HFF).

Results

The optimal formulation of niosomes had an average size of 219 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 61.22%. The release study demonstrated that 58% of the essential oil was released from niosomes, while 100% was released from free essential oil. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of the essential oil were found to be 2-4 times higher when loaded in niosomes. The biocompatibility test confirmed that the synthesized empty niosomes had no cytotoxic effects on HFF cell line.

Conclusion

Niosomes encapsulating oregano essential oil demonstrated the capacity to inhibit the activity of genes associated with biofilm formation in pathogenic bacteria. This study highlights the significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of niosomes containing oregano essential oil, suggesting their potential as a suitable drug delivery system.

Nanoparticles from Microalgae and Their Biomedical Applications

Over the years, microalgae have been a source of useful compounds mainly used as food and dietary supplements. Recently, microalgae have been used as a source of metabolites that can participate in the synthesis of several nanoparticles through inexpensive and environmentally friendly routes alternative to chemical synthesis. Notably, the occurrence of global health threats focused attention on the microalgae application in the medicinal field. In this review, we report the influence of secondary metabolites from marine and freshwater microalgae and cyanobacteria on the synthesis of nanoparticles that were applied as therapeutics. In addition, the use of isolated compounds on the surface of nanoparticles to combat diseases has also been addressed. Although studies have proven the beneficial effect of high-value bioproducts on microalgae and their potential in medicine, there is still room for understanding their exact role in the human body and translating lab-based research into clinical trials.