Cyanobacteria and Microalgae as Sources of Functional Foods to Improve Human General and Oral Health

Influenza A defective viral genome production is altered by metabolites, metabolic signaling molecules, and cyanobacteria extracts

RNA virus infections are composed of a diverse mix of viral genomes that arise from low fidelity in replication within cells. The interactions between "defective" and full-length viral genomes have been shown to shape pathogenesis, leading to intense research into employing these to develop novel antivirals. In particular, Influenza A defective viral genomes (DVGs) have been associated with milder clinical outcomes. Yet, the full potential of DVGs as broad-spectrum antivirals remains untapped due to the unknown mechanisms of their de novo production. Much of the research into the factors affecting defective viral genome production has focused on the virus, while the role of the host has been neglected. We recently showed that altering host cell metabolism away from pro-growth pathways using alpelisib increased the production of Influenza A defective viral genomes. To uncover other drugs that could induce infections to create more DVGs, we subjected active influenza infections of the two circulating human subtypes (A/H1N1 & A/H3N2) to a screen of metabolites, metabolic signaling molecules, and cyanobacteria-derived biologics, after which we quantified the defective viral genomes (specifically deletion-containing viral genomes, DelVGs) and total viral genomes using third generation long-read sequencing. Here we show that metabolites and signaling molecules of host cell central carbon metabolism can significantly alter DelVG production early in Influenza A infection. Adenosine, emerged as a potent inducer of defective viral genomes, significantly amplifying DelVG production across both subtypes. Insulin had similar effects, albeit subtype-specific, predominantly enhancing polymerase segment DVGs in TX12 infections. Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle inhibitors 4-octyl itaconate and UK5099, along with the purine analog favipiravir, increased total viral genome production across subtypes. Cyanobacterial extracts primarily affected DVG and total viral genome production in TX12, with a specific, almost complete shutdown of influenza antigenic segments. These results underscore the influence of host metabolic pathways on DVG production and suggest new avenues for antiviral intervention, including PI3K-AKT and Ras-MAPK signaling pathways, TCA cycle metabolism, purine-pyrimidine metabolism, polymerase inhibition, and cyanotherapeutic approaches. More broadly, our findings suggest that the social interactions observed between defective and full-length viral genomes, depend not only on the viral actors, but can be altered by the stage provided by the host. Our study advances our fundamental understanding of DVG production mechanisms and highlights the potential of targeting host metabolism to develop broad-spectrum influenza therapeutics.

Sustainable microalgal biomass as a potential functional food and its applications in food industry: a comprehensive review

Microalgae (MA) are the most abundant seaweeds with high nutritional properties. They are accepted as potential biocatalysts for the bioremediation of wastewater. They are widely used in food, feed, and biofuel industries and can potentially be food for future generations. MA-based purification of wastewater technology could be a universal alternative solution for the recovery of resources from wastewater for low-cost biomass feedstock for industry. They provide a wide range of functional components, viz. omega-3 fatty acids, along with a plenteous number of pigments such as ß-carotene, astaxanthin, lutein, phycocyanin, and chlorophyll, which are used extensively as food additives and nutraceuticals. Further, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and carbohydrates are described as nutritional characteristics in MA. They are investigated as single-cell protein, thickening/stabilizing agents, and pigment sources in the food industry. The review emphasizes the production and extraction of nutritional and functional components of algal biomass and the role of microalgal polysaccharides in digestion and nutritional absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Further, the use of MA in the food industry was also investigated along with their potential therapeutic applications.

Bioactive Peptides Derived from Edible Insects: Effects on Human Health and Possible Applications in Dentistry

Novel foods, including edible insects, are emerging because of their nutritional characteristics and low environmental impacts and could represent a valid alternative source of food in a more sustainable way. Edible insects have been shown to have beneficial effects on human health. Insect-derived bioactive peptides exert antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and have protective effects against common metabolic conditions. In this review, the roles of edible insects in human health are reported, and the possible applications of these peptides in clinical practice are discussed. A special mention is given to the role of antimicrobial peptides and their potential applications in controlling infections in orthodontic procedures. In this context, insects' antimicrobial peptides might represent a potential tool to face the onset of infective endocarditis, with a low chance to develop resistances, and could be manipulated and optimized to replace common antibiotics used in clinical practice so far. Although some safety concerns must be taken into consideration, and the isolation and production of insect-derived proteins are far from easy, edible insects represent an interesting source of peptides, with beneficial effects that may be, in the future, integrated into clinical and orthodontic practice.

Skeletonema marinoi Extracts and Associated Carotenoid Fucoxanthin Downregulate Pro-Angiogenic Mediators on Prostate Cancer and Endothelial Cells

The exploration of natural preventive molecules for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical use has recently increased. In this scenario, marine microorganisms represent an underestimated source of bioactive products endowed with beneficial effects on health that include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, differentiating, anti-tumor, and anti-angiogenic activities. Here, we tested the potential chemopreventive and anti-angiogenic activities of an extract from the marine coastal diatom Skeletonema marinoi Sarno and Zingone (Sm) on prostate cancer (PCa) and endothelial cells. We also tested one of the main carotenoids of the diatom, the xanthophyll pigment fucoxanthin (Fuco). Fuco from the literature is a potential candidate compound involved in chemopreventive activities. Sm extract and Fuco were able to inhibit PCa cell growth and hinder vascular network formation of endothelial cells. The reduced number of cells was partially due to growth inhibition and apoptosis. We studied the molecular targets by qPCR and membrane antibody arrays. Angiogenesis and inflammation molecules were modulated. In particular, Fuco downregulated the expression of Angiopoietin 2, CXCL5, TGFβ, IL6, STAT3, MMP1, TIMP1 and TIMP2 in both prostate and endothelial cells. Our study confirmed microalgae-derived drugs as potentially relevant sources of novel nutraceuticals, providing candidates for potential dietary or dietary supplement intervention in cancer prevention approaches.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of a New Formulation of a Topical Anesthetic in Reduction of Pain and Parents’ Satisfaction in Pediatric Dentistry

The aim of the present study was to test a new topical anesthetic gel with a different formulation (10% lidocaine, 10% prilocaine) to analyze its effectiveness in pain control, during the subsequent injection of local anesthetic, and the presence of any side effects. Methods: The study’s research design was a randomized controlled clinical trial on 300 children, aged 5–8 years, divided into two groups, each of 150 patients, according to pre-injection procedures (presence or absence of topical anesthesia). The injection pain was analyzed using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (PRS) and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale (FLACC). At the end of the procedures, patients’ parents’ satisfaction was recorded. The data were analyzed using the Student’s T test, Mann–Whitney U test and Chi-square test. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the two groups both in the PRS and FLACC ratings. Both in subjective and objective pain evaluations, significantly higher pain ratings were observed in the group without topical anesthesia. There was also a statistically significant difference in terms of patients’ parents’ judgment, as in the group with the use of topical anesthetic the level of parental satisfaction is statistically higher. Conclusion: The experimental anesthetic has proved very effective in its use as a topical gel in both pain measurement scales, thus validating its use on the oral mucosa, for its pharmacological and psychological effect, in the total absence of local and systemic side effects.

Bioactive Molecules from Marine Diatoms and Their Value for the Nutraceutical Industry

The search for novel sources of nutrients is among the basic goals for achievement of sustainable progress. In this context, microalgae are relevant organisms, being rich in high-value compounds and able to grow in open ponds or photobioreactors, thus enabling profitable exploitation of aquatic resources. Microalgae, a huge taxon containing photosynthetic microorganisms living in freshwater, as well as in brackish and marine waters, typically unicellular and eukaryotic, include green algae (Chlorophyceae), red algae (Rhodophyceae), brown algae (Phaeophyceae) and diatoms (Bacillariophyceae). In recent decades, diatoms have been considered the most sustainable sources of nutrients for humans with respect to other microalgae. This review focuses on studies exploring their bio-pharmacological activities when relevant for human disease prevention and/or treatment. In addition, we considered diatoms and their extracts (or purified compounds) when relevant for specific nutraceutical applications.

Application of fluoride disturbs plaque microecology and promotes remineralization of enamel initial caries

Background

The caries-preventive effect of topical fluoride application has been corroborated by a number of clinical studies. However, the effect of fluoride on oral microecology remains unclear.

Objective

To monitor the effect of fluoride on dental plaque microecology and demineralization/remineralization balance of enamel initial caries.

Methods

Three-year-old children were enrolled and treated with fluoride at baseline and 6 months. International Caries Detection and Assessment System II indices of 52 subjects were measured at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Supragingival plaque samples of 12 subjects were collected at baseline, 3 and 14 days for 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

Changes in microbial community structure were observed at 3 days after fluoridation. Significant changes in the relative abundance of microorganisms were observed after fluoride application, especially Capnocytophaga, unidentified Prevotellaceae and Rothia. Functional prediction revealed that cell movement, carbohydrate and energy metabolism were affected significantly after fluoride application. Fluoride significantly inhibited enamel demineralization and promoted remineralization of early demineralized caries enamel at 3 months.

Conclusion

Fluoride application significantly inhibited the progression of enamel initial caries and reversed the demineralization process, possibly by disturbing dental plaque microecology and modulating the physicochemical action of demineralization/remineralization. This deepened our understanding of caries-preventive effects and mechanisms of fluoride.

Foliar Spray or Soil Drench: Microalgae Application Impacts on Soil Microbiology, Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses, Oil and Fatty Acid Profiles of Chia Plants under Alkaline Stress

Alkaline soil inhibits the growth and productivity of chia plants (Salvia hispanica L.). Microalgae as biofertilizers have been reported to induce alkalinity tolerance and enhance yield and quality. However, limited information is known concerning the influence of microalgae application on medical plants, including chia. Our experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of microalgae strains of Arthrospira platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, Nostoc muscorum, and Anabaena azollae with two application methods, foliar spray and soil drench, on morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters, yield, seed and oil quality, and fatty acid profiles of chia plants cultivated under alkaline soil conditions, as well as the on soil microbial activity. The results obtained reveal that both application methods positively influenced the growth and productivity of chia plants. However, the foliar application showed significant differences in the herb's fresh and dry weights and leaf pigments, whereas the drenching application caused more effect than the foliar spray application at the reproductive stage. Untreated chia plants showed a slight decline in the growth, productivity, and antioxidant level with an increase in Na content. However, microalgae applications significantly ameliorated these impacts as they induced an enhancement in the growth, leaf pigments, total protein and carbohydrate contents, nutrient content, seed and oil yields, as well as an increase in linolenic and linoleic fatty acids, with a reduction in saturated fatty acids, namely, palmitic and lauric acid. Soil drenching generated an improvement in the soil microbial activity and caused a reduction in the pH. The treatment of A. platensis with drenching application resulted in higher seed and oil yield, with an increase of 124 and 263.3% in seed and oil yield, respectively.

Emerging Technologies for Enhancing Microalgae Biofuel Production: Recent Progress, Barriers, and Limitations

The world has heavily relied on fossil fuels for decades to supply energy demands. However, the usage of fossil fuels has been strongly correlated with impactful problems, which lead to global warming. Moreover, the excessive use of fossil fuels has led to their rapid depletion. Hence, exploring other renewable and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels is imperative. One of the most sustainable fossil fuel alternatives is biofuel. Microalgae-based biofuels are receiving the attention of researchers due to their numerous advantages compared with those obtained from other types of feedstocks. Hence, it is essential to explore the recent technologies for biofuel produced from microalgae species and define the possible challenges that might be faced during this process. Therefore, this work presents the recent advancements in biofuel production from microalgae, focusing on emerging technologies such as those using nanomaterials and genetic engineering. This review focuses on the impact of nanoparticles on the harvesting efficiency of various microalgae species and the influence of nanoparticles on biofuel production. The genetic screening performed by genome-scale mutant libraries and their high-throughput screening may assist in developing effective strategies for enhancing microalgal strains and oil production through the modification of enzymes. Furthermore, the barriers that limit the production of biofuels from microalgae are introduced. Even though microalgae-based biofuels are perceived to engage with low negative impacts on the environment, this review paper touches on several environmental issues associated with the cultivation and harvesting of microalgae species. Moreover, the economic and technical feasibility limits the production of microalgae-based biofuels.

A mucoadhesive patch loaded with freeze-dried liposomes for the local treatment of oral tumors

Oral cancers affect millions of people globally, with increasing incidences among adults aged 35 and above. Poor drug uptake by lesions in the oral cavity following systemic administration, as well as limited localized treatment modalities for oral tumors, result in poor patient quality of life and high mortality. Here, we describe a solid, dissolvable, bioadhesive alginate patch containing freeze-dried doxorubicin-loaded liposomes as a local treatment for oral tumors located on the tongue. By varying the alginate-to-liposome ratio in the mucoadhesive patch, we could control the degree of bioadhesion to the tongue and the release profile of the drug-loaded liposomes from the matrix. In vitro, exposing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to the alginate mucoadhesive patch or tablet resulted in dose-dependent cancer-cell death. In vivo, the efficacy of the local treatment was demonstrated in mice bearing orthotopic SCC tumors in the tongue. The bioadhesive patch, applied directly above the lesion, significantly reduced the tumor size and treatment-associated side effects compared to implanted patches or systemic drug administration. This study demonstrates that local bioadhesive therapies are effective in treating cancers of the oral cavity.

Characteristics of gut microbiota of term small gestational age infants within 1 week and their relationship with neurodevelopment at 6 months

Introduction

Small for gestational age (SGA) infants are at a higher risk of neurodevelopmental delay than infants appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Previous studies have confirmed that gut microbiota in early life influences subsequent neurodevelopment. However, few studies have reported corresponding data in SGA populations.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the gut microbiota of term SGA infants and the associations between the gut microbiota in SGA infants and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 6 months of age.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 from term SGA and AGA infants born between June 2020 and June 2021 at the Peking University First Hospital. 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid amplicon sequencing was used to analyze the fecal microbiota. We followed up for 6 months and used the Ages and Stages Questionnaires-3 (ASQ-3) to evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes among SGA infants.

Results

A total of 162 neonates were enrolled, with 41 SGA infants (25.3%) in the study group and 121 AGA infants (74.7%) in the control group. The gut microbial diversity in the SGA group was lower than that in the AGA group on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarities showed significant differences between the two groups. The SGA group had increased relative abundances of Ralstonia (3, 5, and 7 days) and Clostridium (3 and 7 days). The dominant microorganisms of the SGA group were Ralstonia on day 1, Escherichia_Shigella on days 3 and 7, and Clostridia on day 5. We found that the gut microbial diversity of SGA infants with poor communication scores was higher than that of SGA infants with good communication scores on day 3. Fine motor scores were negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Bacteroides_fragilis on day 1. A negative correlation was observed between gross motor scores and relative abundance of Clostridium_saccharobutylicum on day 7. Bacteroidota, Bacteroidia, Bacteroides, and Bacteroides_fragilis were the dominant microorganisms in the good communication score group on day 7. Communication scores were positively correlated with the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Bacteroides, and Bacteroides_fragilis on day 7.

Conclusion

The gut microbial diversity of term SGA infants was significantly lower in the first week of life than that of term AGA infants. Certain pathogenic and conditional pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia_Shigella, Ralstonia and Clostridium increased or formed the dominant microbiota in SGA infants. Alpha diversity, Bacteroidota, Bacteroides, Bacteroides_fragilis, and Clostridium_saccharobutylicum found in SGA infants may be associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 6 months of age, indicating possible therapeutic targets for clinical intervention.

How Microalgae is Effective in Oxygen Deficiency Aggravated Diseases? A Comprehensive Review of Literature

Hypoxia can aggravate the conditions of many oxygen-deficiency-aggravated diseases (ODAD), such as cancer, ischemic heart disease, and chronic wounds. Photosynthetic microalgae can alleviate the hepatotoxicity of the local microenvironment by producing oxygen. In addition, microalgae extracts have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. These properties make them attractive candidates for developing methods to treat ODAD. Although researchers have exploited the advantages of microalgae and developed a variety of microalgae-based biomaterials to treat ODAD, a comprehensive review of this topic has not been presented previously. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the development and progress made in the field of developing microalgae-based biomaterials toward the treatment of ODAD. The challenges and prospects of this field are also discussed.

Ergothioneine, Ovothiol A, and Selenoneine-Histidine-Derived, Biologically Significant, Trace Global Alkaloids

The history, chemistry, biology, and biosynthesis of the globally occurring histidine-derived alkaloids ergothioneine (10), ovothiol A (11), and selenoneine (12) are reviewed comparatively and their significance to human well-being is discussed.

Dietary supplementation with microalgae enhances the zebrafish growth performance by modulating immune status and gut microbiota

Microalgae are known to be abundant in various habitats around the globe, and are rich in high value-added products such as fatty acids, polysaccharides, proteins, and pigments. Microalgae can be exploited as the basic and primitive food source of aquatic animals. We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Schizochytrium sp., Spirulina platensis, Chloroella sorokiniana, Chromochloris zofingiensis, and Dunaliella salina on the growth performance, immune status, and intestinal health of zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results showed that these five microalgae diets could improve the feed conversion rate (FCR), especially the D. salina (FCR = 1.02%) and Schizochytrium sp. (FCR = 1.20%) additive groups. Moreover, the microalgae diets decreased the gene expression level of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6, IL8, and IL1β at a normal physiological state of the intestine, especially the Schizochytrium sp., S. platensis, and D. salina dietary groups. The expression of neutrophil marker b7r was increased in the C. sorokiniana diet group; after, the zebrafish were challenged with Vibrio anguillarum, improving the ability to resist this disease. We also found that microalgae diets could regulate the gut microbiota of fish as well as increase the relative abundance of probiotics. To further explain, Cetobacterium was significantly enriched in the S. platensis additive group and Stenotrophomonas was higher in the Schizochytrium sp. additive group than in the other groups. Conversely, harmful bacteria Mycoplasma reduced in all tested microalgae diet groups. Our study indicated that these microalgae could serve as a food source supplement and benefit the health of fish. KEY POINTS: • Microalgae diets enhanced the growth performance of zebrafish. • Microalgae diets attenuated the intestinal inflammatory responses of zebrafish. • Microalgae diets modulated the gut microbiota composition to improve fish health.

Highly Valuable Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Microalgae: Strategies to Improve Their Yields and Their Potential Exploitation in Aquaculture

Microalgae have a great potential for the production of healthy food and feed supplements. Their ability to convert carbon into high-value compounds and to be cultured in large scale without interfering with crop cultivation makes these photosynthetic microorganisms promising for the sustainable production of lipids. In particular, microalgae represent an alternative source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), whose consumption is related to various health benefits for humans and animals. In recent years, several strategies to improve PUFAs' production in microalgae have been investigated. Such strategies include selecting the best performing species and strains and the optimization of culturing conditions, with special emphasis on the different cultivation systems and the effect of different abiotic factors on PUFAs' accumulation in microalgae. Moreover, developments and results obtained through the most modern genetic and metabolic engineering techniques are described, focusing on the strategies that lead to an increased lipid production or an altered PUFAs' profile. Additionally, we provide an overview of biotechnological applications of PUFAs derived from microalgae as safe and sustainable organisms, such as aquafeed and food ingredients, and of the main techniques (and their related issues) for PUFAs' extraction and purification from microalgal biomass.

Using different cultivation strategies and methods for the production of microalgal biomass as a raw material for the generation of bioproducts

Microalgal biomass and its fine chemical production from microalgae have pioneered algal bioprocess technology with few limitations such as lab-to-industry. However, laboratory-scale transitions and industrial applications are hindered by a plethora of limitations comprising expensive in culturing methods. Therefore, to emphasize the profitable benefits, the algal culturing techniques appropriately employed for large-scale microalgal biomass yield necessitates intricate assessment to emphasize the profitable benefits. The present review holistically compiles the culturing strategies for improving microalgal biomass production based on appropriate factors like designing better bioreactor designs. On the other hand, synthetic biology approaches for abridging the effective industrial transition success explored recently. Prospects in synthetic biology for enhanced microalgal biomass production based on cultivation strategies and various mechanistic modes approach to enrich cost-effective and viable output are discussed. The State-of-the-art culturing techniques encompassing enhancement of photosynthetic activity, designing bioreactor design, and potential augmenting protocols for biomass yield employing indoor cultivation in both (Open and or/closed) methods are enumerated. Further, limitations hindering the microalgal bioproducts development are critically evaluated for improving culturing techniques for microalgal cell factories, subsequently escalating the cost-benefit ratio in bioproducts synthesis from microalgae. The comprehensive analysis could provide a rational and deeper detailed insight for microalgal entrepreneurs through alternative culturing technology viz., synthetic biology and genome engineering in an Industrial perspective arena.

Composition of Fecal Microbiota in Grazing and Feedlot Angus Beef Cattle

Simple Summary

This study is to investigate the difference of bovine fecal microbiota between grazing and feedlot Angus cattle. The fecal bacterial community was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene from six Angus cattle grazed on grassland and six Angus cattle fed on a feedlot. A total of 775 OTUs were taxonomically assigned to bacterial 12 phyla, 19 classes, 25 orders, 54 families, 141 genera, and 145 species. The dominant phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. There was similar species richness between grazing and feedlot Angus beef, while species diversity was higher in feedlot Angus beef. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Elusimicrobia and Patescibacteria was significantly different between grazing and feedlot Angus beef (p < 0.05). At the genus level, five microbiotas were significantly different microbiotas between the two groups and all belonged to the Firmicutes phylum. These significant differences in microbiota composition between grazing and feedlot Angus beef may have an impact on the meat quality of Angus beef.

Abstract

This study is to investigate the difference in bovine fecal microbiota between grazing and feedlot Angus cattle. Fecal samples were collected from six Angus cattle grazed on grassland and six Angus cattle fed on a feedlot. The fecal bacterial community was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Sequencing of the V3–V4 region totally produced 1,113,170 effective tages that were computationally clustered into 775 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). These 775 OTUs were taxonomically assigned to bacterial 12 phyla, 19 classes, 25 orders, 54 families, 141 genera, and 145 species. The dominant phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. There was similar species richness between grazing and feedlot Angus beef, while higher species diversity was observed in feedlot Angus beef. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Elusimicrobia and Patescibacteria was significantly different between grazing and feedlot Angus beef (p < 0.05). At a genus level, five microbiotas were significantly different between the two groups and all belonged to the Firmicutes phylum. These significant differences in microbiota composition between grazing and feedlot Angus beef may have an impact on the meat quality of Angus beef.

Food Matrices Affect the Peptides Produced during the Digestion of Arthrospira platensis-Based Functional Aliments

Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) has been credited with multiple beneficial effects, many of which are attributed to bioactive peptides produced during the gastrointestinal digestion of this micro-alga. Many Spirulina-based nutraceuticals have been produced, and numerous functional foods enriched with Spirulina are available on the market. These are subjected to checks aimed at verifying the amount of algae actually present, but few studies relating to the bioavailability of the bioactive compounds in these products have been carried out. However, such investigations could be very important to elucidate the possible critical effects exerted by food matrices on protein digestion and bioactive peptide production. Here, in order to assess the suitability of Spirulina-enriched foods as a source of potentially bioactive peptides, a simulated digestion protocol was used in combination with mass spectrometry quantitative analysis to analyze functionalized pasta and sorbets. In the case of the pasta enriched with Spirulina, the production of peptides was quite similar to that of the Spirulina powder. On the other hand, the type of fruit present in the food matrix influenced the digestion of Spirulina inside the sorbets. In particular, the high concentration of protease inhibitors in kiwifruit drastically reduced the production of peptides from Spirulina in kiwi sorbet.

Potency of spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on arsenic-induced lipid peroxidation in rat

Objective

Natural substances found in dietary sources and medicinal plants have attracted considerable attention in recent years as chemopreventive agents. Spirulina is a blue-green alga that possesses chemopreventive properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of spirulina on rats with inorganic arsenic (As) [sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂)]-induced lipid peroxidation.

Materials and Methods

120 rats were randomly assigned to 10 groups and designated T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, and T9. One group was kept as a control (T0) that received no treatment. The seven groups received 3.0 mg of NaAsO₂/kg body weight in drinking water and were given spirulina ad libitum. T1 was treated with NaAsO₂ but not with spirulina. Two groups of rats (T2 and T3), on the other hand, were treated with spirulina without receiving any As (NaAsO₂). T2 received agro-based spirulina (Ab-Sp; grown in 1.5% soybean meal media and harvested on day 12 of seed inoculation) at 2.0 gm/kg feed, whereas T3 received commercially available spirulina (Com-Sp) at 2.0 gm/kg feed. T4, T5, and T6 were concurrently treated with Ab-Sp at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 gm/kg of feed. On the other hand, T7, T8, and T9 induced by NaAsO₂ were concurrently treated with Com-Sp at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 gm/kg feed. All groups received treatment for 90 days.

Results

The efficacy of both spirulina in preventing lipid peroxidation caused by As was determined quantitatively by measuring the rats' serum malondialdehyde (MDA). The results indicated that As supplementation increased serum MDA levels, whereas both types of spirulina significantly decreased them. The highest dose of Ab-Sp (2.0 gm/kg feed) was found to be the most effective in preventing lipid peroxidation in rats treated with inorganic As.

Conclusion

Ab-Sp could be a natural, cost-effective, and safe measure to mitigate As toxicity.

Algae and Microalgae and Their Bioactive Molecules for Human Health

The algae and microalgae are an extremely diverse group of organisms that contain many bioactive molecules, including pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, polyphenol, etc [...].