1
Discovery of Novel and Biologically Active Compounds from Algae

M. Singh1*, N. Gupta2, P. Gupta3, Doli1, P. Mishra1 and A. Yadav1

1 Faculty of Pharmacy, RBS Engineering Technical Campus, Bichpuri, Agra, India

2 Faculty of Engineering & Technology, RBS Engineering Technical Campus, Bichpuri, Agra, India

3 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Modinagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The identification of new therapeutically active constituents from algae is generating growing attention due to the unique makeup of these organisms and the potential for widespread industrial use of these constituents. Recent study has concentrated on algae, which have a novel biochemical proclivity and a diverse variety of possible commercial uses, as a provider of novel biologically active constituents. The growing number of researchers are becoming interested in identifying novel physiologically active chemicals from algae, owing to its unique composition and the potential for vast commercial uses. It is very essential to identify the organisms of those species that produce bioactive secondary metabolites that could be a potential source for new drug development. A variety of constituents, such as carbohydrates, minerals, oil, proteins along with polyunsaturated fatty acids, are found in algae preparations. Additionally, biologically active constituents such as antioxidants (tocopherols or vitamin E), vitamin C and pigments (like phycobilins, carotenoids and chlorophylls) are found in algae preparations. These biologically active compounds possess different therapeutic properties, such as antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal), antineoplastic, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. They also have the potential to be used as food by humans. Algae have been discovered to be a significant source of physiologically active chemicals that may be used in a variety of goods for animals, plants, cosmetics, and medicines, among other things.

Keywords: Algae, biologically active compounds, therapeutic activities

1.1 Introduction

Water occupies almost 70% of Earth's surface. Therefore, it is a tremendous resource for the identification of novel/unique compounds with potential therapeutic uses. Over the last several decades, a vast variety of new chemicals obtained from marine creatures with pharmaceutically therapeutic benefits have been discovered. Because of this, marine resources are considered a promising source of new therapeutically active chemicals not only for the creation of active pharmaceutical ingredients but also for the development of food items [1].

The marine environment has a diverse range of fauna (sea hares, fishes, soft corals, sponges, nudibranchs, tunicates, sea slugs, bryozoans, echinoderms, shells, along with prawns) and flora (microorganisms such as micro/macroalgae, cyano-and actinobacteria, bacteria, fungi, halophytes). Among the most remarkable characteristics of marine life is the close connection that exists between different groups of creatures in order to enable them to adapt to the harsh and tough ocean circumstances that are significantly different than those that exist in a given ecosystem [2]. Phytoplankton (microalgae) have received tremendous interest nowadays because they are seen as a continuous raw material for producing a range of bioactive constituents. There are many different types of compounds that could be utilized in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and as ingredients in some products like cosmetics. Some of these include terpenoids, amino acids, phycobiliproteins [3], fatty acids, chlorophylls, steroids, phenolic compounds, halogenated ketones, vitamins, and carotenes [4]. Photosynthetic microorganisms are known as cyanobacteria. They are Gram-negative and abundantly distributed throughout the environment. In various types of industries, including biofuel, nutrition, agriculture, and medicines, etc., they have a huge spectrum of biotechnological applications to offer [5].

Micro- and macroalgae (seaweeds), which make up the majority of marine algae, have possible potential use in different areas of biomedicine and marine pharmacology. Nowadays, tissue culture technologies are an up-and-coming area. As significant marine biological resources, algae are abundant on shallow, coastal, and backwater substrates and may be found in great quantities in shallow, coastal, and backwater habitats. It has also been discovered that algae may grow on a variety of solid objects such as rocks and stones as well as on dead corals, pebbles, and other small objects.

A surprising amount of agar is produced by algae in intertidal and shallow water, with a total production of about 6000 tonnes of total agar yield. Investigations have demonstrated that unrefined and refined compounds generated from marine algae showed significant antimicrobial action in vitro against a broad range of both Gram-negative as well as Gram-positive pathogenic microorganisms and also showed in vivo activity [6]. In addition to being interesting as research targets, because of their potential therapeutic qualities, the natural significant bioactive chemicals derived from microalgae are anticipated to be commercialized in the next several years [3].

In the aquatic environment, marine algae, including dinoflagellates (unicellular along with biflagellate organisms) and phytoplankton, are symbiotic in corals, seaweeds, and sea anemones, among other things. A wide variety of seaweeds are divided into four groups: Chlorophyta (means green algae), Rhodophyta (means Red algae), Phaeophyta (means Brown algae), and Cyanobacteria (certain filamentous Blue-green algae) [1]. Neoplasm (cancer, carcinoma or malignancy), diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, chronic stress, stroke, immunological diseases and chronic respiratory sickness are all contributing to an increase in global morbidity and death. Dietary modification along with lifestyle modification are currently suggested as potential approaches to preventing or treating various ailments [3]. Furthermore, foods containing bioactive constituents may have the ability to behave as necessary nutrients. Antibiotics were formerly considered to be "magic bullets," but by picking certain bacteria for treatment, they might end up becoming a contributing factor to the spread of illness [7].

1.2 Microalgae-Derived Natural Products

Microalgae are microorganisms of only one cell in size that flourish in salt water. It also thrives in freshwater environments. Their diameter or length ranges from 3 to 10 millimeters, and they are available in a variety of forms and sizes. Microalgae include both bacterial and eukaryotic species, and the term "microalgae" applies to both [8]. Cyanobacteria are structurally comparable to bacteria in terms of their composition. They are classified as microalgae, however, because of the presence of chlorophyll and other photosynthesis-related compounds in their composition. Known as green algae due to the fact that they have the same quantities of chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b as green plants [9, 10], they have been studied extensively.

Microalgae produce biocompounds by utilizing light energy along with inorganic nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon dioxide, and other elements) and are classified as autotrophic microorganisms. They include nutrients of great nutritional value, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, polymers, and pigments, as well as medicinal properties. In recent research, it has been shown that microalgae may create a vast variety of chemical constituents (compounds) with diversified biological functions, including phycobilins, polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, sterols, carotenoids, and vitamins, among other substances [10].

Phaeophyta, i.e., brown algae, are a well-known commercialized alginate source due to their brown color. Alginates are straight, long chains of amino acids. They consist of residues of the amino acids. Alginates are usually observed in toothpastes and ice creams, where they are employed as thickening agents, foam stabilizers, and preservatives. When taken orally, a low-density agonic acid gel formed from alginate salts operate as a "raft" that floats over the stomach content, similar to corresponding gelatine. As a result, stomach acid is prevented from refluxing into the esophagus. Therefore, sodium/magnesium salts of agonic acid are included in variety of compound antacid formulations, such as Favicon (Reckitt & Coleman) or Alicen (Rorer), among others [11]. There are wide variety of applications of algae, from biofuel production, in particular bioethanol, macro and microalgae fermentation, to enzyme extraction in the paper, textile, and detergent industries, and laboratory applications [12].

Bioactive constituents are substances that are physiologically active in the human body and have functional characteristics in the body. Many biologically active compounds that have the possibility of being used as useful components are being developed and manufactured, including polyphenols, phycocyanins, fatty acids, carotenoids, and other polyunsaturated compounds.

1.3 Bioprospecting for New Algae

Numerous new compounds were found in marine algae during the previous six decades, and a vast variety of these chemicals have been shown to have intriguing biological...