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Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Nowadays the increasing amount of saline wastewaters has given rise to various biological desalination processes, among which the application possibilities of microalgae...
Nowadays the increasing amount of saline wastewaters has given rise to various biological desalination processes, among which the application possibilities of microalgae represents a priority research area. Next to "real" aquatic species (members of phytoplankton or phytobenthon), species from ephemeral aquatic habitats or aeroterrestrial algae also could be good candidates of research studying salt tolerance or desalination ability, since salinity stress is often referred as "physiological drought" and species from ephemeral habitats can be characterized by high drought tolerance. In this study, the salinity tolerance, salt and nutrient removal ability of a strain from eastern Hungary were investigated. Vegetative cells showed low salt tolerance, survival was ensured by the formation of cysts up to a sodium-chloride concentration of 2,000 mg l. Although relatively moderate (a max. 30%) conductivity reduction and chloride removal were observed, notable (nearly 100%) nitrate and phosphate removal occurred even in the presence of 2,000 mg l NaCl. Carotenoid accumulation was observed earlier and in higher extent in salt treated cultures than in drying out ones, although the amount of astaxanthin-esters was significantly higher in the cultures of drying out experiment than in the corresponding cultures of salt treatment characterized with similar chloride content. Our results suggest that algae isolates from ephemeral aquatic habitats endangered by regular drying out (exposed to special salt stress), could have notable salt tolerance and consequently successful applicability in nutrient removal processes from slightly saline wastewaters. The accumulation of valuable metabolites (such as astaxanthin) as a response to salinity stress, could enhance the economic value of the biomass.
PubMed: 38550863
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1332642 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024The oral delivery strategy of natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents has attracted great attention to improve the effectiveness of ulcerative colitis (UC)...
The oral delivery strategy of natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents has attracted great attention to improve the effectiveness of ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment. Herein, we developed a novel orally deliverable nanoparticle, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC)-modified astaxanthin (AXT)-loaded nanoparticles (CMC-AXT-NPs), for UC treatment. The CMC-AXT-NPs were evaluated by appearance, morphology, particle size, ζ-potential, and encapsulation efficiency (EE). The results showed that CMC-AXT-NPs were nearly spherical in shape with a particle size of 34.5 nm and ζ-potential of -30.8 mV, and the EE of CMC-AXT-NPs was as high as 95.03%. The CMC-AXT-NPs exhibited preferable storage stability over time and well-controlled drug-release properties in simulated intestinal fluid. Additionally, in vitro studies revealed that CMC-AXT-NPs remarkably inhibited cytotoxicity induced by LPS and demonstrated superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities in Raw264.7 cells. Furthermore, CMC-AXT-NPs effectively alleviated clinical symptoms of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS), including maintaining body weight, inhibiting colon shortening, and reducing fecal bleeding. Importantly, CMC-AXT-NPs suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and ameliorated DSS-induced oxidative damage. Our results demonstrated the potential of CMC-modified nanoparticles as an oral delivery system and suggested these novel AXT nanoparticles could be a promising strategy for UC treatment.
Topics: Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Chitosan; Nanoparticles; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Dextran Sulfate; Colitis; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 38542929
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29061291 -
The Effects of Astaxanthin on Cognitive Function and Neurodegeneration in Humans: A Critical Review.Nutrients Mar 2024Oxidative stress is a key contributing factor in neurodegeneration, cognitive ageing, cognitive decline, and diminished cognitive longevity. Issues stemming from... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress is a key contributing factor in neurodegeneration, cognitive ageing, cognitive decline, and diminished cognitive longevity. Issues stemming from oxidative stress both in relation to cognition and other areas, such as inflammation, skin health, eye health, and general recovery, have been shown to benefit greatly from antioxidant use. Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, which has been outlined to be beneficial for cognitive function both in vitro and in vivo. Given the aforementioned promising effects, research into astaxanthin with a focus on cognitive function has recently been extended to human tissue and human populations. The present critical review explores the effects of astaxanthin on cognitive function and neurodegeneration within human populations and samples with the aim of deciphering the merit and credibility of the research findings and subsequently their potential as a basis for therapeutic use. Implications, limitations, and areas for future research development are also discussed. Key findings include the positive impacts of astaxanthin in relation to improving cognitive function, facilitating neuroprotection, and slowing neurodegeneration within given contexts.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Xanthophylls; Oxidative Stress; Cognition
PubMed: 38542737
DOI: 10.3390/nu16060826 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024The broiler industry supplies high-quality animal protein to the world. The ban of antibiotics as growth promoters has opened the way for plenty of phytochemicals and... (Review)
Review
The broiler industry supplies high-quality animal protein to the world. The ban of antibiotics as growth promoters has opened the way for plenty of phytochemicals and antioxidants to be explored. This study summarizes the use of natural antioxidants in a broiler diet as a way through which to deal with stressors, as well as their effects on the expression of various genes. The transcriptional factors and genes involved in the regulation of redox homeostasis are described and emphasis is placed on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor kappa B. Sources such as fruits, vegetables, spices, mushrooms, and algae contain numerous natural antioxidant compounds. The antioxidant activity of these compounds has also been confirmed at the genome level. This study focuses on the regulation of oxidative stress-related genes, as well as on genes that regulate the inflammatory response, apoptosis, response to heat stress, lipid metabolism, and the intestinal barrier status. The natural compounds presented include, but are not limited to, the following: rutin, lycopene, magnolol, genistein, hesperidin, naringin, quercetin, curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, resveratrol, astaxanthin, squalene, pterostilbene, protocatechuic acid, taraxasterol, myricetin, and proanthocyanidins. Several studies have revealed a dose-dependent action. Future studies should focus on the role of phytogenic compounds as antibiotic alternatives in relation to gut microbiota and their role in eubiosis.
PubMed: 38539804
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13030270 -
Cureus Feb 2024Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, potentially malignant disorder characterized by progressive fibrosis of the oral mucosa, leading to restricted mouth opening...
BACKGROUND
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, potentially malignant disorder characterized by progressive fibrosis of the oral mucosa, leading to restricted mouth opening and discomfort. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory carotenoid, in the comprehensive management of OSMF.
METHODS
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 68 eligible participants diagnosed with OSMF. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (astaxanthin capsules, 5 mg twice daily) or the control group (placebo capsules) for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes included changes in mouth opening and burning sensation assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Adverse events were monitored to evaluate safety.
RESULTS
The experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in mouth opening compared to the control group over the 12-week intervention (p < 0.001). Additionally, the experimental group reported a significant reduction in burning sensation, as indicated by VAS scores (p < 0.001). Adverse events were generally mild and comparable between groups.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that astaxanthin may have a positive impact on mouth opening and burning sensation in individuals with OSMF. The safety profile observed supports the feasibility of astaxanthin as a potential therapeutic adjunct in OSMF management. Further research with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods is warranted to validate these findings.
PubMed: 38524025
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54667 -
Bioactive Materials Jul 2024The vulnerable plaques in atherosclerosis can cause severe outcome with great danger of acute cardiovascular events. Thus, timely diagnosis and treatment of vulnerable...
The vulnerable plaques in atherosclerosis can cause severe outcome with great danger of acute cardiovascular events. Thus, timely diagnosis and treatment of vulnerable plaques in early stage can effectively benefit the clinical management of atherosclerosis. In this work, a targeting theranostic strategy on early-stage vulnerable plaques in atherosclerosis is realized by a LAID nanoplatform with X-CT and fluorescent dual-mode imaging and lipid-inflammation integrated regulation abilities. The iodinated contrast agents (ICA), phenylboronic acid modified astaxanthin and oxidized-dextran (oxDEX) jointly construct the nanoparticles loaded with the lipid-specific probe LFP. LAID indicates an active targeting to plaques along with the dual-responsive disassembly in oxidative stress and acidic microenvironment of atherosclerosis. The X-CT signals of ICA execute the location of early-stage plaques, while the LFP combines with lipid cores and realizes the recognition of vulnerable plaques. Meanwhile, the treatment based on astaxanthin is performed for restraining the progression of plaques. Transcriptome sequencing suggests that LAID can inhibit the lipid uptake and block NF-κB pathway, which synergistically demonstrates a lipid-inflammation integrated regulation to suppression the plaques growing. The investigations suggest that LAID delivers a favorable theranostics to the early-stage vulnerable plaques, which provides an impressive prospect for reducing the adverse prognosis of atherosclerosis.
PubMed: 38523705
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.03.019 -
Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery 2024Biorefinery approaches offer the potential to improve the economics of the microalgae industry by producing multiple products from a single source of biomass. shows... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Biorefinery approaches offer the potential to improve the economics of the microalgae industry by producing multiple products from a single source of biomass. shows great promise for biorefinery due to high biomass productivity and a diverse range of products including secondary carotenoids, predominantly astaxanthin; lipids such as TAGs; carbohydrates including starch; and proteins and essential amino acids. Whilst this species has been demonstrated to accumulate multiple products, the development of an integrated downstream process to obtain these is lacking. The objective of this review paper is to assess the research that has taken place and to identify the steps that must be taken to establish a biorefinery approach for . In particular, the reasons why is a promising species to target for biorefinery are discussed in terms of cellular structure, potential products, and means to accumulate desirable components via the alteration of culture conditions. Future advances and the challenges that lie ahead for successful biorefinery of this species are also reviewed along with potential solutions to address them.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13399-022-02955-7.
PubMed: 38510795
DOI: 10.1007/s13399-022-02955-7 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024Much attention has been given to the use of microalgae to produce functional foods that have valuable bioactive chemicals, including essential amino acids,... (Review)
Review
Much attention has been given to the use of microalgae to produce functional foods that have valuable bioactive chemicals, including essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, carotenoids, fiber, and minerals. Microalgal biomasses are increasingly being used to improve the nutritional values of foods because of their unique nutrient compositions that are beneficial to human health. Their protein content and amino acid composition are the most important components. The microalgal biomass used in the therapeutic supplement industry is dominated by bio-compounds like astaxanthin, β-carotene, polyunsaturated fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, and polysaccharides such as β-glucan. The popularity of microalgal supplements is growing because of the health benefits of their bioactive substances. Moreover, some microalgae, such as , (), , and , are commonly used microalgal species in functional food production. The incorporation of microalgal biomass leads not only to enhanced nutritional value but also to improved sensory quality of food products without altering their cooking or textural characteristics. Microalgae, because of their eco-friendly potential, have emerged as one of the most promising and novel sources of new functional foods. This study reviews some recent and relevant works, as well as the current challenges for future research, using different methods of chemical modification in foods with the addition of a few commercial algae to allow their use in nutritional and sensory areas. It can be concluded that the production of functional foods through the use of microalgae in foods has become an important issue.
PubMed: 38472838
DOI: 10.3390/foods13050725 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Recently, the use of the tumor or its secretions as drug carriers has gradually become popular, with the advantages of high biocompatibility and enhanced drug delivery...
BACKGROUND
Recently, the use of the tumor or its secretions as drug carriers has gradually become popular, with the advantages of high biocompatibility and enhanced drug delivery to specific cells. Melanoma is the most malignant tumor of all skin cancers; it is the most metastatic and, therefore, the most difficult to treat. The main purpose of this study is to develop nanovesicles with tumor cell membrane secretion properties to encapsulate target substances to enhance the therapeutic effect of cancer.
METHODS
Astaxanthin was selected as an anticancer drug due to our previous research finding that astaxanthin has extremely high antioxidant, anti-ultraviolet damage, and anti-tumor properties. The manufacturing method of the astaxanthin nanovesicle carrier is to mix melanoma cells and astaxanthin in an appropriate ratio and then remove the genetic material and inflammatory factors of cancer cells by extrusion.
RESULTS
In terms of results, after the co-culture of astaxanthin nanovesicles and melanoma cancer cells, it was confirmed that the ability of astaxanthin nanovesicles to inhibit the growth and metastasis of melanoma cancer cells was significantly better than the same amount of astaxanthin alone, and it had no effect on normal Human cells are also effective. There was no apparent harm on normal cells, indicating the ability of the vesicles to be selectively transported.
CONCLUSION
Our findings illustrated the potential of astaxanthin nanovesicles as an anticancer drug.
Topics: Humans; Melanoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Membrane; Nanoparticles; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 38469059
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S439476 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024The microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis are the main source of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin. However, the effective extraction of astaxanthin from these microalgae...
Extraction and separation of astaxanthin with the help of pre-treatment of Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae biomass using aqueous two-phase systems based on deep eutectic solvents.
The microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis are the main source of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin. However, the effective extraction of astaxanthin from these microalgae remains a significant challenge due to the rigid, non-hydrolyzable cell walls. Energy savings and high-efficiency cell disruption are essential steps in the recovery of the antioxidant astaxanthin from the cysts of H. pluvialis. In the present study, H. pluvialis microalgae were first cultured in Bold's Basal medium under certain conditions to reach the maximum biomass concentration, and then light shock was applied for astaxanthin accumulation. The cells were initially green and oval, with two flagella. As the induction time increases, the motile cells lose their flagellum and become red cysts with thick cell walls. Pre-treatment of aqueous two-phase systems based on deep eutectic solvents was used to decompose the cell wall. These systems included dipotassium hydrogen phosphate salt, water, and two types of deep eutectic solvents (choline chloride-urea and choline chloride-glucose). The results of pre-treatment of Haematococcus cells by the studied systems showed that intact, healthy cysts were significantly ruptured, disrupted, and facilitated the release of cytoplasmic components, thus facilitating the subsequent separation of astaxanthin by liquid-liquid extraction. The system containing the deep eutectic solvent of choline chloride-urea was the most effective system for cell wall degradation, which resulted in the highest ability to extract astaxanthin. More than 99% of astaxanthin was extracted from Haematococcus under mild conditions (35% deep eutectic solvent, 30% dipotassium hydrogen phosphate at 50 °C, pH = 7.5, followed by liquid-liquid extraction at 25 °C). The present study shows that the pre-treatment of two-phase systems based on deep eutectic solvent and, thus, liquid-liquid extraction is an efficient and environmentally friendly process to improve astaxanthin from the microalgae H. pluvialis.
Topics: Animals; Deep Eutectic Solvents; Microalgae; Antioxidants; Biomass; Water; Solvents; Charadriiformes; Chlorophyceae; Choline; Cysts; Urea; Phosphates; Potassium Compounds; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 38443435
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55630-4