Year: 2023
Type: review
Abstract: 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.
Source: Marine Drugs
DOI: 10.3390/md21060352
Institutions: University of Cagliari, Magna Graecia University
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,780
Award: G2511449439
OpenAlex ID: W4380051691