Evaluation of algal active compounds as potent antibiofilm agent

Abstract

Biofilm is the syntrophic association of microbial colonies that remain adhered to the biotic and abiotic surfaces with the help of self-secreted polymeric substances also termed extracellular polymeric substances. Chronic pathogenicity caused by biofilm-associated pathogenic microorganisms becomes a significant threat in biomedical research. An extensive search is being made for the antibiofilm agents made from natural sources or their biogenic derivatives due to their effectivity and nontoxicity. Algae being the producer of various biogenic substances are found capable of disintegrating biofilm matrix and eradication of biofilm without exerting any deterrent effect on other biotas in the ecosystem. The current trend in phycological studies includes the exploration of antifouling efficacy among various algal groups. The extracts prepared from about 225 microalgae and cyanobacteria species are found to have antibiofilm activity. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are the most important component in the algal extract with antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. The antibiofilm activity of the sulfated polysaccharides extracted from a marine alga could be effectively used to remove dental biofilm. Algal extracts are also being used for the preparation of different biogenically synthesized nanoparticles, which are being used as potent antibiofilm agents. Genome editing of algal species by CRISPR/Cas9 may make precise modifications in the algal DNA for improving the algal strains and production of a more effective antibiofouling agent.

Immunomodulatory and Antitumoral Activity of Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized by Red Algae Aqueous Extracts

“…The main compounds studied are polysaccharides, phenols, pigments, and fatty acids. The biological activities that most of them have shown—particularly their antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and analgesic effects—make them a valuable resource [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Among these effects, the anti-inflammatory activity observed in different polysaccharide fractions extracted from red seaweed has been recently highlighted [ 27 , 28 ].…”

Unveiling the Potential of Algal Extracts as Promising Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Agents against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: In Vitro and In Silico Studies including Molecular Docking

“…The observed antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the algal extracts could be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds possessing antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. Algae are known to produce a diverse range of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenes, and polysaccharides, which have demonstrated antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities in previous research [ 21 , 37 , 42 ]. When different algal extracts were combined, synergistic effects could arise, where the collective action of multiple bioactive compounds enhanced the overall antibacterial efficacy and facilitated biofilm disruption.…”

“…Several studies have demonstrated that macroalgae and cyanobacteria produce biogenic compounds that possess antimicrobial activity, effectively targeting pathogenic bacteria. These compounds can disrupt the biofilm matrix and eliminate biofilms while preserving other organisms within the ecosystem without causing harm [ 21 ].…”

Obtaining Bioproducts from the Studies of Signals and Interactions between Microalgae and Bacteria

“…Extracts were prepared from 225 microalgae, containing polyunsaturated fatty acids with antibacterial and antibiofilm properties [ 91 ]. Vishwakarma and Vavilala (2019) evaluated the sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii against Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus sp., Neisseria mucosa and E. coli , validated the antibacterial activity in vitro, and showed that they can prevent biofilm formation and eradicate pre-formed biofilms [ 92 ].…”