The Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum Is Well Suited as a Food with Positive Effects on the Intestinal Microbiota and the Generation of SCFA: Results from a Pre-Clinical Study

Abstract

Microalgae such as Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) are a sustainable source of nutrients, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), fucoxanthin (Fx), and chrysolaminarin (Chrl), the concentrations of which can vary depending on the culture conditions. We generated three types of diets containing either an EPA- and Fx-rich (EPA/Fx) or Chrl-rich microalgae (with 5, 15, or 25% added to the diet) or an isocaloric control diet (CD). These diets were evaluated over 14 days in young C57BL/6J mice for safety and bioavailability, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and microbiome analysis. Both microalgae diets increased body weight gain dose-dependently compared to the CD. Microalgae-derived EPA was well absorbed, resulting in increased liver and fat tissue levels and a decrease in the n-6:n-3 ratio in liver tissue. Both microalgae diets increased the production of selected SCFA and decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteriodota ratio, whereas the Chrl-rich diet led to an increase in Akkermansia. Doses of up to 4621 mg Chrl, 920 mg EPA, and 231 mg Fx per kg body weight daily were tolerated without adverse effects. This pre-clinical study shows that PT is suitable for mouse feed, with positive effects on microbiota composition and SCFA production, suggesting beneficial effects on gut health.

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

“…revealed their antioxidant activity and inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), suggesting diatom lipids as alternative ACE inhibitors or food supplement for cardiovascular disease prevention due to the role played by this enzyme in hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders [ 61 ]. Another recent paper by Stiefvatter and collaborators [ 62 ] describes a pilot trial on 19 healthy elderly individuals (12 females and 7 males) receiving supplementation with EPA-rich microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum for two weeks. Analyzing anti-inflammatory and antioxidative parameters, this study suggested potential useful activity of the diatom for pursuing healthy aging.…”

Superstructure optimization of a microalgal biorefinery design with life cycle assessment‐based and economic objectives

“…This way, the algal biomass is maximally exploited, which leads to optimal economic and environmental efficiency. P. tricornutum has several marketable high‐value products: the pigment fucoxanthin, polyunsaturated eicosapentaenoic fatty acid (EPA) and laminarin, a β ‐glucan polysaccharide with health‐supporting properties 13 …”

“…P. tricornutum has several marketable high-value products: the pigment fucoxanthin, polyunsaturated eicosapentaenoic fatty acid (EPA) and laminarin, a βglucan polysaccharide with healthsupporting properties. 13 For the cultivation of P. tricornutum in pasteurized sea water, we consider three alternative N-sources (NaNO 3 , NaNO 2, and urea). 14 Seawater is one important makeup flow into the system.…”

Microalgae as an Efficient Vehicle for the Production and Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Glycoproteins against SARS-CoV-2 Variants

“…It is important to note that microalgae have no common pathogens with humans and some have already been approved by the FDA as human food. Although the whole P. tricornutum is not approved as human food yet, its nutritional composition is highly similar to the microalga Odontella aurita that was recently approved by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) [107]. These microorganisms could be grown in closed/controlled bioreactors, which precisely meet the requirements of good manufacturing practice (GMP) for the recombinant proteins produced [21].…”