Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Assessment of Marine Cyanobacteria
Author Information
Author(s): R. F. Martins, M. F. Ramos, L. Herfindal, J. A. Sousa, K. Skærven, V. M. Vasconcelos
Primary Institution: Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto
Hypothesis
Do marine cyanobacteria strains exhibit antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities?
Conclusion
Marine cyanobacteria extracts can induce apoptosis in eukaryotic cells and inhibit Gram-positive bacteria.
Supporting Evidence
- Nine cyanobacteria strains showed antibiotic activity against two Gram-positive bacteria.
- High percentages of apoptotic HL-60 cells were observed when treated with cyanobacterial organic extracts.
- Slight apoptotic effects were noted in primary rat hepatocytes with aqueous extracts.
Takeaway
Some sea plants called cyanobacteria can kill bad bacteria and make some cells in our body die, which might help in making new medicines.
Methodology
Cyanobacteria strains were tested for antimicrobial activity using agar diffusion assays and for cytotoxic activity against rat hepatocytes and HL-60 cells.
Limitations
The study did not find any inhibitory effects against Gram-negative bacteria or antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
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