Cited by 39Seaweed-derived Bioactive CompoundsMicrobial Natural Products and BiosynthesisMarine Sponges and Natural Products

Natural antimicrobial agents from algae: current advances and future directions

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Zuorro, Antonio, Lavecchia, Roberto, Contreras-Ropero, Jefferson E., Martínez, Janet B. García, Barajas-Ferreira, Crisóstomo, Barajas-Solano, Andrés F.·2024·International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Abstract

Infectious diseases have significantly shaped human history, leading to significant advancements in medical science. The discovery and development of antibiotics represented a critical breakthrough, but the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens now presents a serious global health threat. Due to the limitations of current synthetic antimicrobials, such as toxicity and environmental concerns, it is essential to explore alternative solutions. Algae, particularly microalgae and cyanobacteria, have emerged as promising sources of bioactive antimicrobial compounds. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the antimicrobial properties of algal-derived compounds, including polysaccharides, fatty acids, and phenols, which have shown effectiveness against multi-drug-resistant bacteria. A co-occurrence bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer highlighted five key research clusters: antibiotic resistance, algal extracts, biosynthesis, water treatment, and novel pharmacological compounds. Furthermore, the primary mechanisms of action of these bioactive compounds, such as the inhibition of protein synthesis and cell membrane disruption, were identified, demonstrating their potential against both common and multi-resistant pathogens. Future research should prioritize optimizing algal biomass production, utilizing genetic and metabolic engineering, and creating innovative delivery systems to enhance the efficient production of bioactive compounds.

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  • Zuorro et al. (2024) emphasize the need for preclinical trials evaluating the ADME of microalgae-derived bioactive compounds for antimicrobial applications.

    “Zuorro et al. (2024) emphasize in their study the need for preclinical trials evaluating the ADME of microalgae-derived bioactive compounds for antimicrobial applications.”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Zuorro et al., 2024

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Authors
Zuorro, A., Lavecchia, R., Contreras-Ropero, J. E., Martínez, J. B. G., Barajas-Ferreira, C., & Barajas-Solano, A. F.
Affiliations
  • Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
  • Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander (CO)
  • Department of Environmental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander, Av. Gran Colombia No. 12E-96, Cucuta 540003, Colombia
  • Universidad Industrial de Santander (CO)
Corresponding author
Zuorro, Antonio
Venue
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2024-11-04
Volume
25
Issue
21
Pages
11826
ISSN
1422-0067 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4404047846
Cited by
39
References
95
Citations by year
2026: 17 · 2025: 22
FWCI
1.64
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Repositorio Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • IRIS Research product catalog (Sapienza University of Rome) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Sapienza University for Academic Mid Projects 2021 (RM12117A8B58023A, FINU 011-2023, 2023-0686)
  • Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander (Colombia) (RM12117A8B58023A, FINU 011-2023, 2023-0686)
  • Ministry of Science and Technology of Colombia (RM12117A8B58023A, FINU 011-2023, 2023-0686)
  • Colombian Institute of Educational Credit and Technical Studies Abroad (MINCIENCIAS-ICETEX) (RM12117A8B58023A, FINU 011-2023, 2023-0686)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biotechnology › Marine Sponges and Natural Products
Keywords
antimicrobial agents, algae, microalgae, cyanobacteria, antibiotic resistance, multidrug-resistant bacteria, algal polysaccharides, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, mechanism of action, cell membrane damage, protein synthesis inhibition, algal biomass production, drug delivery systems, water treatment
MeSH terms
Cyanobacteria, Anti-Infective Agents, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Biological Products, Fatty Acids, Humans, Polysaccharides, Microalgae

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