Algae, a diverse group of aquatic organisms, has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits and applications in various industries, such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. One of the promising aspects of algae research is the discovery of bioactive peptides derived from these organisms, which have shown antimicrobial properties against harmful bacteria and viruses.
Bioactive peptides are short chains of amino acids that can exert a positive influence on human health by modulating various physiological functions. They are typically inactive within the parent protein but are released upon proteolytic digestion or fermentation. Algae-derived bioactive peptides have been found to possess a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
The antimicrobial activity of algae-derived bioactive peptides has attracted significant attention due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and the need for alternative strategies to combat infections. These peptides can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses through various mechanisms, such as disrupting cell membranes, inhibiting enzyme activity, or interfering with essential cellular processes.
Several studies have reported on the antimicrobial properties of bioactive peptides derived from different types of algae, including microalgae (unicellular) and macroalgae (multicellular). For example, a study conducted on the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris revealed that its protein hydrolysates exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
Similarly, research on the red macroalga Palmaria palmata (commonly known as dulse) demonstrated that its protein hydrolysates could inhibit the growth of several foodborne pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica. Moreover, a study on the brown macroalga Saccharina latissima (commonly known as sugar kelp) showed that its protein hydrolysates displayed antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
In addition to their antimicrobial properties, algae-derived bioactive peptides have also demonstrated antiviral activity. For instance, a study on the green microalga Chlorella sorokiniana reported that its protein hydrolysates could inhibit the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro. Another study on the red macroalga Gracilaria lemaneiformis revealed that its sulfated polysaccharides exhibited antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and influenza A virus.
The health benefits of algae-derived bioactive peptides extend beyond their antimicrobial and antiviral properties, as they have also been shown to exhibit antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory activities. These diverse biological activities make them promising candidates for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals that can help prevent and manage various health conditions.
Despite the potential health benefits of algae-derived bioactive peptides, several challenges remain to be addressed before they can be widely used in various applications. These challenges include optimizing the extraction and purification processes, determining the specific mechanisms of action, and evaluating their safety and efficacy in clinical trials.
In conclusion, algae-derived bioactive peptides hold great promise as natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial agents for inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses. Their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory properties, further enhance their potential for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals to promote human health. Continued research on these promising compounds will help overcome current challenges and pave the way for their widespread use in various applications.