Bioactive Compounds in Nature

Scientists are increasingly turning to the natural environment to discover bioactive compounds with potential applications for human benefit. By studying ecosystems and organisms, researchers are finding compounds with diverse uses in medicine, food, and cosmetics. Algae, in particular, have become a focus for such exploration.

Since 2000, scientists have written several hundred research articles about Porphyridium and its potential applications for human use. This red microalga has been studied extensively for its production of valuable bioactive compounds such as sulfated polysaccharides, phycoerythrin, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). These compounds are of interest for applications in skincare, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. Various studies focus on optimizing the growth conditions for Porphyridium to maximize the production of these beneficial substances, especially under stress conditions like nitrogen limitation or light intensity adjustment.

In particular, the polysaccharides produced by Porphyridium are noted for their potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, which have spurred interest in their use for cosmetic formulations and nutraceuticals. Research into optimizing environmental factors, such as salinity and nutrient availability, has been crucial in scaling up the production of these bioactive molecules for commercial use

 

 

What is an Exocellular Polysaccharide?

Algae, like Porphyridium cruentum, release special sugars called exocellular polysaccharides (EPS) into their surroundings. These sugars form a protective layer around the algae cells, acting like a shield. For Porphyridium cruentum, these sugars are called sulfated polysaccharides (PcSPs), and they have some important jobs. They help the algae hold onto water, protect it from sunlight and drying out, and even stop bacteria and viruses from attacking. Many types of algae produce these protective sugars to survive in tough environments, and in skincare, these same sugars help keep skin hydrated and safe from damage​.

Porphyridium's PcSPs are an environmental adaption

Porphyridium cruentum has evolved several environmental adaptations to thrive in the challenging conditions of marine and brackish environments. One of its key adaptations is the production of sulfated polysaccharides (PcSPs), which serve a protective and survival function. In coastal waters, algae like Porphyridium are exposed to fluctuations in salinity, light, temperature, and nutrient availability. These stressors can pose a threat to the algae's cellular integrity, especially in environments where water levels change dramatically due to tides, leaving the algae exposed to air and sunlight for extended periods.

The PcSPs produced by Porphyridium create a gel-like matrix around the cells, helping the algae retain moisture when water availability is low, thus preventing desiccation. This water-retention ability is particularly vital in intertidal zones, where drying out is a constant risk. Additionally, PcSPs help shield the algae from harmful UV radiation, which is more intense in shallow waters. The polysaccharides also act as a barrier against pollutants and pathogens, reducing the likelihood of bacterial or viral attacks by creating a protective coating.

Furthermore, these polysaccharides aid in ion regulation, helping Porphyridium maintain cellular homeostasis in environments with fluctuating salinity levels. By regulating the movement of ions in and out of the cell, PcSPs help the algae manage osmotic pressure, ensuring its survival in varying salt concentrations. This adaptation is why Porphyridium cruentum thrives in harsh, fluctuating marine environments, as the PcSPs play an essential role in protecting the algae from physical, chemical, and biological stressors