Algae Mazzaella laminarioides. (Photo: Seaweed Industry Asociation)
Biomedical benefits of algae investigated
(CHILE, 6/12/2013)
Researchers at the University of Santiago de Chile (Usach) are studying three species of algae in the Region of Magallanes so as to use them in the development of antibacterial patches and in gastric juice resistant drug encapsulation.
The study, entitled Soluble Algal Polysaccharides from the Magallanes Region, is a project funded by the Department of Scientific and Technological Research (Dicyt) of the Vice-Rectory for Research, Development and Innovation, and is directed by Betty Matsuhiro, a researcher at the Department of Environmental Sciences of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology of Usach.
The three species on which the study is focused are the algae Mazzaella laminarioides, Sarcothalia crispata and Ahnfeltia alicata.
This research has been preceded by several studies developed over 30 years in the Usach so as to make the structural determination, the chemical modification and the studies of the biological properties of algal polysaccharides on the Chilean coast.
Matsuhiro explains that algal polysaccharides are used primarily in the food industry. Among other applications, she stated that the suspension of the cocoa in milk is made possible.
"With this new project, the idea is to innovate in the use of this natural resource and develop products with higher added value, which can be used in biomedicine, for example," points out the researcher.
An interesting application of the polysaccharides is their use to encapsulate drugs and prevent them from disintegrating with the acidity of gastric juices.
Since they are biodegradable and biocompatible, polysaccharides are helpful to be applied in antibacterial drugs.
During the first stage of the study, researchers at the University of Magallanes and at the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity will be in charge of collecting algae. Later, the polysaccharide extraction, their chemical modification and conjugation with synthetic polymers will be developed.
At a later stage the encapsulation of drugs will be analysed, the Usach stated.
Starting this month, the team is joined by Rodrigo Torres, who will study the synthesis and characterization of silver and copper nanoparticles with the polysaccharides obtained from algae, which according to Matsuhiro, would present antibacterial activity.
By Analia Murias
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