Antibacterial activity of Spirulina platensis on some pathogenic bacteria

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Spirulina platensis is a planktonic filamentous cyanobacterium composed of discrete cellular units. Three types of Spirulina have garnered significant attention as possible medicinal agents. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial properties of extract from S. platensis against various bacterial strains. Materials and Methods: The identification of S. platensis was accomplished by employing both microscopic techniques and genetic investigation of phycocyanin using cPCBA genes. PCR was employed to identify mcyE gene, which is responsible for the production of microcystin, a toxin of S. platensis. The antibacterial efficacy of the crude extract was applied against various pathogenic bacteria. The bioactivity compounds were identified by GC-MS spectrophotometry. Results: GC mass analysis established the presence of 11 active compounds (N-Methoxy-N-methyl-acetamide, n-Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid, Octanoic acid, 2-Ethylhexyl ester, Tridecanoic acid ethyl ester, Tetradecanoic acid, Phytol 2-Hexadecen-1-ol, Tetracosane, and 8-Hexadecen-1-ol) in the methanolic crude extract. At varied doses, the hot methanolic crude extract exhibited antibacterial activity against all bacterial species tested with inhibition zones ranging from 5 to 20 mm. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrates that the crude extract of Spirulina platensis to be a viable source for the synthesis of drugs that could be safely used as antimicrobials against pathogens.