ABSTRACT
Microalgae represent a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms known for their capacity to biosynthesize a wide spectrum of bioactive compounds with significant pharmaceutical potential. In the present study, twelve microalgal isolates were collected from various ecological niches across Meghalaya, India. The isolates were taxonomically identified through morphological characterization and 18S rDNA gene sequencing. Phytochemical profiling confirmed the presence of diverse bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, phenolics, and glycosides. Antioxidant potential was assessed using ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH radical scavenging assays, with Parachlorella kessleri exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity. Quantitative analysis further revealed that Parachlorella kessleri and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii possessed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, respectively, whereas Desmodesmus abundans exhibited the highest carotenoid content. The in vitro antimicrobial screening against three bacterial pathogens demonstrated that Chlorococcum chlorococcoides is very effective in suppressing the growth of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while Asterarcys quadricellulare showed the highest zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis revealed a diverse composition of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as myristic acid, myristoleic acid, erucic acid, 11,14-octadecadienoic acid, and heneicosapentaenoic acid. Overall, these findings underscore the biotechnological potential of microalgae from specific places of Meghalaya as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds for applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and related industries.
AUTHOR AFFILIATIONS
1 Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, North-Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya, Shillong -793022, India
2 Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, North-Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya, Shillong -793022, India
CITATION
Lamare DW, Pun B, Joshi SR and Chaurasia N (2025) In-Vitro Bioactivity and Preliminary Phytochemical Screening Unveil the Antimicrobial and Nutritional Potential of Microalgae. Environmental Science Archives 4(2): 456-473.
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