Abstract
Phytonutrients and pigments present in cyanobacteria act as antioxidants, which facilitate the formation of body's defense mechanism against free radical damage to cells. The aim of this investigation was to study the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, phycobiliproteins (PBPs), and active compounds in four cyanobacterial species, that is, Oscillatoria sp., Lyngbya sp., Microcystis sp., and Spirulina sp. isolated from fresh water bodies of Sri Lanka. In this study, Lyngbya sp., showed highest TPC (5.02 ± 0.20 mg/g), TFC (664.07 ± 19.76 mg/g), and total PBPs (127.01 mg/g) value. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was recorded highest in Oscillatoria sp. (39.63 ± 7.02), whereas the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was also reported the highest in Oscillatoria sp. (465.31 ± 25.76) followed by Lyngbya sp. (248.39 ± 11.97). In FTIR spectroscopy, Lyngbya sp. does not show any N‐H stretching band which is ultimately responsible for the inhibition of antioxidant activity. The study revealed that Lyngbya sp. and Oscillatoria sp. can be an excellent source for food, pharmaceutical, and other industrial uses.
Highlights
Cyanobacteria have a significant attraction as natural source of bioactive molecules with a broad range of biological activities including antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (Tuney et al 2006; Patra et al 2009)
Cyanobacteria believed to be rich in antioxidants and phycobiliproteins (Mata et al 2010) (PBPs) which are the unique photosynthetic pigments of cyanobacteria
In FTIR spectroscopy, Lyngbya sp. does not show any N–H stretching band, which is responsible for the inhibition of antioxidant activity
Summary
Cyanobacteria have a significant attraction as natural source of bioactive molecules with a broad range of biological activities including antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (Tuney et al 2006; Patra et al 2009). Cyanobacteria believed to be rich in antioxidants and phycobiliproteins (Mata et al 2010) (PBPs) which are the unique photosynthetic pigments of cyanobacteria. These pigments have been widely used as natural colorants in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals as substitutes for synthetic dyes (Singh et al 2005). Free radicals released during oxidative stress pose the major endogenous damage in the biological system (Thajuddin and Subramanian 2010). This type of damage is often associated with various degenerative diseases and disorders such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune function decline, and aging. Their rapid production and usage for industrial and medical purposes are not easy and their attainment
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