Identification of Metabolites with Antibacterial Activities by Analyzing the FTIR Spectra of Microalgae

Abstract

Biologically active substances from microalgae can exhibit antioxidant, immunostimulating, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, antihypertensive, regenerative, and neuroprotective effects. Lipid complexes of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Arthrospira platensis exhibit antibacterial activity and inhibit the growth of the Gram-positive strain Bacillus subtilis; the maximum zone of inhibition is 0.7 ± 0.03 cm at all concentrations. The carbohydrate-containing complex of C. vulgaris exhibits antibacterial activity, inhibits the growth of the Gram-positive strain B. subtilis, Bacillus pumilus; the maximum zone of inhibition is 3.5 ± 0.17 cm at all concentrations considered. The carbohydrate complex of A. platensis has antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative strain of Escherichia coli at all concentrations, and the zone of inhibition is 2.0–3.0 cm. The presence of mythelenic, carbonyl groups, ester bonds between fatty acids and glycerol in lipid molecules, the stretching vibration of the phosphate group PO2, neutral lipids, glyco- and phospholipids, and unsaturated fatty acids, such as γ-linolenic, was revealed using FTIR spectra. Spectral peaks characteristic of saccharides were found, and there were cellulose and starch absorption bands, pyranose rings, and phenolic compounds. Both algae in this study had phenolic and alcohol components, which had high antibacterial activity. Microalgae can be used as biologically active food additives and/or as an alternative to antibiotic feed in animal husbandry due to their antibacterial properties.