Obtaining, characterizing and biological application of astaxanthin produced by microalgae

• Grant number: 24/23623-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Irene Satiko Kikuchi
• Grantee: Irene Satiko Kikuchi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: João Carlos Monteiro de Carvalho ; Marina Ishii

Abstract

Astaxanthin will be obtained by cultivating the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, with the carotenoid extracted by processes considered "green" due to the use of non-toxic solvents that do not harm the environment. From this compound, nanodispersions containing free liposomes and others, incorporated with drugs, will be developed, which will be characterized by physical-chemical techniques regarding size, charge, morphology, capacity to incorporate compounds, etc. These preparations will be evaluated by (a) microbiological tests, by interaction with bacteria and fungi for comparison with traditional formulations and also by (b) interactions with cell lines such as hepatocytes to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the metabolism of astaxanthin and its effects and relationship with some diseases such as diabetes, cancer and inflammatory processes. Cellular and Molecular Biology techniques will be used in this stage.The group already has extensive experience in the study of another carotenoid, bixin, and intends to apply similar processes to obtain liposomes, characterization and their applications. The importance of the project lies in the fact that it aims to elucidate the real application possibilities of Astaxanthin, which unfortunately have not always been studied, but rather publicized, which can have unfavorable consequences due to excessive use of the compound and cause problems for those who consume it. Another point is the use of astaxanthin produced internally by the group of collaborators and through biotechnological processes developed by them. The project aims to use national technology to obtain astaxanthin in a sustainable way and impact the elucidation of its effects and biological application. (AU)