Antiviral Potential of Algal Metabolites-A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Historically, algae have stimulated significant economic interest particularly as a source of fertilizers, feeds, foods and pharmaceutical precursors. However, there is increasing interest in exploiting algal diversity for their antiviral potential. Here, we present an overview of 50-years of scientific and technological developments in the field of algae antivirals. After bibliometric analysis of 999 scientific references, a survey of 16 clinical trials and analysis of 84 patents, it was possible to identify the dominant algae, molecules and viruses that have been shaping and driving this promising field of research. A description of the most promising discoveries is presented according to molecule class. We observed a diverse range of algae and respective molecules displaying significant antiviral effects against an equally diverse range of viruses. Some natural algae molecules, like carrageenan, cyanovirin or griffithsin, are now considered prime reference molecules for their outstanding antiviral capacity. Crucially, while many algae antiviral applications have already reached successful commercialization, the large spectrum of algae antiviral capacities already identified suggests a strong potential for future expansion of this field.

Keywords: HIV; algae; coronaviruses; cyanobacteria; immunomodulatory effects; lectins; sulfated polysaccharides.

Figure 1

Progression of the number of publications and patents overtime. Histogram presents number of publications per year; the number of patents is presented in a cumulative line. Russia is included in Europe; “Americas” include all countries in the American continent except the USA; “Asia” includes all Asian and Oceania countries, except China.

Figure 2

Ontological topography of the most meaningful categories in algae antiviral research. Bar length is proportional to the total number of publications per category.

Figure 3

Research interactions among algae, molecules and viruses. Algae/viruses shown in green. Molecule/viruses shown in blue. Width of each link is proportional to the number of references on those two respective items. Background color intensity of each item is proportional to the number of research references it has. Only items with 2 or more references are presented.

Figure 4

Number of publications that refer to agriculture or aquaculture research, discriminated per viral Baltimore group.

Figure 5

Number of patents per country. Predominance of China and USA. Japan, with 20 patents, is also an important player in the field.