Spirulina biomass containing silver nanoparticles – raw and safe material for the development of multipurpose remedies

Abstract

Cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) is well known as one of the most industrially used sources of various biomolecules with distinct biological properties. A number of nanoparticles, especially silver nanoparticles, have been shown to have a positive effect on cell growth and metabolism during Spirulina cultivation. It has been established that the type, size, coating, and concentration of nanoparticles determine the nature of their effect on metabolic processes in this culture. At the same time, when using nanoparticles as biosynthesis stimulators, there is a possibility that they can affect the biological value of Spirulina biomass as a raw material and, ultimately, the quality of end products. The conditions and parameters of Spirulina cultivation process in the presence of silver nanoparticles in a polyethylene glycol coating have been determined, which ensure the production of safe and harmless additives from Spirulina biomass without diminishing its biological value.