Exploring microalgal lipids as anti-virulence agents targeting MDR Vibrio cholerae infection: A Step Toward Developing Herbal Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) Formulations

Authors

  • Soumya Haldar CSIR Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Researcj Institute
  • Sweta Jaiswal CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India
  • Nikita CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7299-3576
  • Nasir Abdul CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India
  • Ramalingam Dineshkumar CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India
  • Neeraj Khatri CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, 39A, Sector 39A, Chandigarh, 160036 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3986-7846
  • Sachin Raut CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, 39A, Sector 39A, Chandigarh, 160036
  • Saumya Ray Chaudhuri CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, 39A, Sector 39A, Chandigarh, 160036 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9051-5467
  • Shruti Chatterjee Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6952-5636

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24377/jnpd.article3244

Keywords:

Cholera toxin; Microalgae; Lipid extracts; in-vivo study; anti-virulence

Abstract

Introduction:Cholera, a life-threatening diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, remains a major global health issue, especially in tropical regions. Increasing antibiotic resistance in V. cholerae strains poses a significant threat to effective treatment. Novel antivirulence strategies that do not promote resistance are urgently needed.

Objectives: This study investigates the potential of lipid extracts and crude biomass derived from Chlorella variabilis (CV) and Chlorococcum sp. (CCM) microalgae to inhibit cholera toxin (CT) production by a multidrug-resistant V. cholerae strain (SRK-19), without affecting bacterial viability.

Materials and Methods: Lipid extracts and crude freeze-dried biomass from CV and CCM were tested against V. cholerae SRK-19 in vitro for their effects on CT production (measured via ELISA) and bacterial viability. For in vivo validation, a rabbit ileal loop assay was performed, and fluid accumulation (FA ratio), colony-forming units (CFU), and CT levels were measured.

Results: Both lipid extracts and crude biomass significantly reduced CT production in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, with up to 97.9% inhibition observed using CCM lipid extract at 150 μg/ml. Crude extracts achieved comparable inhibition, with CV and CCM biomass reducing CT levels by 93% and 97%, respectively, at 1 mg/ml. In vivo studies confirmed reduced FA ratios and CT levels in treated ileal loops, without affecting bacterial growth (CFU counts remained unchanged), indicating that bacterial viability was not compromised.

Conclusion: Crude and lipid extracts from CV and CCM demonstrate potent antivirulence activity against V. cholerae by inhibiting CT production without promoting antimicrobial resistance. These findings support the development of a microalgae-based oral rehydration formulation as a promising alternative to conventional antibiotic therapy for cholera.

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Published

2025-10-22

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): JNPD Articles

Section

Original Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Soumya Haldar, Sweta Jaiswal, Nikita , Nasir Abdul, Ramalingam Dineshkumar, Neeraj Khatri, Sachin Raut, Saumya Ray Chaudhuri, Shruti Chatterjee

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