Baleshwar: Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and tourism, the Baleshwar coast also boasts a rich marine ecosystem that may hold promise for future pharmaceutical and cosmetic innovations. Marine microalgae sourced from Talasari and other areas along Odisha’s coastline are currently under investigation for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and ultraviolet (UV) protection capabilities.
Researchers have cataloged 58 different species of microalgae gathered from various sites along the state’s roughly 480-km coastline, stretching from Talasari to Gopalpur in Ganjam district. This research is being led by the Department of Biotechnology at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University in Baripada. The scientists are particularly focused on the natural pigments and UV-absorbing substances present in these microorganisms, exploring their potential applications in natural sunscreens, skin protection products, and other cosmetic formulations.
In addition, researchers are analyzing the antioxidant compounds found in the microalgae to assess their ability to mitigate oxidative stress in biological systems. The study also aims to identify bioactive compounds that may contribute to cancer research and drug development. However, scientists emphasize that it is premature to label these algae as a cure or treatment for cancer, as ongoing efforts aim to pinpoint bioactive elements with possible medicinal benefits. Any therapeutic applications would necessitate additional laboratory investigations, preclinical studies, and clinical trials.
The microalgae collected from various coastal locations in Odisha are being cultured and preserved at the Algal Repository of the university’s Department of Biotechnology in Baripada. Supervised by Professor Biswajit Rath, the research involves PhD candidates Satyabrata Dash and Sabyasachi Parida. The outcomes of this research could pave the way for further exploration of marine resources in the fields of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnology. However, further scientific validation is essential to determine the feasibility of developing these compounds into commercial or therapeutic products.
