Most of you might think that bacteria are microorganisms that can cause various types of diseases. However, the human body itself holds billions of bacteria that play an important role in their survival. In the medical world, these microorganisms are also often used in developing various types of drugs.

Actinobacteria are a type of microorganism that can be found in soil or water. In water, these microorganisms play a role in recycling biomaterials and producing several compounds that can be used in the pharmaceutical world. Several studies have found that actinobacteria from waters have the potential to create drugs that can cure several types of diseases such as cancer, malaria, infectious diseases, and diseases related to inflammation.

You can find one of the actinobacteria from the waters in seaweed. Seaweed is often used as an ingredient in dishes or simply eaten as a snack. Based on research conducted by the University of Porto, Laminaria ochroleuca, a type of seaweed that can be found easily, contains 7 types of actinobacteria which can help to fight cancer while also have anti-microbial properties. The seven actinobacteria were found to be able to inhibit the growth of breast and nerve cancer cells.

With the increasing problem of body resistance to currently available drugs, it seems increasingly important for experts to explore and find alternative methods to make drugs. In previous studies, it was found that derivatives of actinobacteria derived from waters can act as antibiotics that can fight infections that are resistant to drugs, as in the case of MRSA and tuberculosis.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photo from Image Google Search

Source(s):

• Girao, M., Ribeiro, I., Carvalho, M.F., et all (2019). Actinobacteria Isolated From Laminaria ochroleuca: A Source of New Bioactive Compounds. Frontiers in Microbiology, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2019.00683.
• Seaweed extract may help design new drugs (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324993.php, April 23, 2019.