Development of a microalgal peloid for thermotherapeutic uses

Peloids are therapeutic agents used in thermal medical / spa centers for the treatment of several ailments, mainly rheumatological diseases, sport injuries and dermato logical disorders. Peloids are composed by a mixture of a solid phase (clay, silt, peat, etc.), a liquid phase (mineral-medicinal water or seawater/salt-lake water), and a biological phase which include cyanobacteria and/or microalgae. This work describes the process of formulating a peloid from mineral-medicinal water (Balneario El Raposo), a solid clayey substrate, a microalga (Monoraphidium pusillum), and rosmarinic acid for use in muscular-skeletal disorders. In order to evaluate its thermotherapeutic potential, thermophysical properties have been studied. The development of a "phyto-peloid" could be of interest in order to improve the anti-inflammatory properties of thermal muds.