Atomic absorption determination of copper in the microalgae Dunaliella Viridis and its further use as a therapeutic agent

The copper content in the biomass of the alga Dunaliella viridis and in the liver of male rats was determined using the atomic absorption method. Ultrasonic treatment of samples was used to achieve complete copper extraction and sample homogeneity. The effect of copper on biological samples was studied. The obtained results indicate that the addition of copper ions to the microalgae biomass is accompanied by the formation of various structural-functional complexes, which may exhibit different antibacterial activities, and the presence of antibacterial effects is not solely due to the action of copper ions. This was confirmed by data on the antibacterial activity of microalgae cell homogenates. It was shown that copper ions are capable of inhibiting the growth of S. aureus 124 and P. aeruginosa 18. The effectiveness of growth inhibition depends on the concentration, and this dependence has a saturation character. P. aeruginosa 18 showed lower sensitivity compared to S. aureus 124 at relatively low concentrations, while at high concentrations (7–20 g/L), the effectiveness of growth inhibition by copper ions was the same for both strains. The algal biomass can be used to produce dietary supplements that compensate for copper and β-carotene deficiency in the body.