From freshwater to petri dish: discovery of antibacterial freshwater microalgae strains

This study documents the isolation, screening, and identification of novel freshwater microalgae strains demonstrating potent antibacterial properties against key pathogenic bacteria. Transitioning from natural aquatic habitats to controlled laboratory cultures (petri dishes), various microalgae species were cultivated and their crude extracts evaluated for bioprospecting potential. The findings reveal that specific freshwater microalgae strains produce secondary metabolites capable of inhibiting bacterial growth, positioning them as viable, sustainable alternatives to conventional antibiotics. This research highlights the ecological diversity of freshwater microalgae and underscores their significance as a rich, untapped resource for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.