Antibacterial Compounds from Ethanolic Extract of Scenedesmus obliquus as Alternatives to Antibiotics

Abstract

The surge in antimicrobial resistant infections and the concurrent increase in multidrug resistant bacteria have prompted researchers to investigate antibacterial properties of natural compounds. Natural products have been widely used as sources of therapeutic agents during the last decade, with antimicrobials being one of the most promising biomolecules. Different algal extracts have been shown to exhibit antibacterial activity against Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria in vitro. In this issue, Morsi et al. investigate antibacterial activity of the concentrates of the algal extracts by agar disc diffusion method. Ethanol extract of Scenedesmus obliquus showed activity towards some bacteria. Numerous bioactive constituents which can be used as alternative to antibiotics were obtained from ethanolic extract of S. obliquus. Recent technological advancements have paved the way for scientists to develop synthetic drugs by modifying natural products to combat antibiotic resistance.