SYNTHESIS AND APPLICATION OF BIOACTIVE MOLECULES OF ALGAE AS DRUG CANDIDATE AGAINST RESISTANT MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) remains one of the deadliest, infectious diseases worldwide. The detrimental effects caused by the existing anti-TB drugs to TB patients and the emergence of resistance strains of M. tuberculosis has driven efforts from natural products researchers in discovering novel anti-TB drugs that are more efficacious and with less side effects. This work also reviews and aims at a better understanding of the recent uses of algae in drug development, with the scope of replacing synthetic compounds and the multiple biotechnological applications that make up seaweed’s potential in industrial companies. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of action of seaweed’s compounds and to embrace the use of algae in pharmaceutical companies and other applications, with the final scope being to produce sustainable and healthier products. This study employs a multi-step approach to isolate, characterize and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of bioactive molecules from marine algae against multidrug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Initially, bioactive compounds were extracted from selected algal species using solvent extraction (ethanol) and were analyzed via Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry and the antimicrobial activity of the isolated compounds were assessed in-silico against sulphate ester dioxygenase (4CVY), an enzyme of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) properties of the bioactJive compounds that were docked against the enzyme 4CVY was predicted to determine the pharmacokinetics of the compounds as a potential drug candidate. About eight (8) bioactive molecules were able to be screened successfully and they showed a strong binding affinity which are of nearest proximity when compared with the binding affinity of the standard drug (Isoniazid) when docked against 4CVY. Marine algae have proven to be an indispensable source of bioactive molecules which possess a good number of properties that are useful for the discovery of new drugs.