Microalgae share key features with human erythrocytes and can safely circulate through the vascular system in mice

Ehrenfeld, Carolina; Veloso-Gimenez, Valentina; Corrales-Orovio, Rocio; Rebolledo, Rolando; Boric, Mauricio P.; Egana, Jose Tomas

Abstract

As animal cells cannot produce oxygen, erythrocytes are responsible for gas interchange, being able to capture and deliver oxygen upon tissue request. Interestingly, several other cells in nature produce oxygen by photosynthesis, raising the question of whether they could circulate within the vascular networks, acting as an alternative source for oxygen delivery. To address this long-term goal, here some physical and mechanical features of the photosynthetic microalga Chlamydomona reinhardtii were studied and compared with erythrocytes, revealing that both exhibit similar size and rheological properties. Moreover, key biocompatibility aspects of the microalgae were evaluated in vitro and in vivo, showing that C. reinhardtii can be co-cultured with endothelial cells, without affecting each other's morphology and viability. Moreover, short-term systemic perfusion of the microalgae showed a thoroughly intravascular distribution in mice. Finally, the systemic injection of high numbers of microalgae did not trigger deleterious responses in living mice. Altogether, this work provides key scientific insights to support the notion that photosynthetic oxygenation could be achieved by circulating microalgae, representing another important step towards human photosynthesis.

Más información

Título según WOS: ID WOS:000995223700004 Not found in local WOS DB
Título de la Revista: APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
Volumen: 107
Número: 14
Editorial: Springer
Fecha de publicación: 2023
Página de inicio: 4621
Página final: 4633
DOI:

10.1007/s00253-023-12588-z

Notas: ISI