Scientists all over the world are looking for alternative solutions to this problem. In their search, many are turning to natural sources – including seaweeds.
In a recent study, researchers from Waterford Institute of Technology experimented with two strains of seaweed found along the Irish coast: Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus. In terms of bacteria, they focused on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Although this bacteria exists parasitically on the skin of most healthy people, at some point in its life cycle it can cause an infection if the immune system is compromised. It is also resistant to multiple common drugs, which makes it more threatening and harder to treat.
The goal of this recent study was to explore natural substances within the seaweed that could kill or slow down the growth of MRSA. To do so, they made liquid extracts from the seaweeds using different solvents (including water) and tested them against 28 different MRSA samples taken from real hospital infections. They also tested whether the extracts could stop or break down biofilms — slimy layers of bacteria that stick to surfaces and are especially hard to treat.
The findings of their experiment are looking promising, as both types of seaweed had some ability to fight MRSA. The water extract from Fucus vesiculosus was the most effective: it not only killed or slowed the bacteria but also prevented and broke apart biofilms. This is especially important because biofilms help bacteria survive antibiotics.
Although more studies are necessary to confirm this potential and the application of seaweed in medicines, researchers say that this could be a game changer in the long run – especially when it comes to wound treatment.
Reference
Higgins Hoare, A., Tan, S.P., McLoughlin, P. et al. The Screening and Evaluation of Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus Extracts against Current Strains of MRSA Isolated from a Clinical Hospital Setting. Sci Rep 9, 17911 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-54326-4
