journal article·2026-02

Mechanical Threshold‐Guided Harvesting of Microalgal Therapeutics via Designer Nanovesicles

Hwira Baek, Sangwoo Ruw, Kyungwon Seo, Marta Gonçalves, Seoyeon Ko, Yue Tong Ong, Zhun Li, Junoh Kim, Hyosung An, EonSeon Jin, Jin Woong Kim

Small· Volume 22· Issue 8
Publisher page

Abstract

Abstract Microalgae encapsulate extensive concentrations of bioactive metabolites within structurally recalcitrant cell walls that impede conventional extraction methodologies. Here we demonstrate a biomimetic strategy that exploits cellular elasticity to generate microalgae‐derived nanovesicles (MNVs) with preserved therapeutic functionality. Using representative microalgae species with distinct wall architectures, we establish through atomic force microscopy and micropipette aspiration that vesicle production efficiency inversely correlates with cellular elasticity. Critical mechanical thresholds of ∼100 kPa (localized membrane properties) and ∼390 kPa (global) govern successful vesiculation. The resulting MNVs retain species‐specific carotenoid profiles and exhibit enhanced antioxidant capacity compared to parent cells. Zeaxanthin‐enriched MNVs demonstrate superior cytoprotection in oxidative‐stressed keratinocytes, effectively modulating MAPK signaling and reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species. In reconstructed human epidermis models, MNVs preserve tissue architecture and redox homeostasis under UV‐induced oxidative damage. This mechanically guided approach provides a scalable platform for harnessing microalgal therapeutics in biocompatible delivery systems.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Algal biology and biofuel production · Lipid Membrane Structure and Behavior · Pickering emulsions and particle stabilization

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Chemical Engineering Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Republic of Korea

Department of Life Science Research Institute for Natural Sciences Hanyang University Seoul 133–791 Republic of Korea

Department of Petrochemical Materials Engineering Chonnam National University Yeosu 59631 Republic of Korea

Biological Resource Center/Korean Collection for Type Cultures (KCTC) Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Jeongeup 56212 Republic of Korea

Technology Innovation Center Shinsegae International Inc Seoul 06015 Republic of Korea

Funding

Korea Health Industry Development Institute · National Research Foundation of Korea

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