The Pharmacological Potential of Cyanobacteria

The Pharmacological Potential of Cyanobacteria explores the bioactive compounds isolated from cyanobacteria and their relationship to human health and biotechnological applications. The book presents an overview of the chemistry and ecology of cyanobacteria, focusing on culture needs and techniques of biomass production. It is organized according to the different biological activities and biotechnological applications of compounds discovered in recent years. Besides biological activity, the mechanism of action of compounds is explained, along with molecular structure. Finally, compounds already used in therapeutics and biotechnology, as well as those in phases of approval or clinical trials are explored.Each chapter is written by a different research group with expertise in the field and publications in peer reviewed journals. Researchers and students in pharmaceutical academic research, pharmaceutical industrial sector personnel, health professionals, and nutritionists will find this book to be very useful.- Covers all the bioactive compounds of cyanobacteria discovered thus far- Includes chapters by experts in the field, covering the chemistry and mechanisms of action of cyanobacteria-bioactive compounds- Provides a general overview of organisms, from biomass production to compound isolation and evaluation of bioactivities in different cell and cell-free systems

About the Author

Graciliana Lopes is a pharmacist, with specialization in Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy, and with a strong background in biological assays in cell and cell-free systems, and mechanisms of action of drugs. Her research has been most devoted to the fields of inflammation, microbiology, oxidative stress and chromatography.

Marisa Silva is a Biologist has a strong background in marine toxins and in chromatographic techniques, with emphasis on LC-MS/MS. Her research contributed to the update of EFSA’s recommendations regarding emergent marine toxins monitoring and public health risk hazard.

Prof. Vitor Vasconcelos is Full Professor at University of Porto and Director of CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research. He is internationally recognized for his work on cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, and aquatic ecosystem health. With more than 30 years of research experience, he has coordinated multiple national and EU-funded projects on harmful algal blooms, monitoring systems, and innovative mitigation technologies. Prof. Vasconcelos has published extensively in high-impact journals, authored several book chapters, and has a strong record of international collaboration. He also serves on advisory boards and expert panels related to water quality and public health. His expertise brings a global perspective to the scientific, technical, and policy dimensions of cyanobacteria management, complementing the book’s interdisciplinary scope