Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Spirulina platensis microalgae extract and its impact on the blood lipid profile in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction: Given the growing significance of gold nanoparticles in contemporary medicine and the diverse applications of spirulina microalgae in pharmaceuticals and nutrition science, it is imperative to explore their influence in various domains of biomedicine. This research aims to investigate the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using the microalgae Spirulina platensis from the Persian Gulf. The study also examines the effects of these nanoparticles on the serum levels of lipid profile and leptin hormone in a Wistar rat model fed with a high-fat diet. Materials & Methods: Initially, an aqueous extract was prepared using Spirulina platensis marine microalgae powder. Subsequently, gold nanoparticles were biosynthesized utilizing this extract. UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to investigate the synthesis of nanoparticles. In the continuation of the experiment, male Wistar rats were obtained from the Pasteur Institute of Iran and divided into five groups. The control group was fed with standard pellet food, the model group was fed with a high-fat diet without any treatment, and four other experimental groups that were fed with a high-fat diet containing biosynthesized nanoparticles in two different doses (high and low). Additionally, there was a group that was fed only with spirulina microalgae. Results: According to the results, the optimal synthesis was recorded at a wavelength of 540 nm and a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. The nanoparticles were observed to have a spherical shape. The group treated with a high dose of gold nanoparticles and Spirulina platensis showed a significant decrease in cholesterol levels (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Administration of gold biosynthetic nanoessence and spirulina significantly reduced the levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL compared to the model group. It was observed that the serum leptin level in the model group differed significantly from the control group (P<0.001). The leptin levels of the treated groups were significantly lower than those of the model group. Our study revealed that the serum leptin level in the high-dose biosynthetic nanoparticles group differed significantly from that of the model group (P<0.001). Also, the group treated with Spirulina platensis showed a significant difference (P<0.01) compared to the model group. Discussion: Nanoparticles synthesized through spirulina microalgae demonstrated a positive impact on hyperlipidemia and serum levels of leptin hormone in the groups that were tested. The results indicate that the extract of Spirulina platensis is a suitable biological source for synthesizing gold nanoparticles, making it an ideal product for medical use.