The AVantiLT project will systematically analyze for the first time which constituent of AP is responsible for previously seen effects and whether this AP compound can inhibit the growth of liver tumor cells while cells from healthy liver tissue are not affected. In doing so, we aim to find fundamental insights into the mechanism of action.

Project goals

• In-house production of Arthrospira extracts with defined ingredients
• Detection or exclusion of the cytostatic effect of phycocyanin as an active ingredient in Arthrospira extracts
• Detection of the cytostatic effect of Arthrospira extracts on liver cancer cell lines and primary liver tumor cells
• Identification of the mechanism of action of Arthrospira extracts on tumor cells
• Investigation of additive or synergistic effects of Arthrospira extracts and already approved drugs for the treatment of liver cancer
• Identification of the active fraction or active ingredient from Arthorspira extracts

Utilization

The exploitation of the project results is to be carried out by the new biotech start-up Carbon Biotech AG, Senftenberg, in cooperation with industrial partners. Already in the project phase, several highly qualified jobs will be created in Lusatia and, in perspective, an entire value chain for the production of high-purity Spirulina raw materials will be established locally.

In the future, the spirulina raw material produced in Lausitz could be used for the production of new medicines, but also for herbal medicines, so-called phytopharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements up to vegan foods.