Dental caries remains one of the most widespread global health concerns, significantly affecting both oral and overall health. Conventional treatments typically rely on chemical-based products which, although effective, are often associated with undesirable side effects such as tooth staining, altered taste, and the development of antimicrobial resistance. As a response, plant-based natural alternatives have gained attention as promising strategies for the prevention and management of dental caries. This review highlights the antibacterial properties of medicinal plants and their potential applications in dentistry, with a particular focus on their activity against a broad range of bacteria and microorganisms involved in oral diseases. Numerous plant extracts and bioactive compounds—including polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential oils—have demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that contribute to maintaining oral health. Although in vitro and in vivo studies support their therapeutic potential, clinical trials assessing long-term efficacy and safety remain scarce. Future research should prioritize the standardization of extraction methods, dosage, and formulations to facilitate the integration of these natural alternatives into conventional dental care practices.

Phycobiliproteins (PBPs), captivating water-soluble proteins found in cyanobacteria, red algae, and cryptophytes, continue to fascinate researchers and industries due to their unique properties and multifaceted applications. These proteins consist of chromophores called phycobilins (PBs), covalently linked to specific protein subunits. Major phycobiliproteins include phycocyanin (PC), allophycocyanin (APC), and phycoerythrin (PE), each distinguished by distinct absorption and emission spectra. Beyond their colorful properties, PBs exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antidiabetic effects, making them valuable for pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and medical purposes. The extraction and purification methods for PBs have been optimized to enhance their bioavailability and stability, opening new avenues for industrial production. For this review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, prioritizing peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025, with an emphasis on recent advances from the last five years, using keywords such as “phycobiliproteins”, “phycobilins”, “bioactivities”, “therapeutic applications”, and “industrial use”. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the biological, technological, and pharmacological applications of PBPs and PBs. This review explores the diverse applications of PBs in therapeutic, diagnostic, and environmental fields, highlighting their potential as natural alternatives in the treatment of various diseases. The future perspectives for PBs focus on their incorporation into innovative drug delivery systems, biocompatible materials, and functional foods, presenting exciting opportunities for advancing human health and well-being.

Desert ecosystems harbor microbial communities adapted to extreme environmental conditions, including water scarcity, elevated temperatures, and intense UV radiation. Among these microorganisms, microalgae represent promising resources for agricultural applications. In this study, microalgae isolated from desert soils in Mexico were characterized by molecular (rbcL) and phylogenetic analysis, and morphological observations. They were identified as Chlorella sp. (RAD3), Nannochloris-related isolate (RAD4), and Chlorella cf. variabilis (RAD5). The effects of microalgal biomass on maize (Zea mays L.) germination and early seedling development were evaluated using a seed-priming approach. Microalgal treatments significantly improved (p < 0.05) germination-related traits, seedling vigor, shoot height, root length, and fresh and dry biomass, as compared with the control. Chlorella cf. variabilis (RAD5) was associated with reduced germination time, whereas Nannochloris-related isolate (RAD4) consistently produced the strongest responses in vigor and growth parameters. Although some variables reached their highest numerical values at 10⁸ cells/mL, similar responses were usually observed at 10⁷ cells/mL. Overall, the evaluated desert-derived microalgal preparations were associated with improved early maize seedling performance, under the evaluated conditions.