How do you extract phycocyanin from spirulina?
The process conditions include: 1) freeze the spirulina 3 hours to extract the crude protein; 2) add 80 g/L (w/v) activated carbon to the crude extract; 3) use a vacuum filter with a 0.22 μm pore size membrane to collect the extract; and 4) freeze dry the extract to get the C-PC powder.
Does spirulina have phycocyanin?
Spirulina contains a pigment called phycocyanin. It is a protein-pigment complex from the phycobiliprotein (PBP) family characterized by its intense blue color. PBPs build a peripheral accessory light-harvesting complex called phycobilisome (PBS), which is assembled on the surface of the thylacoid membrane.
What is spirulina platensis used for?
platensis can be used as a treatment for the nervous system and metabolism, including weight loss, diabetes, and high cholesterol. And today, well-known scientific sources say that Spirulina is a “superfood” and a “miracle from the sea.”
What is phycocyanin in spirulina?
Phycocyanin is a pigment-protein complex synthesized by blue-green microalgae such as Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis. This pigment is used mainly as natural colouring in food industry. The phycocyanin extraction was performed using water at the different biomass-to-solvent ratio and shaking rates.
How do you extract spirulina?
Procedure Transfer 100 mg of spirulina extract into a 25 ml volumetric flask and dilute to volume with sodium phosphate buffer (100 mM, pH 6.0). Sonicate the mixture for 30 minutes maintaining the temperature at 8°. Incubate at 30° for 8 h, shaking manually every hour.
Does red algae have phycocyanin?
2 Phycocyanin and phycoerythrin. The blue pigment, phycocyanin is found in blue-green algae and cyanobacteria. The red pigment, phycoerythrin is found in the red algae commonly referred to as the rhodophytes.
Is spirulina good for sperm?
In this study, 11% higher volume of semen was collected from males receiving a supplement of Spirulina extract compared to the group not receiving the supplement. As with boars, the quality of the bull sperm has been improved due to Spirulina.
Who should not take spirulina?
While some studies suggest that spirulina does not affect blood clotting time, little is known about its effects on people who are already taking blood thinners ( 18 , 19 ). Thus, you should avoid spirulina if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners.
When should you not take spirulina?
Is spirulina safe to take everyday?
Although most research has investigated spirulina’s effects on animals, studies in older adults have shown that it may improve inflammatory markers, anemia, and immune function ( 40 ). Up to 8 grams of spirulina per day is safe, and many people add it to their shakes or smoothies because it comes in powder form.
Is spirulina good for your skin?
Spirulina may provide anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to the many antioxidants it contains. “Spirulina fights free radicals and, therefore, can prevent skin damage that can lead to wrinkles and signs of aging,” says Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, dietitian and founder of Real Nutrition.
What kind of phycocyanin is in spirulina?
Phycocyanin is one of the major phycobiliproteins that spirulina contains, so as you could imagine it makes up a good bit of spirulina’s overall content. Spirulina generally has a phycocyanin content of around 10-16% of its dry weight.
Which is the best natural source of phycocyanin?
The best natural source of phycocyanin is spirulina. And spirulina is growing in popularity, now being available in powder, tablet, or capsule form. It is available in many natural health stores around the world, but is easier bought online. Where to buy spirulina?
What kind of algae does spirulina come from?
Spirulina is a popular dietary supplement derived from biomass of marine cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). The two spirulina species used for the preparation of vegan protein and pigment supplements are Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. The extract released from these microalgaes is rich in antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins.
Why is ultrasonic extraction of spirulina so important?
Ultrasonic Extraction of Spirulina Pigments. Ultrasonic extraction has been proven to be highly efficient for the isolation of superior quality extracts of microalgae. Spirulina pigments such as phycocyanin are known as superfood, which contribute to health benefits due to their high content of antioxidants, vitamins and proteins.