Physical extraction and extrusion entrapment of C-phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis

Abstract

C-phycocyanin (C-PC) is a blue photosynthetic pigment and the major phycobiliprotein in many blue-green algae with high nutritional values and antioxidant, antivirus, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also boosts the immune system in various organisms and can be used in immunoassays to track target cells because it has fluorescent properties. This study focused on optimizing extraction conditions for C-phycocyanin encapsulation from Arthrospira platensis using ultrasonic and extrusion techniques. Parameters affecting C-phycocyanin production were type of biomass, buffer, and biomass-solvent ratio. Results indicated that the highest C-phycocyanin concentration of 6 mg ml−1 was obtained from freeze-dried samples extracted by 0.01 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7) and biomass-solvent ratio of 1:15, with extract purity and yield of 0.6 and 60 mg g−1, respectively. The optimized conditions of C-phycocyanin ultrasonic encapsulation at 98% were 3% sodium alginate, 2.5% calcium chloride, and 1 mg ml−1 initial C-phycocyanin concentration. C-phycocyanin extracted from A. platensis can be prepared in encapsulated form and utilized for various applications.