The Effect of Phycocyanin Isolated from Arthrospira platensis on the Oxidative Stress in Yeasts

Abstract

C-phycocyanin, being a component of the photosynthetic apparatus of cyanobacteria, is an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and is often used in medical studies. The intracellular effect of C-phycocyanin isolated from cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis on the levels of the prooxidant-induced oxidative stress and cell death of the aerobic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is considered. We show that C-phycocyanin accumulated in the yeast cells and had a direct antioxidant effect on the yeast suspension within the concentration range of 10–100 μg/mL and a cytotoxic effect with a further increase in concentration. The effect of C-phycocyanin in the most effective concentration is comparable to the antioxidant effect of the mitochondria-targeted cation SkQ1.