Spirulina Biomass Research Articles

Bioprospecting of Spirulina biomass using novel extraction method for the production of C-Phycocyanin as effective food colourant

Bioprospecting of Spirulina biomass using novel extraction method for the production of C-Phycocyanin as effective food colourant

Effect of Spirulina biomass residue on yield and cordycepin and adenosine production of Cordyceps militaris culture

Spirulina biomass residues (SBR) are left behind after pigments extraction. Residual essential nutrients include protein, carbohydrate and lipid. This research focused investigated SBR from phycocyanin extraction as a protein source for Cordyceps militaris culture to replace the use of commercial Eri silk worms and produce better amounts of some valuable nutrients, as well as improve consumer safety. C. militaris samples were cultured on fruiting body induction medium (FIM) using dried Spirulina and dried SBR at 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10% w/v compared with the FIM with silkworm larvae in the dark at 25 ± 2 °C for 2 weeks, then cultured under illumination (50 μmol/m−2/s−1) for 16 h at 20 ± 2 °C for 10 weeks. The results showed that C. militaris cultured in the FIM supplement with 1% dried SBR produced the highest amount of cordycepin (32.87 mg/g-DW), which was higher than in other studies and in silk worm product.

Production of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) powder by innovative and traditional drying techniques

AbstractArthrospira platensis is a cyanobacterium used as food due to its high protein content and bioactive compounds (e.g., phycocyanin) and marketed mainly as a dried powder. Drying may cause quality degradation of Spirulina biomass, depending on the technique and the process conditions. In this study, thin layer drying (3 mm) of Spirulina suspension was performed by different techniques, comparing innovative and traditional driers. The innovative drying technique proposed in this study, called vacuum cast‐tape drying (at 40 and 60°C), was compared, in terms of drying kinetics and quality of the powders, to air drying (at 40 and 60°C), freeze‐drying, and cast‐tape drying. Drying curves, the temporal evolution of water activity, and phycocyanin retention during drying were assessed. The microstructure and color of the powders were also determined in the dried powder. Cast‐tape drying resulted in the highest drying rate but showed a very low (≈10%) phycocyanin retention, while the other techniques allow phycocyanin retention >70%, regard to the raw biomass. The freeze‐dried product presented a lighter color compared to the other techniques. Vacuum cast‐tape drying showed a shorter drying time (90–180 min) than freeze‐drying (720 min) and air drying (420 min), maintaining high phycocyanin retention (about 80–90%). Vacuum cast‐tape drying is an efficient, suitable, and low‐cost technique to dehydrate Spirulina at moderate temperatures in short times, maintaining the high quality in terms of bioactive compounds.Practical applicationsHigh‐quality Spirulina powders are considered as potential future sources of protein and bioactive compounds. These components should be preserved during drying, necessary for the stabilization of this product. The novel drying technique proposed in this paper for Spirulina powder production is an alternative, low‐cost, and potentially scalable technique for small and medium Spirulina producers. Vacuum cast‐tape drying allows combining the efficiency of cast‐tape drying with the vacuum atmosphere preserving the color and phycocyanin in the dried biomass. In this way, the study of novel drying processes for Spirulina powder production with high quality is of interest to researchers and the food industries.

Effects on C-phycocyanin content of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis of culture medium containing geothermal water.

This research aimed to compare effects on product quality and algal growth of inoculation ratio of Arthrospira platensis in the culture medium containing 20% geothermal water. A. platensis was inoculated at the ratio of 1/6, 1/10, and 1/20 of nutrient medium volume (2500 mL). The experiment medium was prepared with 20% geothermal water and 80% distilled water. Schlösser medium, 100% geothermal water medium, and 100% distilled water were used as the control group. At the end of the experiment, Spirulina biomass was obtained by filtration through 80-micron plankton cloth and freeze-dried at -60 °C. Increasing inoculation density shortened the culture time and increased the growth rate compared to the other groups. The best growth among the experimental groups was obtained in a 1/6 ratio inoculated Spirulina group in a 20% geothermal water medium. Among the experimental groups, dry biomass was obtained in the Spirulina group inoculated at 1/6 in only 20% geothermal water medium. The optical density value was 0.989 (A750), and the biomass yield was 0.476 g/L in the experimental group, the highest among the Schlösser groups was 1.259 (A750), and the biomass yield was 0.928 g/L. The most efficient growth and phycocyanin content was determined in the 1/6 inoculated groups. The phycocyanin content in the experimental group was found in 22.49%, and the purity rate was 2.24. In control groups, 3.73 purity and 28.62% phycocyanin were determined in the Schlösser medium. While 48.42% protein was detected in the geothermal water group, 61.64% was obtained with the Schlösser medium.

Създаване на животоподдържаща система за астронавти на мисия до Марс

The more space science develops, the clearer it is that future generations of our civilization will control, inhabit and travel in space around the Earth. It is hard to imagine that astronauts’ long missions in future will be realized in an only technological environment. Building a life-sustaining system for astronauts on a mission to Mars is our main goal. For the development of an effective life-sustaining unit for use on long space and crewed flights, we need fresh food. The plants, we selected, are radishes (Raphanus sativus) and spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) but it is also necessary to work on the supply of proteins and fats. By calculating the specific nutritional needs of astronauts, we can keep them healthy on long duration space explorations. Water recycling is absolutely necessary. It reduces the load on board the spacecraft. The effect of the physical activity on the oxygen consumption has to be taken into account on spacecraft. For the successful growth of radishes and spirulina, the photosynthetic active radiation supply has to be at least 2μmol/m2/s. In the 2 μmol/m2/s treatment. The most effective influence on both mass and length of cotyledons of radishes, exerted the green and the yellow light. On the other hand, the accumulation of the photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll A and chlorophyll B) was influenced by the blue and green spectrum of light. The most favourable influence on the accumulation of carotenoids exerted the green and the yellow light. We weighed the mass of spirulina in photosynthetic active radiation 2 μmol/m2/s. According to collected data, the green and the red light were the most favourable for the accumulation of biomass of spirulina. We analysed the concentration of chlorophyll A and chlorophyll B in the biomass. Under the influence of yellow and red lights, chlorophyll A and B were accumulated in a huge amount. The most favourable influence on the accumulation of carotenoids exerted the green and the yellow light.

Spirulina platensis Protein as Sustainable Ingredient for Nutritional Food Products Development

Spirulina platensis, microalgae, is emerging as a sustainable source for highly nutritional food ingredient production to cover the food demands of the global population. This study aimed to characterize food prototypes supplemented with microalgae protein isolate to develop health-promoting food products. The nutritional composition (proximate composition, fatty acids, and mineral content) of the spirulina biomass, the structural characterization of spirulina platensis protein (SPP) isolates, and the physicochemical properties of SPP- developed food products were evaluated. High protein (47%), ϒ-Linolenic acid (24.45 g/100 g of fat), iron (16.27 mg/100 g), calcium (207 mg/100 g), and potassium (1675 mg/100 g) content in the spirulina biomass was found. SPP (76% of purity) with sodium alginate produced stable emulsions (>90%) during storage (14 days). Amaranth + SPP pasta resulted in good appearance, texture, color, and high nutritional value in protein (above 30%) and minerals, mainly iron (9–10 mg/100 g) and magnesium (300 mg/100 g), meeting the daily intake recommendations. In addition, the amino acid profile of the pasta was in line with the amino acid pattern requirements for adults. SPP can be considered as potential additive for emulsions stability and provided nutritional and physicochemical desired in the elaborated pasta.

Perspective of Spirulina culture with wastewater into a sustainable circular bioeconomy

Spirulina biomass accounts for 30% of the total algae biomass production globally. In conventional process of Spirulina biomass production, cultivation using chemical-based culture medium contributes 35% of the total production cost. Moreover, the environmental impact of cultivation stage is the highest among all the production stages which resulted from the extensive usage of chemicals and nutrients. Thus, various types of culture medium such as chemical-based, modified, and alternative culture medium with highlights on wastewater medium is reviewed on the recent advances of culture media for Spirulina cultivation. Further study is needed in modifying or exploring alternative culture media utilising waste, wastewater, or by-products from industrial processes to ensure the sustainability of environment and nutrients source for cultivation in the long term. Moreover, the current development of utilising wastewater medium only support the growth of Spirulina however it cannot eliminate the negative impacts of wastewater. In fact, the recent developments in coupling with wastewater treatment technology can eradicate the negative impacts of wastewater while supporting the growth of Spirulina. The application of Spirulina cultivation in wastewater able to resolve the global environmental pollution issues, produce value added product and even generate green electricity. This would benefit the society, business, and environment in achieving a sustainable circular bioeconomy.

Continuous extraction of Spirulina platensis biopigments using different extraction sequences

The use of microalga Spirulina is developing rapidly in the industry. Spirulina biomass is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industry because it is rich in biochemicals and antioxidants that are beneficial to human health. This study aimed to determine the biopigment contents in S. platensis and examine the sequences of continuous extraction process to obtain the optimal biopigment yields. Biopigments of S. platensis extracted in this study were total chlorophyll of 52.28 μg/mL (25.28 μg/mL chlorophyll a and 27 μg/mL chlorophyll b), total carotenoid of 7.9 μg/mL and phycocyanin of 0.020 mg/L. In addition to biopigments, a residue in the form of solid powder was also produced at 20.7 % of biomass. Simultaneous extraction of chlorophyll and total carotenoids was successfully applied in this study, while the optimal phycocyanin extraction should be further developed. The optimal extraction sequence of biopigments was extraction of chlorophyll then carotenoid with low heating and followed by extraction of phycocyanin.

TETRACYCLINE ANTIBIOTIC REMOVAL FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION USING CLADOPHORA AND SPIRULINA ALGAE BIOMASS

Cladophora and Spirulina algae biomass have been used for the removal of Tetracycline (TC) antibiotic from aqueous solution. Different operation conditions were varied in batch process, such as initial antibiotic concentration, different biomass dosage and type, contact time, agitation speed, and initial pH. The result showed that the maximum removal efficiencies by using 1.25 g/100 ml Cladophora and 0.5 g/100 ml Spirulina algae biomass were 95% and 94% respectively. At the optimum experimental condition of temperature 25°C, initial TC concentration 50 mg/l, contact time 2.5hr, agitation speed 200 rpm and pH 6.5. The characterization of Cladophora and Spirulina biomass by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) indicates that the presence of functional groups of different components such as the Hydroxyl group (-OH), amides(N-H stretch) were responsible of surface adsorption processes. The isothermal study has been applied using Freundlich, Temkin, and Langmuir models. The data best fitted with the Langmuir model. Finally, The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was best fitted the kinetic data with a high coefficient of determination (R2< 0.97 and 0.99) when used Cladophora and Spirulina algae biomass, respectively. The study showed that both Cladophora and Spirulina algae were promising and economical biomass that could be used for a large scale bioreactor.

Recovery of rare earth element ytterbium(III) by dried powdered biomass of spirulina: Adsorption isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic study

Abstract The adsorption characteristics and mechanisms of spirulina powder were investigated when it was used as adsorbent to recover ytterbium(III) from wastewater solution. Surface structure and element valence of the adsorbent were analyzed by SEM and XPS for the exploring of its adsorption mechanism for ytterbium(III). The adsorption characteristics of ytterbium(III) on spirulina powder was analyzed through assessing adsorption isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamic models. The adsorption isotherm data were best explained by Langmuir model, and the adsorption capacity of spirulina powder for ytterbium(III) was 72.46 mg/g when adsorption temperature was 318 K. The kinetic experiment results showed that the pseudo-second order kinetic model can better simulate the adsorption process of spirulina powder to ytterbium(III), indicating that the rate-controlling step was chemical adsorption. Spirulina can be an efficient and economical ytterbium(III) recycling material, because it showed good adsorption stability and reusability from the adsorption−desorption cycle experiment results.

Anti-oxidation properties and therapeutic potentials of spirulina

Spirulina is rich in antioxidants, including proteins, polysaccharide, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, carotenoids, and other bioactive compounds, which impart spirulina strong anti-oxidation properties. Numerous animal studies and clinical trials have proved that spirulina improved a variety of oxidative stress-induced symptoms by enhancing the body's anti-oxidation capacity, such as repairing neuronal injury, suppressing tumor, inhibiting inflammation, improving immunity, alleviating toxicity, improving organ functions, and relieving cardiovascular disease conditions. This paper reviews the anti-oxidation activities of spirulina biomass and its derived products (including extracts and complexes), their relations to alleviating certain health conditions, and their potential as a source of antioxidants for therapeutic applications. The working mechanisms between the anti-oxidation properties of spirulina bioactive compounds and their therapeutic effects in many diseases, especially senile diseases, were discussed. Further research needed to broaden the application of spirulina and its derived products in the health and medicine fields was proposed.

Smart Culture of Spirulina Using Supernatant of Digested Rotten Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) to Produce Protein, Bio-Fuel and Bio-Electricity

An experiment was conducted for the production of protein, bio-fuel and bio-electricity from the culture system of Spirulina platensis (Gomont) in supernatant of three different amount of digested rotten tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and Kosaric Medium (KM) as control. Three different concentrations such as 25, 50 and 75% rotten tomato were allowed to digest under aeration. After 17 days, the colorless supernatant was screened and taken in 1.0 L conical flask with three replications. Then, Spirulina platensis was inoculated to grow in these three media (treatments) with the addition of 9.0 g/L NaHCO3 and micronutrients, and also in KM as control for a period of 14 days. The cell weight, optical density, chlorophyll a and total biomass of spirulina was attained to the maximum values when grew in KM on the 10th day of culture followed by supernatant of 50% digested rotten tomato (DRT) than in 25 and 75% DRT culture. The chemical properties of the culture media such as pH, salinity, dissolved bio-oxygen, electric conductivity and bio-electricity were increased from first day up to 12th day of experiment. Total biomass of spirulina grown in these media had highly significant (P < 0.01) correlation with cell weight (r = 0.825) and chlorophyll a (r = 0.866) of spirulina. The results showed that the growth performances of S. platensis grown in supernatant of 50% DRT was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that of spirulina grown in supernatant of 25 and 75% DRT. The percentage of crude protein (55.10 ± 0.45 to 59.90 ± 0.33%) of spirulina grown in supernatant of DRT was little bit higher than that of spirulina cultured in KM (58.40 ± 0.38%). But bio-fuel in terms of crude lipids (16.50 ± 0.31%) of spirulina cultured in supernatant of 50% DRT was almost two and half times higher than that of spirulina grown in KM (crude lipids, 6.30 ± 0.21%). Bio-electricity (300 ±10.20 mV) produced in culture of spirulina in supernatant of 50% DRT was higher than that recorded in KM (240 ±10.20 mV) followed by 75% DRT and other media. Bio-electricity had directly and strongly significant (p < 0.001) correlation with pH (r = 0.812), dissolved bio-oxygen (r = 0.832), salinity (r = 0.788) and electric conductivity (r = 0.856). Therefore, this procedure will produce huge amount of electricity in the world and will make a revolution in this field of bio-electricity production. Whole world will be benefited from the output (results) of this experiment.

Microencapsulated Spirulina maxima biomass as an ingredient for the production of nutritionally enriched and sensorially well-accepted vegan biscuits

The aim of this study was to develop nutritionally enriched and sensorially well-accepted biscuits by incorporating spray-dried microencapsulated S. maxima biomass. Spirulina biomass presented high iron (49.8 mg/100 g) and protein contents (80.0%) with high biological value (chemical score > 99%). Spirulina biomass lipids presented high unsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio (0.7) and a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (32.7%), with an emphasis on γ-linolenic acid (13.8%). No more than 10% of non-microencapsulated Spirulina biomass could be added to biscuits without sensorial loss. Upon spray-drying microencapsulation with octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch, addition of 20% of Spirulina biomass did not change biscuits sensory acceptance and purchase intent scores, with the exception of a 7% decrease in the appearance, probably because off-flavors were masked. The acceptance index for these biscuits was 79.2%, suggesting market potential. This technological approach led to the production of biscuits with 40% more proteins and that could have a claim as a nutritional source of iron (one portion equals to 16% and 35% of the RDA for premenopausal women and men, respectively). Considering its wide use and low cost, spray-drying encapsulation emerges as a successful strategy to employ microalgae for nutritional enrichment by the food industry.

Current Status of the Algae Production Industry in Europe: An Emerging Sector of the Blue Bioeconomy

The EU Bioeconomy Strategy aims to support the sustainable growth and development of the EU bio-based sectors while creating jobs, innovation and services. Despite the recognized potential of the algae biomass value chain, significant knowledge gaps still exist regarding the dimension, capability, organization and structure of the algae production in Europe. This study presents and analyses the results of a comprehensive mapping and detailed characterization of the algae production at the European scale, encompassing macroalgae, microalgae, and the cyanobacteria Spirulina. This work mapped 447 algae and Spirulina production units spread between 23 countries, which represents an important addition to the reported number of algae producing countries. More than 50% of these companies produce microalgae and/or Spirulina. Macroalgae production is still depending on harvesting from wild stocks (68% of the macroalgae producing units) but macroalgae aquaculture (land-based and at sea) is developing in several countries in Europe currently representing 32% of the macroalgae production units. France, Ireland, and Spain are the top 3 countries in number of macroalgae production units while Germany, Spain, and Italy stand for the top 3 for microalgae. Spirulina producers are predominantly located in France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. Algae and Spirulina biomass is directed primarily for food and food-related applications including the extraction of high-value products for food supplements and nutraceuticals. Algae production in Europe remains limited by a series of technological, regulatory and market-related barriers. Yet, the results of this study emphasize that the European algae sector has a considerable potential for sustainable development as long as the acknowledged economic, social and environmental challenges are addressed.

Improvement of nutritional quality of ruminant feed composed of soybean straw and ryegrass hay

The purpose of this study was to increase the nutritional value of two raw materials (soybean straw and ryegrass hay), in order to propose the use as feed for ruminants. Different technologies were used to develop the animal feed: addition of proteins, addition of Spirulina platensis biomass, solid state fermentation by Aspergillus niger, encapsulation of microalgae biomass (capsules with xanthan gum and chitosan), as well as the control tests. The chemical composition (moisture, crude protein, lipids, ash, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber) of the different treatments was determined. Although the solid state fermentation using the fungus Aspergillus niger did not decrease the fiber content, the addition of microalgae biomass in soybean straw and ryegrass hay improved the quality of bulky feed, increasing until 87% and 80% protein content of soybean straw and ryegrass hay, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of Spirulina biomass in soy straw, with gelatin or encapsulated, decreased the content of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. The bypass protein obtained using the encapsulated biomass allows the use of agro-industrial waste, adding nutritional value to bulky feed, which may increase the milk production by lactating cows.

Biochemical and Thermal Analysis of Spirulina Biomass through FTIR, TGA, CHN

Spirulina is a sort of algae that grows in both fresh and seawater. It is considered the Earth’s most nutritionally dense food. Certain claims about Spirulina’s beneficial health properties are attributed to the relatively high protein content of the cells. Spirulina’s lipid, fatty acid profile, and biochemical composition have received little attention. The purpose of this study is to investigate the nature and decomposition of spirulina biomass at various temperatures. In the present investigation, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis were used to study spirulina biomass biochemical characteristics. The optimal content of spirulina protein, lipid, and the amino acid was identified and reported. In this study, the various frequency ranges corresponding to functional groups are evaluated and reported. Spirulina FT-IR spectra were recorded and reported at different frequency ranges from 3870–3448 cm−1 to 695–545 cm−1. FTIR studies for spirulina biomass affirmed the occurrence of –OH, –COOH, NH, C–H, and C=O groups. Protein (3453 and 1645 cm−1) and carbohydrate (1032 and 1033 cm−1) were the main components with distinct IR spectra fingerprint characteristics. Results indicate that Spirulina sp. biomass is viable green energy and the biggest protein source. The mechanism underlying the high rate of protein accumulation of spirulina may aid in not only elucidating the biochemistry but also in modifying the chemical composition and strain selection for the production of specific chemicals and products.

Influence of light intensity and photoperiod on energy efficiency of biomass and pigment production of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis)

Biomass and photosynthetic pigments production of cyanobacteria, in particular Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), depend on light intensity. Production cost of Spirulina cultivation in photobioreactor illuminated with LED is strongly related to light cost. This work is aimed to evaluate the effects of light intensity and photoperiod on the energy efficiency of biomass and pigment production of Spirulina platensis UTEX 1926. Cultures illuminated with white light-emitting diodes (LED) were carried out in batch mode cultivation. Three lighting scenarios with different light intensities were tested: two with a constant light intensity at 80 and 160 μmol · m−2 · s−1 and one with modulated light intensity. Concerning photoperiod, three cycles of light:dark (h:h) (24:00, 20:04 and 16:08) were studied under light intensity at 160 μmol · m−2 · s−1. Concerning Spirulina biomass and pigment production (phycocyanin, chlorophyll and carotenoids), it is found that the lower intensity tested allows a substantial increase of the process energy efficiency. Concerning the influence of the photoperiod, it has been found that the longer the off time is (up to 08 h 00 a day), the higher is the energy efficiency for Spirulina biomass as well as for pigmentary production.

Nanoencapsulation of Spirulina biomass by electrospraying for development of functional foods a review

Nanoencapsulation of Spirulina biomass by electrospraying for development of functional foods a review

Harvesting of Spirulina platensis using an eco-friendly fungal bioflocculant produced from agro-industrial by-products

This study aimed to produce fungal biomass from agro-industrial by-products for later use as a bioflocculant in the Spirulina harvesting. The production of fungal biomass from Aspergillus niger was carried out in submerged fermentation, using media composed of wheat bran and/or potato peel. Fungal biomass was used as a bioflocculant in Spirulina cultures carried out in closed 5 L reactors and 180 L open raceway pond operated in batch and semi-continuous processes, respectively. Fungal biomass was able to harvest Spirulina platensis cultures with efficiencies between 90% and 100% after 2 h of sedimentation in some experimental conditions. Efficiencies higher than 80% were achieved in most tests without pH adjustment during bioflocculations, which shows that the developed method is a promising alternative to traditional Spirulina harvesting techniques. Above all, the development of an eco-friendly fungal-assisted bioflocculation process increases the sustainability of Spirulina biomass for different applications, especially biofuels.

Blue colored pigment phycocyanin extraction from Spirulina platensis

Phycocyanin is a blue pigment and water-soluble biliprotein from the Spirulina platensis. In this study, the water was used as a solvent for the extraction of phycocyanin. Wet biomass of Spirulina, wet biomass held for 48 hours at room temperature, frozen Spirulina for 48 hours, and frozen biomass for fifteen days, and dried Spirulina was used to determine phycocyanin concentration (PC) (mg mL-1). At the same time, extract purity of phycocyanin (OD615/OD280) and yield (mg g-1) were determined. Phycocyanin yield of 17,6497, 17,1370, and 17,0833 mg g-1 were obtained from frozen Spirulina for fifteen days, wet biomass of Spirulina held for 48 hours, and wet biomass of Spirulina, respectively. The purity ratios (OD615/OD280) of 4.60, 0.81, 0.85, 0.98, and 6.55 were determined for frozen for 15 days, frozen Spirulina for 48 hours, wet biomass of Spirulina (waited for 48 hours), dried Spirulina and wet Spirulina, respectively