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Optimization of a combined process for high-purity phycocyanin extraction and purification from Spirulina platensis
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Halimeh Rajabi *   |
| Ph.D in Marine Biology, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran , halimeh.rajabi@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (22 Views) |
Background and Aim: Phycocyanin, a blue photosynthetic pigment found in the microalga Spirulina platensis, is widely used as a natural colorant in the food and cosmetic–pharmaceutical industries and has been reported to possess multiple therapeutic properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to Optimization of a simple, cost-effective, and efficient method for extracting and purifying phycocyanin with high purity.
Methods: Spirulina platensis was cultured under standard conditions. Initial extraction of phycocyanin was performed using water followed by phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and optimization steps included repeated centrifugation, ultrasonication, and treatment with chitosan/activated carbon, freeze–thaw cycles, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and membrane filtration.
Results: The results demonstrated that optimizing the extraction process through freeze–thaw cycles combined with chitosan/activated carbon treatment or ammonium sulfate precipitation, enables the production of high-purity phycocyanin. Moreover, the application of membrane filtration proves to be an effective approach for achieving further purification.
Conclusion: This study presents an efficient and adaptable workflow for the extraction and purification of phycocyanin, which can be selected and applied based on the intended objective -whether prioritizing purity or yield. The proposed process enables researchers to obtain high-quality phycocyanin rapidly, cost-effectively, and reliably for a wide range of research and industrial applications. |
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| Keywords: Phycocyanin, Spirulina platensis, Extraction and purification, Biomedical applications |
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Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Marine Medicine
Received: 2025/10/6 | Accepted: 2026/01/19 | Published: 2026/09/20
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