Comparison of Production and Fluorescence Characteristics of Phycoerythrin from Three Strains of Porphyridium

Abstract

Phycoerythrin, a special photosynthetic pigment, is widely used as fluorescent dye and has lots of underlying beneficial effects on health. A marine red microalga Porphyridium is considered as the potential feedstock for phycoerythrin production. However, the phycoerythrin-related properties of Porphyridium have not been systematically evaluated, especially between the species of P. cruentum and P. purpureum. The present study aimed to evaluate the production and fluorescence characteristics of phycoerythrin of three strains of Porphyridium. The results showed that P. purpureum SCS-02 presented the highest biomass, phycoerythrin content and yield were 6.43 g L−1, 9.18% DW and 0.288 g L−1, respectively. There was no significant difference between P. purpureum and P. cruentum in α and β subunits amino acid sequences of phycoerythrin and in fluorescence characteristics. The high gene expression level of the key enzymes in phycoerythrobilin synthesis (porphobilinogen synthase and oxygen-dependent coproporphyrinogen-III oxidase) could be related to the high phycoerythrin content of Porphyridium. Based on systematic evaluation, P. purpureum SCS-02 was selected due to its high biomass and phycoerythrin yield. P. purpureum and P. cruentum were highly similar in the phylogenetic tree, as well as in fluorescence characteristics; therefore, it was speculated that they might be the same Porphyridium species.

Impact of Biomass Drying Process on the Extraction Efficiency of C-Phycoerythrin

“…The primary source of industrial-grade PE are strains from the red algae Porphyridium sp., especially P. cruentum [ 18 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ] and P. purpureum [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 33 , 34 ]. However, this genus is also known as a primary source of sulfated EPS; therefore, the available protocols for extracting PE are adapted to the unique requirements of these unicellular red algae, which makes the extraction and recovery process tedious and time-consuming [ 35 ].…”

“…Highly advanced techniques, such as freeze and spray drying, are available at different scales, including lab and industrial scales. These two techniques are preferred over more heat-intensive alternatives such as a convection oven because they use low temperatures and longer times, which ensure the slow removal of moisture while maintaining the stability and quality of different metabolites, including C-PE [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. However, these two techniques can be expensive on the industrial scale, which, in turn, will increase the cost of the final product to be obtained [ 21 , 22 ].…”

Therapeutic Potentials of Microalgae and Their Bioactive Compounds on Diabetes Mellitus

“…A. platensis [45] • Improves blood sugar level [46] • Improves glucose tolerance [47] • Improves insulin secretion [47] • Improves insulin sensitivity [46] • Activates insulin signaling pathway [48] • Protects pancreatic cells [47] P. purpureum [45] P. cruentum [49] Allophycocyanin A. platensis [45] -P. purpureum [45] P. cruentum [49] Phycoerythrin A. platensis [45] • Improves blood sugar level [50] P. purpureum [45] P. cruentum [49]…”