Simultaneous production of C‐phycocyanin and extracellular polymeric substances by photoautotrophic cultures of Arthrospira platensis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Arthrospira platensis produces the blue pigment C-phycocyanin (C-PC) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of potential value in food and pharmaceutical applications. RESULTS: Batch cultures were used to simultaneously produce C-PC and EPS. The effects of incident light level on growth and product formation are reported. A maximum biomass concentration of 1.5 g L −1 in 14 days was obtained at a light intensity of 203 mol m −2 s −1 . The light intensity affected the biomass composition and the production of the two products. Protein, phenolic compounds and chlorophyll a in the biomass were reduced at high light levels, but carbohydrate and the total carotenoids were increased. Production of C-PC was growth associated. The highest concentration of C-PC in the culture broth was ∼60 mg L −1 at a photon flux of 135 mol m −2 s −1 . EPS was produced mostly in the stationary phase. The highest EPS concentration of ∼960 mg L −1 occurred at a photon flux of 203 mol m −2 s −1 . Incident light level also affected the antioxidant properties of the two products. CONCLUSION: Incident light strongly affected the production of C-PC, EPS and the biomass composition. Low light favored C-PC production whereas high light favored the production of EPS.

Enhanced phycocyanin and protein content of Arthrospira by applying neutral density and red light shading filters: a small‐scale pilot experiment

“…Between the different light conditions, the highest phycocyanin content was obtained under LL, followed by NL, while HL gave significantly lower values. These results are in agreement with previous observations that both a reduction in the light quantity and change in light quality (light spectrum towards red) can induce an increase in the phycocyanin concentration in Arthrospira biomass. This observation can be explained by the capacity of chromatic adaptation of many cyanobacteria, including Arthrospira , in which cyanobacteria adjust their pigment composition in response to light alterations .…”

“…Similarly, in the NL runs, the protein content increased from 53% in the control culture to 58% in the red and 65% in the grey light filter cultures. So far, there are several studies suggesting that the protein content is subject to changes in the light intensity and/or spectral composition of the light . In the study by Dejsungkranont et al , the proteins in Arthrospira biomass were decreased from 23 to 15% with increasing light intensities (from 101 to 203 μmol m −2 s −1 ).…”

“…So far, there are several studies suggesting that the protein content is subject to changes in the light intensity and/or spectral composition of the light. 13,15,46,47 In the study by Dejsungkranont et al, 13 the proteins in Arthrospira biomass were decreased from 23 to 15% with increasing light intensities (from 101 to 203 μmol m −2 s −1 ). These results are in agreement with those of the present study.…”

Influence of culture conditions on the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by Arthrospira platensis

“…Although PFD did not have any positive effect on EPS production, its interaction with NaCl concentration provided a 0.98 g.g -1 yield in EPS. On the other hand, Dejsungkranont, Chisti, & Sirisansaneeyakul (2017) studying the effect of PFD on the production of EPS by Arthrospira platensis observed that the highest level of PFD of 203 μE.m -2 .s -1 favored EPS production (956.4 ± 37.3 mg.L -1 ) as well as biomass (1.5 g.L -1 ). Under the smallest value of PFD of 101 μE.m -2 .s -1 , 0.8 g.L -1 of biomass and 637.3 ± 41.3 mg.L -1 of EPS were obtained.…”

Influence of culture conditions on the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by Arthrospira platensis

“…Challouf et al (2011) described the antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus epidermis. Also, the antioxidant activity from crude EPS was studied by Dejsungkranont et al (2017).…”