Single step aqueous two-phase extraction for downstream processing of C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis

Abstract

C-phycocyanin, a natural food colorant, is gaining importance worldwide due to its several medical and pharmaceutical applications. In the present study, aqueous two-phase extraction was shown to be an attractive alternative for the downstream processing of C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis. By employing differential partitioning, Cphycocyanin selectively partitioned to the polymer rich (top) phase in concentrated form and contaminant proteins to the salt rich (bottom) phase. This resulted in an increase in the product purity (without losing much of the yield) in a single step without the need of multiple processing steps. Effect of process parameters such as molecular weight, tie line length, phase volume ratio, concentration of phase components on the partitioning behavior of C-phycocyanin was studied. The results were explained based on relative free volume of the phase systems. C-phycocyanin with a purity of 4.32 and yield of about 79 % was obtained at the standardized conditions.

Two Classes of Pigments, Carotenoids and C-Phycocyanin, in Spirulina Powder and Their Antioxidant Activities

“…C-PC was quantified by UV-Visible electronic absorption using an external calibration method [4]. Briefly, one hundred milligrams of the lyophilized samples were ground with seasand and extracted by four times sonication for 30 min each with 30 mL of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) (pH 7.0) buffer solution.…”

“…With two distinctive natural colors, carotenoids and C-phycocyanin [2,3], spirulina use has aligned with consumer awareness regarding the importance of natural color agents for their nutritional, pharmacological and health-related benefits. As a result, the number of applications of natural pigments and spirulina as a source of these pigments is increasing, especially in the food and cosmetic industries [4]. …”

“…The protein moiety consists of α and β subunits with molecular weights near 18,000 and 20,000 Da, respectively. This colorant is highly stable in the pH range of 5–8 and exhibits a strong red fluorescence when present in its native form [4]. The biological activities of C-PC are wide-ranging and include antioxidant, antimutative, antiviral and antitumor properties.…”

Two Classes of Pigments, Carotenoids and C-Phycocyanin, in Spirulina Powder and Their Antioxidant Activities

“…With two distinctive natural colors, carotenoids and C-phycocyanin [2,3], spirulina use has aligned with consumer awareness regarding the importance of natural colors agents from their nutritional, pharmacological and healthrelated benefits. As a result, the number of applications of natural pigments and spirulina as a source of these pigments is increasing, especially in the food and cosmetic industries [4].…”

“…The protein moiety consists of alpha and beta subunits with molecular weights near 18,000 and 20,000 Da, respectively. This colorant is highly stable in the pH range of 5-8 and exhibits a strong red fluorescence when present in its native form [4]. The biological activities of C-PC are wide-ranging and include antioxidant, antimutative, antiviral and antitumor properties.…”