Trends in the Uses of Spirulina Microalga: A mini-review

Abstract

HighlightsTrends in the uses of Spirulina over different decades were critically examinedFindings from surveyed literature indicated that Spirulina utilization was mainly focused on its food and feed potential before the last 20-30 yearsThe review observed that research focused on the health and pharmaceutical uses, biofertilizer, bioplastic, cosmetic, bioenergy and pollution control applications of Spirulina are trends that sprouted out within the last 20-25 years.The review has successfully compiled numerous uses of Spirulina microalga for easy readership by readers since many studies have been performed on the uses Spirulina but reviews of this type spanning through different beneficial aspects of Spirulina are still scarce. Hence, this review fills such gap. AbstractThere is a need to have a single document that summarises the present day uses of Spirulina. In this review, the research trend on the health and other applications of Spirulina microalga was critically evaluated. In terms of the health uses, antioxidant, antibacterial, and immunostimulant effects of Spirulina were emphasized. Other uses of the microalga discussed include the use of Spirulina for human and animal food, bioenergy, pollution and ecotoxicology control, cosmetics, bioplastics and biofertilizers. Literature search revealed that Spirulina polysaccharides, phycocyanin size and content play a role in antioxidant activity and DNA repair. The double bonds and positions of –COOH and –OH in Spirulina phenol content and γ-linolenic fatty acids (γ-LFA) have antimicrobial activity. Some compounds in Spirulina improve immune, increase survival rate and enhance distribution of proteins like hepcidin and TNF-α in animal models. High protein, vitamins, fatty acids (FAs) and glycoproteins in Spirulina are easily digestible due to its lack of cellulose and can improve human and livestock growth. Spirulina produces biodegradable and non-toxic biodiesel and useful co-products. Absorption of heavy metals by chemisorption occurs in Spirulina. Phycocyanin and β-carotene of Spirulina increase skin health, Spirulina also cause high cell proliferation and aids wound healing. Bioplastics produced from Spirulina are biodegradable, non-toxic with high blends. Biofertilizers from Spirulina have little or no residual risks, adds soil Nitrogen through Spirulina Nitrogen fixation ability. In addition, the survey of published works on Spirulina for the past two decades indicates that more research is been carried out in recent years using Spirulina, especially studies involving its health potentials and those concerned with molecular analysis. In conclusion, Spirulina is an exceptional commodity with numerous applications, and probably, some of its compounds causing those effects are yet to be isolated and that is one area for further research.

Peningkatan Pengetahuan dan Keterampilan Warga Desa Babakan melalui Pelatihan Pembuatan Cookies Spirulina

“…Pemanfaatan spirulina dalam produksi dunia sudah sangat banyak dilakukan salah satunya adalah sebagai makanan. Tambahan Spirulina platensis juga banyak dimanfaatkan dalam penambahan es krim dan keju dengan konsentrasi terbaik 1,2% (Nege et al 2020). Pemanfaatan Spirulina platensis juga sudah banyak dimanfaatkan selain dalam pembuatan es krim dan keju seperti pembuatan biskuit dan cokelat menggunakan 2% Spirulina dan memengaruhi kandungan gizi produk khususnya peningkatan kandungan protein (Sahin 2019).…”

Advances in delivery methods of Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) for enhanced therapeutic outcomes

“…by demonstrating insights into 'Innovative natural functional ingredients from microalgae', including reliable extraction methods. A summary mind map about the broad functions that A. platensis' exerts [63] is illustrated in Figure 2. All of the mentioned functions are dose-dependent (doseresponse % graph is recommended) and that was achieved after successful extraction and purification for further assessment.…”

“…Growth inhibition of some drug-resistant bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus was significantly evident in the culture after purifying and applying C-PC from A. platensis on them, and hence demonstrated significant anti-bacterial action on six strains of Vibrio [40,119] due to the presence of γ-LFA, which has an anti-microbial activity function [63]. A. platensis has also exhibited antifungal activities discovered by Gorobets et al [120] when applied to the culture fluid.…”

Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis: Their Nutrient Contents and Bioactive Compounds for Improving Poultry Productivity

“…Selain memiliki kandungan selulosa yang rendah (Nege et al 2020), Spirulina platensis juga memiliki nilai biologis (biologic value, yakni nilai yang mengukur kualitas protein dengan menghitung nitrogen yang digunakan untuk pembentukan jaringan dibagi dengan nitrogen yang diserap dari pakan) 75%, net protein utilization 62%, kecernaan protein 85% dan protein efisiensi 1,9% (Gutiérrez-Salmeán et al 2015). Beberapa peneliti telah memanfaatkan Spirulina platensis sebagai bahan pakan sumber protein bagi unggas.…”