Use of the extracts of spirulina biomass containing phycocyanin

Abstract

In recent years, the attention of researchers is increasingly directed towards the exploration of natural antioxidants, including those obtained from cyanobacteria and microalgae. Some studies have shown that spirulina as dietary supplement and various extracts obtained from spirulina biomass can inhibit some forms of cancer in humans and animals, as well show antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions. A valuable component of the aqueous extracts obtained from spirulina are phycobiliproteins, especially phycocyanin. The antioxidant action of phycocyanin on hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals is due to the presence of conjugated bonds in phycocyanobilin. The contribution of some amino acid residues from the polypeptide chain to this process cannot be excluded. The aim of this work was: obtaining phycocyanin preparations from spirulina biomass enriched with zinc and determining their antioxidant activity.