Phycocyanin: A natural star shining in many fields
A natural element called phycocyanin has recently gained popularity in several industries and drawn attention from all sides due to advancements in scientific research and the growing demand for organic and healthy products. Phycocyanin is primarily extracted from cyanobacteria, which not only lends the product a unique blue color but also exhibits great potential for applications due to its excellent biological properties.
In the food industry, phycocyanin has significant advantages as a natural pigment. It has high stability, bright color, and no toxic side effects, and is gradually replacing some synthetic pigments. In products such as ice cream, candy, beverages, and baked goods, phycocyanin not only enhances the appearance of food but also meets consumers' pursuit of healthy food while maintaining flavor and nutritional value. Its antioxidant properties can also extend the shelf life of food and protect nutrients. Currently, phycocyanin is widely used in various foods; however, its sensitivity to light, heat, and pH during processing limits its further application and presents a challenge to be addressed in the industry.
In the field of medicine and health, the biological activity of phycocyanin has attracted much attention. Numerous studies have demonstrated that it possesses a strong antioxidant capacity, effectively eliminating free radicals in the body, delaying cellular aging, and preventing chronic diseases. In terms of regulating the immune system, phycocyanin can enhance the body's resistance and fight infection and inflammation. The R&D team has developed multifunctional microspheres based on phycocyanin, which have yielded promising results in treating radiation-induced skin damage in mouse models. The microspheres integrate multiple functions, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and repair-promoting properties, providing a new treatment strategy for clinically difficult-to-heal infectious radiation skin damage. In the cosmetics industry, as consumers' requirements for product safety and naturalness increase, phycocyanin has begun to emerge. It not only adds unique colors to cosmetics, but its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can also protect the skin from external damage, promote skin cell regeneration and repair, regulate oil secretion, enhance the skin's condition, and make it softer and smoother. Numerous luxury cosmetic manufacturers favor it.
In the field of biotechnology, the unique fluorescence properties of phycocyanin make it widely used in biomarkers, cell imaging, and gene expression research, among other applications. Through fluorescent labeling, scientists can visually observe the biological processes in cells, providing strong support for disease diagnosis and drug development. Its photosensitivity also holds promise for the development of new treatment methods, such as photodynamic therapy.
Regarding sustainable development and environmental preservation, the extraction and production process of phycocyanin is relatively environmentally friendly. Blue algae can efficiently use light energy and water for photosynthesis. Large-scale cultivation of blue algae to extract phycocyanin reduces environmental gas emissions while simultaneously providing raw materials for the development of algae-based bioenergy and promoting the sustainable development of related industries.
The research team has made progress in extracting phycocyanin. By comparing different extraction methods and solvents, utilizing activated carbon purification, and developing a water swelling method with water as the solvent, this approach provides a low-cost and environmentally friendly method for the efficient extraction and purification of the substance, as well as its subsequent application.
Currently, regulatory recognition of phycocyanin in major global markets is being gradually improved. The European Union has listed it as a color food raw material, with no restrictions on its use and no need to label the E number; the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has gradually expanded its application in food, dietary supplements and drug coatings; China promulgated the "National Food Safety Standard Food Additives Phycocyanin" in 2021, which promoted the standardized development of the phycocyanin market.
With the continuous deepening of research and technological innovation, phycocyanin is expected to play a more significant role in various fields, bringing greater health and convenience to people's lives, and promoting the development of related industries in a green and sustainable direction.