Phycocyanin: The Blue-Green Bioactive Marvel

Phycocyanin powder is a pigment-protein complex from the light-harvesting phycobiliprotein family, along with allophycocyanin and phycoerythrin. It is an accessory pigment to chlorophyll. All phycobiliproteins are water-soluble, so they cannot exist within the membrane-like carotenoids can.

It is natural light blue colorant extracted from blue-green algae (Spirulina ). It`s good water-soluble, Alcohol and lipid insoluble. Phycocyanin accounts for as much as 20% protein and attaches itself to photosynthesizing membranes, also its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It`s an accessory pigment to chlorophyll.Phycocyanin is derived from C-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin which have fluorescent properties that are valuable to researchers in immune assay kits. Phycocyanin powder is selective about which cells it attaches to, making it simple to track down.

Core Characteristics

• Natural Pigment Protein: Water-soluble, fluorescent biliprotein from Spirulina platensis

• Structural Features:

• Chromophore: Phycocyanobilin (potent antioxidant)

• Molecular weight: ~44 kDa (intact protein)

• Purity Grades:

• Food grade (A620/A280 >0.7)

• Analytical grade (A620/A280 >3.9, ≥95% purity)

Mechanistic Potentials

• Nrf2 Activation: Upregulates endogenous antioxidant systems

• COX-2 Inhibition: Selective anti-inflammatory action (IC50 ~180nM)

• Neuroprotection: Crosses BBB, chelates redox-active metals

• Anti-Proliferative: Modulates STAT3 signaling in cancer models

Therapeutic Applications

• Neurodegenerative Support: Parkinson's/Alzheimer's adjunct

• Hepatoprotection: Reduces NAFLD progression in clinical trials

• Radiation Protection: Scavenges ionizing radiation byproducts

• Performance Nutrition: Enhances mitochondrial efficiency

Formulation Challenges & Solutions

• Stability Issues:

• pH-sensitive (optimal 5.0-7.0)

• Temperature-labile (lyophilization required)

• Delivery Systems:

• Alginate microencapsulation for GI protection

• PEGylation for extended half-life

Clinical Dosage

• Preventive: 100-300 mg/day

• Therapeutic: 500-1000 mg/day (clinical trials)

• IV Formulations: Under investigation (10-50 mg/kg)

Commercial Landscape

• Market Growth: CAGR 7.2% (2023-2030) in nutraceuticals

• Regulatory Status:

• GRAS (FDA)

• Novel Food EU approval

• Colorant (E18) in select markets

This multifunctional cyanobacterial compound represents a convergence of nutritional science and biopharma development, with particular promise in oxidative stress-related pathologies.