Phycocyanin

The Source and Basic Characteristics of Phycocyanin

Phycocyanin is a dark blue powder-like substance isolated from Spirulina. It mainly exists in cyanobacteria, red algae, and cryptophytes. Based on its source, it can be classified into C-phycocyanin (mainly found in cyanobacteria) and R-phycocyanin (mainly found in red algae). Cryptophytes contain both types simultaneously. As a rare pigment protein in nature, it possesses the properties of proteins and the functions of natural pigments. Its isoelectric point is 3.4. It is soluble in water but insoluble in alcohols and fats. It is stable in weakly acidic to neutral environments (pH 4.5 - 8), will precipitate at acidic conditions (pH 4.2), may decolor under strong alkaline conditions, and is relatively sensitive to heat, light, and acid. 

The core functions and effects of phycocyanin

Nutritional and health value

High-protein nutritional source: Complete amino acid composition, high content of essential amino acids, it is a nutritious protein source, and is praised by food experts as the "food diamond". 

Promote blood cell regeneration: In vitro experiments have shown that it has the effect of stimulating the formation of red blood cell colonies, similar to erythropoietin (EPO), which can improve anemia and increase hemoglobin levels. There have been successful reports in Japan regarding this. 

Regulating immune function: It can enhance the activity of lymphocytes and strengthen the body's resistance to diseases. In 1982, Iijima et al. discovered that oral administration of phycocyanin could increase the survival rate of mice injected with liver tumor cells. Moreover, the lymphocyte activity in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group. 

Biological activity and pharmacological effects

Anticancer and anti-tumor: It has an inhibitory effect on cancer cells and can be used as an adjuvant treatment drug for cancer. In the experiment, hepatoma rats were fed with phycocyanin. After 5 weeks, the survival rate of the treatment group reached 90% (the control group was 25%), and after 8 weeks, 25% of the rats still survived (all the rats in the control group died), indicating that it can increase the survival rate of cancer cells by 1. 

Antioxidation and Free Radical Removal: It can enhance cell activity, eliminate free radicals in the body, improve ovarian function, promote the synthesis of elastin protein in the human body, and also has the effect of delaying aging. 

Anti-allergy: It has certain anti-allergy effects, but the specific mechanism needs further research. 1 

Applications of Phycocyanin

Food and Cosmetics Industry

Natural Food Coloring: As a water-soluble pigment, it is non-toxic and has a pure and clear blue color. It is widely used in food coloring (such as beverages, pastries, ice cream) and cosmetic additives. It has been widely used in countries such as Europe, America, and Japan. 

Health food: In the early 21st century, it has been transformed into biochemical drugs abroad. For instance, the Japanese product "Confident" containing algal blue protein has been used as a rehabilitation medicine and nutritional food for cancer and leukemia patients, with remarkable therapeutic effects. 

Medicine and research reagents

Pharmaceutical raw materials: Used for developing compound medicines, assisting in improving anemia, regulating immunity, and especially suitable for patients after radiotherapy and chemotherapy to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. 

Fluorescent probe: Due to its blue color and fluorescence properties, it has a high absorption coefficient over a wide spectral range, a high fluorescence yield within a wide pH range, and stable fluorescence that is not affected by other biological molecules. It can be combined with biotin, antibodies, etc. to form fluorescent probes, and is applied in research fields such as fluorescence microscopic detection, flow cytometry analysis, and immunological detection.