A comprehensive review on the structure, properties and application of phycocyanin pigment

This review aims to evaluate the intrinsic properties and different applications of phycocyanin pigment in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, in each section, a detailed history of the research conducted in the field of phycocyanin is presented. Phycocyanin is a blue pigment, a light receiver with antioxidant and fluorescent properties in cyanobacteria, and two algae from the genus rhodophytes and cryptophytes. Phycocyanin pigment consists of two relatively similar subunits α and β. The alpha chain contains one phycocyanobilin attached to cysteine 89 and the beta chain contains two phycocyanobilins attached to cysteines 84 and 155. Phycocyanin is commercially produced from spirulina algae (spirulina platensis), in the form of photoautotrophic cultures, and open environments in large ponds or pools in tropical or subtropical areas at the edges of oceans. This pigment can be extracted from the mentioned algae by using different techniques such as enzymatic method, ultrasound, freezing-defrosting, mineral solvent, homogenization, stress and osmotic shock, high hydrostatic pressure, ultracentrifuge, and ultra homogenization. Depending on the extraction conditions, each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but the enzymatic and ultrasound methods are more efficient than other methods. Phycocyanin has many medicinal and therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory; In addition, the positive effect of this pigment on nerve cells, kidneys, and the immune system has been confirmed. Phycocyanin, having three colorings, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, has the potential to be used in various food formulations, such as yogurt, cheese, ice cream, etc., which have been proven in various research.