CLONING AND SEQUENCING OF THE ALLOPHYCOCYANIN GENES FROM SPIRULINA MAXIMA (CYANOPHYTA)

The genes coding for the α-and β-subunit of allophycocyanin (apcA and apcB) fromthe cyanophyte Spirulina maxima were cloned and sequenced. The results revealed 44.4% of nucleotidesequence similarity and 30.4% of similarity of deduced amino acid sequence between them. The aminoacid sequence identities between S. maxima and S. platensis are 99 .4% for α subunit and 100% for βsubunit.

IRON IONS INCREASE THE THERMOSTABILITY OF PHYCOCYANIN OF SPIRULINA MAXIMA

A spectral method to investigate the effect of Fe3+, Fe2+ on the thermostability ofphycocyanin (PC) of Spirulina maxima showed that iron ions prevent decrease of visible light absorbanceand fluorescence intensity of PC. Increase in denaturation temperature caused by Fe3+ was observed bythe micro - differential scanning calorimetric method. All results showed iron ions maintain the aggrega-tion stability of the PC. The absorption spectrum of phycocyanobilin (PCB, a prosthetic group of PC) withFe3+ in chloroform was quite different from that of free PCB.

Isolation and Characterization of C-phycocyanin from Spirulina Platensis

The isolation of biliproteins from the Spirulina platensis cultured in southern China was accomplished with gel filtration on Sephacryl S 200 and chromatography on hydroxylapatite. The spectrophotometry, isoelectric point, and amino acid composition of C phycocyanin were determined, respectively.

Purification and Antioxidant Activities of Phycocyanin from Spirulina Platensis

This study aimed to purify and determine antioxidant activities of different fractions obtained during the purification process of phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis. The dried powder of Spirulina platensis, after ground with sands, was extracted with 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 6.8 before centrifuged to precipitate unwanted proteins. Then the supernatant was separated by celit column to obtain semi-pure phycocyanin and further purified by treated with ammonium sulfate. The purity of phycocyanin was monitored by measuring the absorbance spectrum from 200 to 700 nm. Its purity ratio A620A280 was determined. The antioxidant activities of the obtained phycocyanin were determined by 2,2＇-azino-bis（3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid） （ABTS） assay and lipid peroxidation （linoleie acid） assay. The purity ratio of phycocyanin in the Spirulina crude extract was 0.36 and increased to 2.68 after purification. The fraction with the highest purity ratio of phycocyanin demonstrated the hightest antioxidant activities. For ABTS assay, it presented the Vitamin C Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity （VCEAC） value of 0.0405 ±0.0002 mg of ascorbic acid/mg of sample and the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity （TEAC） value of 0.0485 ±0.0002 mg oftrolox/mg of sample respectively. The result from lipid peroxidation assay exhibited IC50 value of 5.9336 ±0.2565 mg/mL. The purification of Spirulinaplatensis crude extract obtained from this study increased the purity ratio of phycocyanin and its antioxidant activities. This will be further investigated for the development into anti-aging cosmetic products.

Effect of Hg(II) and Pb(II) Ions on C-Phycocyanin (<i>Spirulina</i><i>platensis</i>)

Influence of Hg(II) and Pb(II) ions on C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) from cyanobacteria Spirulina platensis was investigated using Fluorescence spectroscopy. Fluorescence measurements demonstrate quenching of C-PC emission by Hg(II) and Pb(II), and blue shifts in the fluorescence spectra. The effect of DNA on the fluorescence of Hg(II)-and Pb(II)-C-PC (from Spirulina platensis) complexes was also studied. It was shown that the fluorescence intensity of Hg-C-PC after addition of DNA gave rise to the fluorescence buildup. At the same time, addition of DNA to the Pb(II)-C-PC complexes showed no such effect. In the case of Hg(II)-C-PC, fluorescence intensity significantly decreases in time, while for Pb(II)-C-PC, decrease of the fluorescence intensity is not significant, but blue shift of the peak takes place.

Development of a Functional Food Snack Product Utilizing Underexplored and Underutilized Ingredients: Spirulina Microalgae and Bilberry

Spirulina, a protein-rich cyanobacterium, and Bilberry, a dark berry, have the potential to be used as functional food ingredients in the food industry. These two underexplored and underutilized ingredients were used to develop an adolescent-friendly functional snack food product in the light of food industry trends. Stages of product development, shelf life/physiochemical analysis (texture, pH, color, and water activity) and sensory evaluation were utilized in developing a functional snack mini muffin containing Spirulina and Bilberry. Aqueous (AQ) and 80% ethanol (ET) extracts of mini muffin formulations (chocolate, 1% Spirulina (S) + 4% Bilberry (B), 2% Spirulina (S) + 8% Bilberry (B)) were prepared using a standard protocol. Antioxidant potential was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) assays. Utilizing a 5-point hedonic scale (1—Dislike very much, 2—Dislike a little, 3—Neither like nor dislike, 4—Like a little, 5—Like very much), 3 mini muffin formulations (chocolate, 1% S + 4% B, 2% S +8% B), were tested among consumer panelists, with 1% S + 4% B being the most acceptable based on taste, texture, color, aroma, appearance, etc. Texture (post-peak (N) of the mini muffin did not vary between chocolate and 1 S% + 4% B formulations;however, 2% S + 8% B was 1.09 times higher compared to its counterparts. pH, color, and water activity remained constant over the 9-day shelf-life period. The Spirulina and Bilberry muffins developed exhibited antioxidant activities (highest in 2% S + 8% B), and were accepted by the sensory panelists for color, taste, mouthfeel, and aroma (panelists preferred 1% S + 4% B).

Anti-Oxidative Effects of Bioactive Compounds in Spirulina Microalgae and Bilberry

Spirulina and Bilberry are underexplored and underutilized in the food industry. Therefore, this research focuses on determining the antioxidative properties of Spirulina and Bilberry for future use in functional food product development. The objective was to determine the Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) in Spirulina and Bilberry extracts (Aqueous and Ethanol extracts) and their antioxidative potential (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP), Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), and Nitric Oxide Radical Scavenging Ability (NORS)). Spirulina and Bilberry pure and combination samples [100% Spirulina (100S), 100% Bilberry (100B), 50% Spirulina + 50% Bilberry (50S + 50B), 75% Spirulina + 25% Bilberry (75S + 25B), & 25% Spirulina + 75% Bilberry (25S + 75B)], were extracted with aqueous (deionized water) and 80% ethanol solutions. Colorimetric antioxidant assays were used to determine total phenolics, total flavonoids, and their antioxidant potential. 80% ethanol Spirulina and Bilberry (pure and combination) extracts resulted in higher TFC, FRAP, and DPPH, whereas aqueous extracts had higher TPC, NORS, and TEAC, suggesting both hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds in Spirulina and Bilberry. Spirulina and Bilberry are two potential functional food ingredients for the food industry due to their antioxidative properties.

Production of Spirulina platensis Using Inexpensive Local Resources in Palestine

Spirulina platensis is a special and unique cyanobacteria that is produced worldwide with a varied cost of cultivation media. In this study, five main experiments with different treatments were performed to evaluate the possibility of using cheap aquaculture water for Spirulina production, to test if solutions made by plant ash (PAS) could be used for Spirulina production, to determine if brackish water (BW) and mining water have a good impact on Spirulina production, to create a medium composed of cheap chemicals and fertilizers to be used for Spirulina cultivation, and to test if a mixture made from local components could be used to produce Spirulina. All experiments were performed via growth and dry weight measurements, including determination of chemical and physical characteristics of the samples with a comparison with Zarrouk medium (ZM) as a reference for each experiment, and all experiments were performed for 21 days to determine the best media type that lasts longer for commercial purposes. In all experiments, pH values were between 8 and 11, and EC was between 9.8 and 30 ms/cm, while temperature was at 30°C and 35°C, and light was at 1500 and 5000 Lux for 16 h light and 8 h dark. Spirulina can grow in (FW). It can also grow in FW diluted with BW. Also a 3% PAS can be used as a source to cultivate Spirulina at a very low price compared to ZM. The chemical fertilizer formula was one of the best types among all treatments with a good price. A mixture of these local resources could be a very good cheap alternative source. The main result that was obtained from all experiments in this study is the ability of Spirulina to grow within a wide range of chemical parameters at a lower price.

Construction of energy transfer model of C-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin from Spirulina platensis

PHYCOBILIPROTEINS. which include phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, phycoerythroeyanin and allophycocyanin, are intensively coloured, highly fluorescent, water soluble chromoproteins. They are composed of at least two dissimilar polypeptides, α and β subunits, in a molar ratio of 1:1. The subunits possess linear tetrapyrrole prosthetic groups covalently linked to the primary structure via cysteine thioether linkages. In blue-green and red algae, phycobiliproteins occur in a supramolecular structure, the phycobilisome, located on the surface of thylakoid to

A New Species of Spirulina (Arthrospira) from the Mu Us Sandy Land of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China

A new species, Spirulina (Arthrospira) bayannurensis B. Sh. Li et C. Qiao sp. nov. was firstly collected from the Lake of Bayannur, Mu Us Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China on April 30, 1996 The morphological characteristics of the new species are described and illustrated by light micrographs, scanning and transmission electron micrographs. The type specimen of this new species is kept in Herbarium of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University.

Effect of CeCl_3 on the Photosynthetic Characteristics of Spirulina Platensis

In this paper we report that CeCl3 could accelerate the synthesis of chlorophyll a and protein in spirulina platensis. and enhance the activity of oxygen evolution. We also found that the accelerations of CeCl3 in spirulina platensis culture solution of low NaHCO3 were more than in culture solution of high NaHCO3, therefore it was related to the concentration of NaHCO3 The absorption spectrum and low temperature (77 K) fluorescence emission spectrum of spirulina platensis with CeCl3 treated were significantly different from their controls,i.e.its absorption peak of phycocyanin at 620 nm was higher than that of the control.its absorption peak at the long wave region migrated from 676 to 680 nm, and its fluorecence emission ratios (730 nm/685～695 nm) of photosystem I(PSI) to photosystem Ⅱ(PS Ⅱ) were also higher than those of the control; the pitch of the spiral algal body became shorter, and induced structural changes too.

螺旋藻(Spirulina plbaensis)多糖对辐射遗传损伤的防护效应

通过螺旋藻(Spirulina platensis)多糖对蚕豆种子进行辐射前处理与后处理的比较研究。蚕豆根尖细胞的微核畸变量与染色体畸变类型的结果表明:螺旋藻多糖是一种天然的辐射防护剂。在0.1％和0.

Extraction of Polysaccharides from Spirulina with Boiling Water

[Objective] The aim of this study was to develop a simple and effective method for the polysaccharide extraction from Spirulina. [Method] The polysaccha- rides were directly extracted from the fresh algae mat or dry powder of Spirulina in boiling water. The contents and quality of the extracted polysaccharides were measured. [Result] On average, 236.06 g of polysaccharide was extracted from 25 kg of fresh Spirulina mat, with a yield rate of 0.94%, while 191.95 g of polysac- charide was extracted from 2.5 kg of dry powder of Spirulina with a yield rate of 0.77%. The polysaccharide content in the extract of fresh Spirulina mat was 12.56% （according to glucose content）, while that of the dry powder was 12.38% （according to glucose content）; the glucose was produced during the hydrolysis of Spirulina polysaccharide. [Conclusion] Extraction polysaccharide from Spirulina with boiling wa- ter greatly reduces the use of ethanol, and the possibility of pollution from the ex- ogenous non-food chemical reagents, so that the extracted polysaccharides can be used as food materials. This method makes it possible to establish the production line for Spirulina polysaccharide.

Investigation on the Detrimental Effects of Salt Stress on Photosynthesis of Spirulina platensis

[Objective] This study aimed to gain better understanding of the effects of salt stress on photosynthesis of Spirulina platensis. [Method] A salt stress simulation experiment was carried out, in which Spirulina platensis cells were incubated with different salt concentrations （0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0 mol/L of NaCI）. Subsequently, some photosynthesis-related parameters were determined after incubated at various NaCI concentrations for 24 h. [Result] Under our experimental conditions, chlorophyll, carotenoid, phycocyanin and allophycocyanin contents, and photosynthesis rate decreased with the increasing NaCI concentrations. Above the 0.5 mol/L Na- CI level, the detrimental effect of salt stress became more severe. [Conclusion] From the results obtained in this investigation, we can conclude that the decrease in chlorophyll, carotenoid, phycocyanin and allophycocyanin contents may be the most important reason causing the decline in photosynthsis rate which strongly affects the biomass yield of Spirulina platensis in outdoor cultivation

Physicochemical degradation of phycocyanin and means to improve its stability:A short review

The cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis,spirulina,is a source of pigments such as phycobiliprotein and phycocyanin.Phycocyanin is used in the food,cosmetics,and pharmaceutical industries because of its antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anticancer properties.The different steps involved in extraction and purification of this protein can alter the final properties.In this review,the stability of phycocyanin(pH,temperature,and light)is discussed,considering the physicochemical parameters of kinetic modeling.The optimal working pH range for phycocyanin is between 5.5 and 6.0 and it remains stable up to 45℃;however,exposure to relatively high temperatures or acidic pH decreases its half-life and increases the degradation kinetic constant.Phycobiliproteins are sensitive to light;preservatives such as mono-and disaccharides,citric acid,or sodium chloride appear to be effective stabilizing agents.Encapsulation within nano-or micro-structured materials such as nanofibers,microparticles,or nanoparticles,can also preserve or enhance its stability.

Seawater Acclimation of Spirulina

[Objective] This study aimed to seek the cultivation method for Spirulina with seawater. [Method] Spirulina was habituated culture progressively with prepared seawater acclimation solution. The morphological changes of Spirulina were observed and its biochemical indicators were measured. [Result] A new algae species was obtained, which had better stability and greater average length than Spirulina in fresh water. Compared with the Spirulina in fresh water, the new algae species showed no significant change in chlorophyll content, but a 62.8% increase in the concentration of phycocyanin. [Conclusion] The method could save resources and cost, which lays the foundation for large scale production and processing of Spirulina.

The phycocyanin-chlorophyll-protein complexes isolated from Chroomonas placoidea

An active photosystem(PS)Ⅱparticle and two light-harvesting complexes,as well as their subcomplexes that have not been reported previously,were isolated from a cryptophyte Chroomonas placoidea by Triton X-100 sucrose density gradient centrifugation.The fluorescence spectra revealed that there were efficient energy couplings between phycocyanin(PC645)and chlorophyll(Chl)within both zonesⅢandⅣof the gradient,which were designated respectively as light-harvesting complex and PSⅡparticles whose size was 15-20 nm according to negative staining in electron microscopy.When the two complexes were further resolved into sub-complexes,the energy coupling was retained in the core PSⅡcomplex(named as zoneⅣ-2 of the sucrose gradient),which contained almost no outer antenna pigment Chl c.Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE)showed that the PC645 components appeared in Chl-containing protein complexes were mainly the β subunit with molecular weight of 20 kDa.These results demonstrate that PC645 in this cryptophyte was structurally but preferentially combined with the light-harvesting complex and PSⅡcore.The excitation energy absorbed by PC645 could be directly transferred to Chl a(especially the long wavelength of Chl a)in the PSⅡreaction center or via the Chl a/c-protein complex.The β subunit corresponded to the terminal fl uorescence emission and might play an important role in transmitting energy from PC645 to the Chl-protein complex.The results will help in elucidating the architecture and function of the energy transfer system comprising phycobiliproteins and Chl-protein complexes in cryptophytes.

Subunit composition and chromophore content of R－phycocyanin and allophycocyanin from Porphyra haitanensis

R-phycocyanin (RPC) of Porphyra haitanensis (T. J. Chang et B. F. Zheng )' was chromatographed on Bio-Rex 70 column with urea solution (pH 3. 0) as an eluent, and a and β two subunits were isolated.Their molecular weights were determined on SDS-PAGE at 18 400 and 20 500, respetively,while those of a and β subunits of allophycocyanin (APC) at 18 800 and 19 700, respectively,and those of RPC and APC were at 117 000 and 122 000,respectively.Both the molar ratio of a and β subests of RPC and APC were 1:1, and the subunit composition was confirmed to be (αβ )3.It was ascertained that in RPC αsubunit contains one chromophore phycocyanobilin (PCB) and β subunit has one chromophore PCB and one phycoerythrobilin (PEB), while in APC both α and βsubunits contain one PCB.

极大螺旋藻(Spirulina maxima)藻蓝蛋白基因的克隆及其同源性分析

藻蓝蛋白是红藻和蓝绿藻中一种重要的捕光色素蛋白.克隆了编码极大螺旋藻藻蓝蛋白α和β两个亚基的基因,序列分析表明该基因全长为1119bp.β亚基基因位于α亚基基因上游,两个亚基基因序列长度分别为519bp和489bp,中间被111bp的基因片段间隔.除编码α和β两个亚基的开放阅读密码框外,还存在两个潜在的开放阅读密码框,但这两个密码框的意义还不清楚.比较了该藻蓝蛋白氨基酸序列和来自于其他藻类的藻蓝蛋白氨基酸序列的同源性以及藻蓝蛋白α和β两个亚基之间氨基酸序列的同源性,总的来说其同源性在45.9%～99%之间,α和β两个亚基氨基酸序列同源性为27.1%.藻蓝蛋白包含许多疏水性氨基酸,这些疏水性氨基酸在藻胆蛋白的聚集过程中起着极为重要的作用.分析表明编码藻蓝蛋白α和β两个亚基基因的密码子显示出非对称性.

钝顶螺旋藻(Spirulina platensis)对生活污水的生物净化与修复

探讨了钝顶螺旋藻(Spirulina platensis,SP)对生活污水的生物修复与净化作用。用厨房污水(KW)接种SP后摇瓶光照培养,观察藻细胞在KW中的生长状态,分析其中β-胡萝卜素和C-藻蓝蛋白的含量,并比较接种前和培养10d后KW中BOD、COD、NH3-N、NO3-N和PO4-P质量浓度的变化。结果发现,SP可在KW原液(KW100)和80%(体积分数)KW(KW80)中维持较好生长,并且藻细胞中C-藻蓝蛋白含量明显增加(P<0.05)。培养10d后,KW100中BOD、COD、NH3-N、NO3-N和PO34-P的去除率分别为77.6%、75.2%、97.8%、98.2%和64.5%,对KW100中Zn、Se等元素能够有效富集,对一些重金属污染物的去除率也大于50%。研究结果表明,螺旋藻培养对生活污水有较好的生物净化作用。