Innovative solvent-based phycocyanin extraction from Arthrospira platensis

Arthrospira platensis is a cyanobacterium interesting for its high phycocyanin (C-PC; 10-20% w/w) and protein content (60-70% w/w). These components can be used as food/feed ingredients and additionally C-PC can be used for pharmaceutical applications due to its antioxidative, hepatoprotective and anti-carcinogenic properties. Current methods for C-PC extraction from A. platensis involve cell membrane lysis to release pigments in an aqueous extraction medium. Conventional cell lysis techniques, such as freeze-thawing and bead milling require long processing times and high energy inputs and result in release of other cell components, jeopardising the C-PC extract purity. Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) represent an emerging metabolite extraction technology which offers bio-safety, high extraction efficiency, improved stability and specificity towards the desired target compound. The present work focused on C-PC extraction by emerging cell lysis (ultrasonication) and metabolite extraction with hydrophilic NaDES.