Food and drug industry applications of microalgae Spirulina platensis: A review

Abstract

Spirulina platensis is a photosynthetic, blue‐green, spiral‐ or bulb‐shaped microalgae. Due to the presence of minerals, vitamins, pigments (carotenes, phycocyanin and chlorophyll) proteins (55%–70%), carbohydrates (15%–25%), and essential fatty acids (5%–8%), it has been used as a nutritional supplement for decades. NASA successfully employed it as a nutritional supplement for astronauts on space missions then its popularity was increased. The chemical composition of Spirulina, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, phenolics, vital fatty acids, amino acids, and pigments, can be beneficial to human health when incorporated into meals. The pharmacological effects include antibacterial, anticancer, metalloprotective, immune‐stimulating, and antioxidant. It modulates immunological activities and possesses anti‐inflammatory qualities by preventing mast cells from releasing histamine. Due to its high quantity of protein, carbohydrate, lipid, vital amino and fatty acids, dietary minerals and vitamins, Spirulina exerts the abovementioned benefits. In this review, up‐to‐date and possible biological aspects, patents applied on Spirulina and heights of confirmation are addressed, and the extent of current and future exploration is also explored.

Arthrospira platensis as future food: a review on functional ingredients, bioactivities and application in the food industry

“…Arthrospira platensis is microalgae that has been consumed for decades due to its high nutritional value and reported health benefits (Maddiboyina et al ., 2023). Arthrospira platensis contains almost all of the components of an ideal food, with a significant proportion of proteins, polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals and others.…”

“…Arthrospira platensis protein mainly comprises phycobiliproteins (phycocyanin, allophycocyanin and phycoerythrin) (Maddiboyina et al ., 2023). It is covalently linked by carrier protein and chromophoric group through thioether bonds.…”

“…However, studies suggested that A. platensis contains substances structurally similar to V B12 , but not the actual V B12 (Raposo & de Morais, 2015). Moreover, A. platensis has a ratio of biological zinc and iron that is consistent with the body's physiological needs and is easily absorbed (Maddiboyina et al ., 2023). Its iron content, at 0.58 mg·g −1 , is significantly higher than that of meat products, making it a valuable dietary supplement for individuals with iron deficiency anaemia.…”

“…Spirulina is the common or commercial name of a series of cyanobacteria species, and the most prevalent and widely utilised of these is Arthrospira platensis ( A. platensis ) (Maddiboyina et al ., 2023). Arthrospira platensis , previously known as Spirulina platensis ( S. platensis ), is a low‐level prokaryote in the Oscillatoriaceae, Oscillatoriales, Cyanophyceae and Cyanophyta (Ai et al ., 2023).…”

Effect of light spectrum, salinity, and glucose levels on Spirulina morphology

“…For commercial species of this genus, the term Spirulina , which may be simpler to say and remember, is commonly used in most industrial applications (Nowicka‐Krawczyk et al, 2019). Spirulina , the most widely produced microalgae, is distinguished by rapid growth, high protein content (50%–70% dry weight), and a unique unsaturated fatty acid (gamma linolenic acid) (Ciferri & Tiboni, 1985; Maddiboyina et al, 2023; Mahajan & Kamat, 1995; Shimamatsu, 2004).…”