Evaluation of Phycocyanin Production from Arthrospira platensis in Saline Culture Media (Phase 2)

This research project, in its second phase, focuses on addressing the lack of development of high-value biotechnological products in Ecuador, specifically phycocyanin, a protein pigment extracted from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (spirulina). Phycocyanin has broad applications in the food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. The main problem lies in the difficulty of obtaining these products due to the scarcity of local biorefineries and the growing need for sustainable functional food sources. The justification is based on the potential of cyanobacteria for bioremediation and the production of valuable metabolites. The hypothesis posits a production exceeding 8% of phycocyanin under saline culture conditions. The methodology includes establishing and scaling up the A. platensis culture, standardizing phycocyanin extraction and quantification methods, and evaluating the productivity of biomass and phycocyanin in different saline culture media by varying NaCl concentration and nitrogen source. Techniques such as spectrophotometry, sonication, and centrifugation will be employed. Expected outcomes include publication in a Web of Science indexed journal and conclusions regarding the use of non-potable water as a culture matrix, contributing to food security and responsible production.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To evaluate different saline culture media in the production of phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and genetic resources