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Microalgae for Pigments and Cosmetics
Published in Sanjeet Mehariya, Shashi Kant Bhatia, Obulisamy Parthiba Karthikeyan, Algal Biorefineries and the Circular Bioeconomy, 2022
Nídia S. Caetano, Priscila S. Corrêa, Wilson G. de Morais Júnior, Gisela M. Oliveira, António A.A. Martins, Teresa M. Mata, Monique Branco-Vieira
Notwithstanding, industrial mass cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactors has started only in the 1950s of the 20th century, propelled by the first Algal Mass-Culture Symposium held at the Stanford University and by a dedicated project of the Carnegie Institute (Burlew, 1953) that led to the establishment, in California, of one of the world's first research institutions and microalgae laboratories. The 1950s were the starting point of the recognition of the microalgae value as a mean to capture and store solar energy, but also as an edible source of important nutrients for human health. Spirulina species are widely recognized as important sources of protein and have gained popularity among food supplements and nutraceuticals (Habib and Ahsan, 2008; Hemantkumar and Rahimbhai, 2019; Molino et al., 2018). In the 1960s, Chlorella was the first microalga to be industrially produced in Asia (China, Taiwan, and Thailand) for food purposes (Benemann, 2016). Soon after, Dunaliella and Spirulina (Ben-Amotz et al., 1991; Raja et al., 2007; Vonshak and Richmond, 1988) also became industrially produced in large open ponds – raceways in Australia (Borowitzka and Borowitzka, 1990); in Israel – Eilat, the Red Sea at Nature Beta Technologies (Ben-Amotz, 1995), and then, in the 1980s, at Cyanotech – Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Cysewski, 2011), Spirulina and Haematococcus also started commercial production.
Single-Cell Protein Production
Published in Debabrata Das, Soumya Pandit, Industrial Biotechnology, 2021
Spirulina is used as a source of protein and dietary supplement extensively due to its major advantages, which we have seen. Many experiments and chemical trials have been done in order to test usage of Spirulina. It is even being used by farmers and financially deprived people due to its cost effectiveness and higher nutritional composition. Ingesting Spirulina as a dietary supplement has many advantages, such as helping in boosting immunity. The nutritional content of Spirulina is very high in terms of proteins and other macronutrients and hence this proves very worthwhile for poor people to have as a cost-effective food supplement. When Spirulina cells are converted into powder, it can be used to made a variety of food products which are good commercially and for people’s welfare (Andrade et al., 2018). Spirulina can grow in all three modes: autotrophically, heterothropically and mixotrophically (Figure 16.6).
Biocomposite Materials Based on Carbonized Rice Husk in Biomedicine and Environmental Applications
Published in Zulkhair A. Mansurov, Carbon Nanomaterials in Biomedicine and the Environment, 2020
Zulkhair A. Mansurov, Jakpar Jandosov, D. Chenchik, Seitkhan Azat, Irina S. Savitskaya, Aida Kistaubaeva, Nuraly Akimbekov, Ilya Digel, Azhar A. Zhubanova
Together with known probiotic strains, we have recently attempted to apply the approaches previously had been probed on Lactobacillus, on micro-algae Spirulina in order to check its behavior as a component of biocomposite materials. Spirulina platensis is a blue-green alga (photosynthesizing cyanobacterium) having diverse biological activities. Due to high content of highly valuable proteins, indispensable amino acids, vitamins, beta-carotene and other pigments, mineral substances, indispensable fatty acids and polysaccharides, Spirulina has been found suitable for use as bioactive additive [49]. Spirulina produces an immune-stimulating effect by enhancing the resistance of humans, mammals, chickens and fish to infections, has capacity of influencing hemopoiesis, stimulating the production of antibodies and cytokines [50]. Moreover, Spirulina preparations are regarded as functional products contributing to the preservation of the resident intestinal microflora, especially lactic acid bacilli and bifidobacteria, and to a decrease in the level of undesirable microorganisms like Candida albicans [51].
Perspectives of future water sources in Qatar by phytoremediation: biodiversity at ponds and modern approach
Published in International Journal of Phytoremediation, 2021
Moreover, Richer et al. (2015) have concluded that airborne neurotoxins produced by cyanobacteria in biological soil crusts might have caused a lot of inhalation difficulties for the people at the desert and military personnel during wars and training. However, these species have efficient nitrogen-fixing abilities, and can form symbiotic relationships with the roots of certain plants, such as Cycas and Azolla (Ray et al. 1978; Van Hove and Lejeune 2002; https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabaena; https://biologyboom.com/anabaena-for-b-s-only-scientific-classification/). Spirulina, on the other hand, is a microscopic and filamentous cyanobacterium that has been used as safe, functional food, and it has long been recognized as a dietary supplement since it is an excellent choice when tackling some nutritional issues related to human health (Karkos et al. 2011). However, some concerns have been raised, that such cyanobacteria might have a negative impact on such an aquatic system related to the production of neurotoxic substances (https://www.superfoodly.com/spirulina-chlorella-side-effects-benefits/).
Protective properties of filamentous blue–green alga Spirulina against the oxidative stress induced by cadmium in freshwater mussel Unio ravoisieri
Published in Chemistry and Ecology, 2019
Abdelhafidh Khazri, Ali Mezni, Badreddine Sellami, Samir Touaylia, Ichrak Noiyri, Hamouda Beyrem, Ezzeddine Mahmoudi
In this attractive area, algae have emerged as interesting significant organisms for the biological purification of water; because they are capable of accumulating plant nutrients, heavy metals, pesticides, organic, and inorganic toxic substances and radioactive matters in their cells/bodies and effective in the bioremoval and biodegradation of these pollutants [4]. Spirulina is a filamentous blue–green alga that is used commercially as a dietary supplement and food additive. Spirulina is also a good source of many phytochemicals, such as carotenoids, polyphenols and phycocyanin. In addition, it contains vitamin E and C, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium and co-enzyme Q10 [5,6]. The biomass of Spirulina was found to be an excellent source of carotenoids, protein, minerals, essential fatty acids and other constituents that have antioxidant activities [7,8].
Protective effect of Spirulina against cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity in mice
Published in Egyptian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2018
Fatma M. Eltantawy, Mohamed A. Ali Sobh, Ahmed M. EL-Waseef, Rehab-Allah A. Ibrahim, Mohamed A.A. Saad
The positive effects of Spirulina in allergic rhinitis are based on adequate evidence but larger trials are required. It is believed that the anticancer effects of Spirulina are perhaps derived from β-carotene, a known antioxidant; however, the link between β-carotene level and carcinogenesis cannot be established as the etiology of carcinoma is frequently multifactorial [33,34] . There are some positive studies on the cholesterol-lowering effects of Spirulina but larger studies are required before any definitive conclusions can be made. Finally, there are no high-level evidence trials on the role played by Spirulina in chronic fatigue and in antiviral applications. At the moment, what the literature suggests is that Spirulina is a safe food supplement without significant side-effects but its role as a drug remains to be seen.