A novel two-phase bioprocess for the production of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima LJGR1 at pilot plant scale during different seasons and for phycocyanin induction under controlled conditions.

•A two-stage process at pilot-plant scale allowed A. maxima growth and PC recovery.•During cultivation outdoors, biomass productivity was 13.63–18.97 gDWm−2 d−1.•Phycocyanin production was enhanced under controlled conditions with blue LED light.•Membranes allowed both biomass separation and recovery of a high purity phycocyanin.