The formation of phycocyanin-EGCG complex for improving the color protection stability exposing to light

•The phycocyanin-EGCG complexes (PE) can be prepared by weak interactions.•EGCG causes the structural change of phycocyanin by partially uncoiling α-helix.•The color stability of phycocyanin is improved by EGCG under light conditions.•The EGCG-binding strategy is potential to improve the shelf life of phycocyanin.