Potential protein phycocyanin: an overview on its properties, extraction, and utilization

Cyanobacteria capable of oxygenic photosynthesis uses multiple pigments to efficiently convert light radiation energy to chemical energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Tri-phosphate). A crucial pigment protein from its photosynthetic machinery called phycocyanin has been extensively studied for its immense application in fluorescent probe, food additives, nutraceutical applications, and silver-nanoparticles production. The present review provides a narrative amalgamation of the said applications and technologies to grow, extract, and purify the phycocyanin from various algal cultures. The expression of phycocyanin protein gene at the molecular level has been discussed for its potential to enhance the yield and stability. Furthermore, advantageous methods for the extraction and purification of phycocyanin from possible host cyanobacterial strains (Spirulina platensis, Cyanidium caldarium, Synechococcus vulcanus, Gracilaria chilensis, Polysiphonia urceolata, Thermosynechcoccus vulcanus, and Galdieria sulphuraria) such as physical, chemical and enzymatic methods are also compared to find the most efficient strategy in subsequent scientific applications. The comparative study also expects to ways to achieve sustainable development goal 3 i.e. good health & wellbeing.