Spirulina platensis

IC 50 value obtained for the inhibition of COX-2 by phycocyanin is much lower (180 nM) as compared to those of celecoxib (255 nM) and rofecoxib (401 nM), the wellknown selective COX-2 inhibitors. In the human whole blood assay, phycocyanin very efficiently inhibited COX-2 with an IC 50 value of 80 nM. Reduced phycocyanin and phycocyanobilin, the chromophore of phycocyanin are poor inhibitors of COX-2 without COX-2 selectivity. This suggests that apoprotein in phycocyanin plays a key role in the selective inhibition of COX-2. The present study points out that the hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic properties of phycocyanin reported in the literature may be due, in part, to its selective COX-2 inhibitory property, although its ability to efficiently scavenge free radicals and effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation may also be involved.

Spirulina platensis was cultivated, in comparative studies, using several sources of nitrogen. The standard source used (sodium nitrate) was the same as that used in the synthetic medium Zarrouk, whereas the alternative nitrogen sources consisted of ammonium nitrate, urea, ...

The influence of nutrient addition on the growth rate of Spirulina platensis in the Mangueira Lagoon water was studied in order to investigate the feasibility of using this water for biomass production. The addition of urea and sodium bicarbonate was studied through surface response methodology, over concentration ranges from 0.0 to 0.01170 M, and 0.0-19.70 g l)1 respectively. The growth of Spirulina platensis in Mangueira Lagoon water with no addition of nutrients was carried out and compared with the biomass growth after nutrient addition. The results indicated that the optimal level of nutrients was 0.00585 M urea and without the addition of sodium bicarbonate. The biomass concentration was 1.4 g l)1 in 780 h of cultivation and the doubling time (t d) was 3.85 days. In 300 h, the biomass concentration in the medium without nutrient addition was 0.9 g l)1 , with a doubling time of 3.80 days.

Phycocyanin extraction from cyanobacteria Spirulina platensis was optimized using factorial design and response surface techniques. The effects of temperature and biomass-solvent ratio on phycocyanin concentration and extract purity were evaluated to determine the optimum conditions for phycocyanin extraction. The optimum conditions for the extraction of phycocyanin from S. platensis were the highest biomass-solvent ratio, 0.08 g mL À1 , and 25°C. Under these conditions it's possible to obtain an extract of phycocyanin with a concentration of 3.68 mg mL À1 and purity ratio (A 615 /A 280) of 0.46.

The recently reported crystal structures of the membrane-embedded proton-dependent c-ring rotors of a cyanobacterial F 1 F o ATP synthase and a chloroplast F 1 F o ATP synthase have provided new insights into the mechanism of this essential enzyme. While the overall features of these crings are similar, a discrepancy in the structure and hydrogen-bonding interaction network of the H + sites suggests two distinct binding modes, potentially reflecting a mechanistic differentiation. Importantly, the conformation of the key glutamate side chain to which the proton binds is also altered. To investigate the nature of these differences, we use molecular dynamics simulations of both c-rings embedded in a phospholipid membrane. We observe that the structure of the c 15 ring from Spirulina platensis is unequivocally stable within the simulation time. By contrast, the proposed structure of the H + site in the chloroplast c 14 ring changes rapidly and consistently into that reported for the c 15 ring, indicating that the latter represents a common binding mode. To assess this hypothesis, we have remodeled the c 14 ring by molecular replacement using the published structure factors. The resulting structure provides clear evidence in support of a common binding site conformation and is also considerably improved statistically. These findings, taken together with a sequence analysis of csubunits in the ATP synthase family, indicate that the so-called proton-locked conformation observed in the c 15 ring may be a common characteristic not only of light-driven systems such as chloroplasts and cyanobacteria but also of a selection of other bacterial species.

Nutritional fortiˆcation of Spirulina with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was attempted. Fish oil, DHA ethyl and free DHA were supplemented into the culture of Spirulina as a source of DHA. Exogenous DHA in triglycerides and ethyl ester were not taken up into Spirulina cells. However, the cells took up the DHA in free form from

The behavior of S. platensis was investigated in this study through fed-batch pulse-feeding cultures performed at different carbon dioxide feeding rates (F = 0.44-1.03 g L −1 d −1 ) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD = 80-250 mol photons m −2 s −1 ) in a bench-scale helical photobioreactor. To achieve this purpose, an inorganic medium lacking the carbon source was enriched by gaseous carbon dioxide from a cylinder. The maximum cell concentration achieved was 12.8 g L −1 at PPFD = 166 mol photons m −2 s −1 and F = 0.44 g L −1 d −1 of CO 2 . At PPFD = 80 and 125 mol photons m −2 s −1 , the carbon utilization efficiency (CUE) reached maximum values of 50 and 69%, respectively, after about 20 days, and then it decreased, thus highlighting a photolimitation effect. At PPFD = 166 mol photons m −2 s −1 , CUE was ≥90% between 20 and 50 days. The photosynthetic efficiency reached its maximum value (9.4%) at PPFD = 125 mol photons m −2 s −1 . The photoinhibition threshold appeared to strongly depend on the feeding rate: at high PPFD, an increase in the amount of fed CO 2 delayed the inhibitory effect on biomass growth, whereas at low PPFD, excess CO 2 addition caused the microalga to stop growing.

A filamentous non-N 2 -fixing cyanobacterium, Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis, is an important organism for industrial applications and as a food supply. Almost the complete genome of A. platensis NIES-39 was determined in this study. The genome structure of A. platensis is estimated to be a single, circular chromosome of 6.8 Mb, based on optical mapping. Annotation of this 6.7 Mb sequence yielded 6630 proteincoding genes as well as two sets of rRNA genes and 40 tRNA genes. Of the protein-coding genes, 78% are similar to those of other organisms; the remaining 22% are currently unknown. A total 612 kb of the genome comprise group II introns, insertion sequences and some repetitive elements. Group I introns are located in a protein-coding region. Abundant restriction-modification systems were determined. Unique features in the gene composition were noted, particularly in a large number of genes for adenylate cyclase and haemolysin-like Ca 21 -binding proteins and in chemotaxis proteins. Filamentspecific genes were highlighted by comparative genomic analysis.

The in uence of light intensity reduction on Spirulina platensis cultivation was investigated, using urea and KNO3 as nitrogen sources. The reduction of light intensity from 5 to 2 klux was studied both on the 9th and the 13th day of cultivation. Increases of up to 29% in the total chlorophyll production were observed for the cultivations with light intensity reduction, in comparison with the cultivations carried out at ÿxed light intensities. ?

The possibility that c-phycocyanin serves as a nitrogen source in Spirutina platensis during nitrogen starvation was studied. The following evidence was obtained in support of this idea. 1. Under favourable conditions for growth, c-phycocyanin existed in large excess in the algal cells. 2. When the supply of nitrogen was low, about 30-50 % of the c-phycocyanin disappeared without any effect on the maximal growth rate. 3. A culture which was deprived of nitrogen continued to grow unaffectedly for a period, the duration of which depended on the c-phycocyanin content in the cell before nitrogen starvation was initiated. 4. c-phycocyanin was the only nitrogenous compound that was depleted during the course of nitrogen starvation when growth was yet unaffected. 5. When protein synthesis was inhibited either by nitrogen starvation or by methionine sulfoximine (MSO), phycocyanin content began to decline immediately and growth contimled at normal rates as long as c-phycocyanin did not decline below 50 %. 6. The decrease in c-phycocyanin content during nitrogen starvation was accompanied by an increase in proteolytic activity.

The cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms such as the microalga Spirulina platensis can provide an alternative source of food. The water in Mangueira Lagoon (Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil) has several required nutrients for the growth of Spirulina and could be added to culture medium to reduce the cost of producing S. platensis. Although little studied, repeated batch cultivation is a very useful technique because it has a better cost-benefit ratio than other cultivation methods. In a series of runs, we studied the influence of cell concentration, renewal rate and strain on the specific growth rate and biomass productivity of S. platensis during repeated batch cultivation, the runs taking place in 2-l Erlenmeyer flasks for 2160 h at 30°C and a light intensity of 2500 lux under a 12 h photoperiod. The three factors studied had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on the results (specific growth rate and productivity). Using Zarrouk's medium, the highest specific growth rate (l X ) was 0.111 day )1 while the biomass productivity (P X ) was 0.0423 g l )1 day )1 , while Mangueira Lagoon water supplemented with 10% Zarrouk's medium gave l X = 0.113 day )1 and a productivity P X = 0.0467 g l )1 day )1 . These values were two to three times higher than the results obtained in batch cultivation, indicating that the repeated batch cultivation of S. platensis is attractive and convenient. for the study of photosynthetic organisms growing

The limitation of fresh water and the exorbitant cost of land to grow such plants, algae are the most optimum organisms for CO 2 bio-sequestration and also microalgae cultures avail many characteristics that make them an arguable option for higher productivities as compared to higher plants. The aim of this study was the sequestrate CO 2 by Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris under the different levels of salinity and CO 2. The highest growth rate obtained during the first 4 days and higher biomass concentration at CO 2 concentration from0.03% to 10% respectively. The significant (p<0.05) biomass productivity, growth rate and CO 2 sequestration rate under different level of CO 2 and EC between Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris were detected. The ultimate CO 2 sequestration rate of Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris were 0.49 and 0.152 g/L/d in natural water respectively, although in artificial sea water 0.419 and 0.097 g/L/d were recorded at 10% CO 2 concentrations respectively.

The influence of nutrient addition on the growth rate of Spirulina platensis in the Mangueira Lagoon water was studied in order to investigate the feasibility of using this water for biomass production. The addition of urea and sodium bicarbonate was studied through surface response methodology, over concentration ranges from 0.0 to 0.01170 M, and 0.0–19.70 gl−1 respectively. The growth of Spirulina platensis in Mangueira Lagoon water with no addition of nutrients was carried out and compared with the biomass growth after nutrient addition. The results indicated that the optimal level of nutrients was 0.00585 M urea and without the addition of sodium bicarbonate. The biomass concentration was 1.4 gl−1 in 780 h of cultivation and the doubling time (t d) was 3.85 days. In 300 h, the biomass concentration in the medium without nutrient addition was 0.9 gl−1, with a doubling time of 3.80 days.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with various light wavelengths (red, yellow, green, blue and white) and various levels of light intensity (750, 1500 and 3000 mol m −2 s −1 ) are applied to study the effects of light sources on chlorophyll a (Chl) and phycocyanin (Phy) production of Spirulina platensis. Logistic rate equations are used to depict the kinetic behavior of algal growth and pigments formation under various light sources and intensities. According to the regression results, a red LED is the best for algae growth. On the other hand, yellow light gives the best specific Chl production rate with a light intensity of 750 or 1500 mol m −2 s −1 , and blue light yields the best specific pigments (for Chl and Phy) production rates at 3000 mol m −2 s −1 . From the model fitting results, it is found that, at a higher light intensity, a higher specific Chl production rate accompanied by a higher S. platensis biomass is obtained. However, as for Phy production, a higher biomass results in a lower specific Phy production rate. The only exception is the use of blue light, which shows a positive effect on both Chl and Phy production rates under a higher light intensity.

A common perception of photobioreactor is an enclosed system which allows light to penetrate through with suitable circulation, cooling system and perfected with arrays of sensor to monitor culture parameters. This paper presents simple floating photobioractor (PBR) experiments that were placed on water bodies without any facilities of computerized controlled systems. The idea is to study the effects of different photobioreactors shape and different aeration placement on the productivity of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina). In this study, simple floating PBRs were designed in two different shape form using water container, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials. Simple land PBR was prepared with High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic bag, (25cm x 50cm). All PBRs were aerated from both top and bottom either with or without air stone for 10 days of A. platensis cultivation with daily monitoring of growth parameters. For bottom aeration, highest productivity was shown by Angular PBR with air stone (AS) at 0.090±0.002 gL -1 d -1 ; while for top aeration, the productivity was shown highest by Cylindrical PBR aerated also with air stone (AS) at 0.071±0.001 gL -1 d -1 . Overall biomass of floating PBRs with and without air stone are significantly higher than land based PBRs. Regardless of having sophisticated designs for cultivation system, developing countries could use simple floating PBRs for commercial applications.

Various light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with different light wavelengths and illumination intensities were employed to explore the effects of light source on photoautotrophic cultivation of Spirulina platensis. From the experimental results, red LED exhibited the highest specific growth rate of 0.40 (day −1 ) under the condition of 3000 mol m −2 s −1 . Blue LED showed the least efficiency in the conversion of photon to biomass. Hence, a modified Monod model was proposed to fit the specific growth rates of S. platensis from different light sources. The light intensity threshold for minimum photoautotrophic growth was also determined. In comparing the economic efficiency of energy to biomass, the use of red LED gave the most effective performance for the photoautotrophic cultivation.

Chlorophyll is a pigment used as colorant in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. It can be obtained in considerable quantities from Spirulina platensis biomass. In this work, the cultivation of the microalga was done using urea as the nitrogen source by a fed-batch process. The addition of urea was done in four di erent modes: intermittent addition every 24 or 48 h, continuous addition by exponentially increasing the added mass, and continuous addition by using a constant mass ow rate. The experiments were carried out at three di erent temperatures: 27 • C; 30 • C and 33 • C and at a constant light intensity of 3:5 klx. The results showed a positive in uence of urea in the growth of Spirulina but no e ect on the ÿnal chlorophyll content of the cultures. Best results were obtained by continuous urea addition in exponentially increasing amount, at 30 • C. ?

The cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis has been used by humans because of its nutritional and possibly medicinal effects. Our study evaluated the influence of temperature and nitrogen concentration in the medium on the production of biomass by this cyanobacterium and ...

The ability of Spirulina platensis LB2340 to grow on carbon dioxide and mixtures of bicarbonate/carbonate was compared under light irradiation conditions simulating those naturally present in temperate latitudes. Batch tests performed at 25°C in open tanks suggested that inorganic carbon is preferentially assimilated in the form of bicarbonate and that its utilization efficiency depends either on pH or final biomass level. The efficiencies of photosynthesis (PE) and carbon utilization (CUE) on carbon dioxide reached maximum values (&gt;6 and 38%) after 4 and ≥7 days, respectively. They then progressively decreased. Fed-batch tests performed on carbon dioxide showed the highest values of biomass concentration (1.50 g l−1) and PE (1.1%) under pseudo steady-state conditions at 0.25 l per day feeding rate.

RESUMEN El proyecto de investigación se basó en un análisis a la microalga Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), que fue estudiada mediante la aplicación de varios tratamientos con distintas condiciones específicas que permitan una mejor asimilación de la misma, en el caso de ser aplicada como ingrediente farmacéutico activo o suplemento proteico. El mejor tratamiento obtuvo las siguientes condiciones: pH 5, relación 1:20 de sustrato: agua y una temperatura de hidrólisis mantenida en un rango entre 65°C y 70°C. El hidrolizado fue pulverizado mediante secado por aspersión que dio un rendimiento óptimo de 73,89 % y una coloración distinta a la Spirulina en polvo concentrada, a causa de la modificación estructural de las ficobiliproteínas en el proceso hidrolítico. Además se analizó el grado de hidrólisis del polvo mediante una comparación del contenido de nitrógeno amínico del hidrolizado y la Spirulina en polvo concentrada, además se aplicó técnicas de electroforesis SDS – PAGE y cromatografía RP – HPLC, que permitieron determinar que el proceso de hidrólisis fue idóneo y se logró obtener una mezcla compleja de péptidos y aminoácidos libres con bajos pesos moleculares que cumplen con las características necesarias para la futura aplicación del hidrolizado de Spirulina como ingrediente funcional. ABSTRACT The research project was based on an analysis of the Spirulina microalgae (Arthrospira platensis), which was studied by the application of several treatments with different specific conditions that allow a better assimilation of the alga, in case of being applied as active pharmaceutical ingredient or protein supplement. The best treatment was attained at the conditions: pH 5, a concentration of 5% (in relation to 1:20 of substrate: water) and at a hydrolysis temperature maintained in a range of 65 °C to 70 °C. The hydrolyzate was sprayed by spray drying which gave an optimum yield of 73.89% and a different coloration to Spirulina powder concentrate because of the structural modification of the phycobiliproteins in the hydrolytic process. In addition, the degree of hydrolysis of the powder was analyzed by a comparison of the amine nitrogen content of the hydrolyzate and Spirulina powder concentrate, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and RP-HPLC chromatography techniques were also applied, which allowed to determine that the hydrolysis process was adequate and produced a complex mixture of free amino acids and low molecular weights peptides with with the necessary characteristics for the future application of Spirulina hydrolyzate as functional ingredient. INTRODUCCIÓN La Spirulina es un alga unicelular que crece y se multiplica en aguas naturales de medio alcalino. El nombre de Spirulina se deriva de la palabra latina " espiral o hélix " , que se refiere a su configuración física. Se le llama alga azul verdosa por la presencia de clorofila, que le da el color verde, y ficocianina, que le da el color azulado [1].

Phycocyanin extraction from cyanobacteria Spirulina platensis was optimized using factorial design and response surface techniques. The effects of temperature and biomass-solvent ratio on phycocyanin concentration and extract purity were evaluated to determine the optimum conditions for phycocyanin extraction. The optimum conditions for the extraction of phycocyanin from S. platensis were the highest biomass-solvent ratio, 0.08 gmL(-1), and 25 degrees C. Under these conditions it&#39;s possible to obtain an extract of phycocyanin with a concentration of 3.68 mgmL(-1) and purity ratio (A(615)/A(280)) of 0.46.

In this study, the influence of an agricultural liquid organic fertilizer on growth and biomass composition of Spirulina platensis Geitler was studied. In the first trial, five concentrations of organic fertilizer were arranged, e.g., 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 ml/l, in which no other extra nutrients except bicarbonate were used. Maximum dry weight, chlorophyll a and specific growth rate were achieved in control group. In the second trial, initial fertilizer levels of the three groups were 0.1 ml/l and all groups contained sodium bicarbonate. One of the groups had 2.5 g/l NaNO3, while the other was supported with 0.1 ml/l fertilizer by two-day intervals to see the effect of nitrogen. In order to understand the effects of phosphate, 0.4 g K2HPO4 was added to the other group as well as 2.5 g NaNO3. Between the experimental groups, the highest chlorophyll a value was found in control group as 53.97 mg/l. The chlorophyll value at group II (37.65 mg/l) was lower than the control group. The maximum dry weight and crude protein recorded in control group were 1,330 mg/l and 60.17%, respectively, when compared with 1,256 mg/l and 59.92% in group II. No significant differences were observed in crude protein values of Spirulina grown in control and group II (P < 0.05). Consequently, it was seen that commercial liquid organic fertilizers may be replaced by Zarrouk’s medium except for nitrate, phosphate and bicarbonate in S. platensis cultures in order to decrease the production costs.

Microalgae are the organisms capable of producing valuable metabolites, such as pigments, proteins and vitamins for feed additive, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes (1-4). Of all the microalgae, Spirulina platensis is the most popular in microalgal biotechnology with respect to its being an easy to grow species and having a simple harvest and drying process. Filamentous microalga S. platensis (cyanobacteria) has been produced commercially all over the world due to its high content of protein (up to 70%), pigments (especially the blue pigment phycocyanin), essential fatty acids (e.g., γ-linolenic acid), vitamin B 12 and minerals (5-8). In addition, it is successfully used in aquaculture and poultry industries as well (9-10).

The cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis is an attractive source of valuable protein for both human and animal consumption. The conventional nitrogen source for S. platensis is nitrate. However, recent research has evaluated the potential of using animal waste as a low-cost nitrogen source. In this work, the cultivation of S. platensis was done using dry chicken manure (DCM), collected from a closed-system poultry house, as nitrogen source. The experiment was carried out in open concrete tanks with 100 litres of culture medium and an initial biomass concentration of 0.5 g/L. The culture media were prepared to test the effect of unsupplemented DCM, DCM supplemented with 2.0 mg/L of urea (DCM+U), and/or 40 mg/L of sodium bicarbonate (DCM+U+B or DCM+B). The best cellular growth and highest protein production were observed for S. platensis in the biomass harvested from the culture medium containing DCM supplemented with 2.0 mg/L of urea (DCM+U). © 2009 by Maejo University, San Sai, Chiang...

The aim of the study was the optimisation of Spirulina platensis drying on convective hot air through the response surface methodology. The responses were thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and phycocyanin loss percentage values in final product. Experiments were carried out in perforated tray drier with parallel air flow, and the wet samples thickness and drying air temperatures were in range of 3-7 mm and 50-70°C, respectively. The statistical analysis showed significant effect (P < 0.05) for air temperature and samples thickness. In the best drying condition, 55°C and 3.7 mm, presented the phycocyanin loss percentage and the TBA values of approximately 37% and 1.5 mg MDA kg )1 , respectively. In this drying condition, the fatty acids composition of the microalgae Spirulina did not show significance difference (P > 0.05) in relation to fresh biomass. The lipid profile of dried product presented high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (34.4%), especially the gamma-linolenic acid (20.6%).

Increasing interest is being shown in the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis because of its nutritional properties when used as food supplement and possible therapeutic effects. One of the most important areas being studied is the development of alternative nutrient sources which can be used to decrease the production costs of commercially produced S. platensis and obtain high productivity. Water from Mangueira Lagoon (Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil) has high levels of carbonates and a high pH and has the potential to be used as a culture medium for S. platensis, although some nutrient supplementation may be required. We tested the effect of unsupplemented Mangueira Lagoon water (MLW) or MLW supplemented with 1.125 or 2.250 mg/l of urea and/or 21 or 42 mg/l of sodium bicarbonate on the growth of S. platensis in fed-batch culture using a 3 2 factorial design and found that there the addition of 1.125 mg/l of urea resulted in a 2.67 fold increase times in the final biomass concentration of S. platensis.

A cyanobacterium (Spirulina platensis) was co-cultured with black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) for water quality control. We evaluated the effects of: (1) three S. platensis trial conditions on inorganic nitrogen concentrations at one shrimp density (S. platensis trial conditions included: absent, nonharvested and semicontinuous harvesting) and (2) two shrimp densities on inorganic nitrogen concentrations, with and without S. platensis. Semicontinuous harvesting of S. platensis at one shrimp density resulted in significantly reduced ( P < 0.05) inorganic nitrogen concentrations (NH 4 , NO 2 and NO 3 ). With S. platensis absent, ammonium and nitrite concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 0.6 mg l À 1 , while nitrate concentrations ranged from 16 to 18 mg l À 1 by day 44. With nonharvested S. platensis, considerable variability occurred with nitrogen concentrations. Semicontinuous harvest of S. platensis reduced nitrate to 4 mg l À 1 , while ammonium and nitrite ranged from 0.0 to 0.15 mg l À 1 , respectively. The factorial evaluation of shrimp density versus presence and absence of S. platensis resulted in greatly reduced nitrogenous compounds with S. platensis present regardless of shrimp density, and only moderately increased nitrogen with greater shrimp density. Without S. platensis, all nitrogen compounds were substantially elevated and shrimp survived was significantly reduced at high shrimp density. D

An experiment was conducted on culture and growth performance of Spirulina platensis in various concentrations of rotten apple medium (RAM) and Kosaric Medium (KM). The observation was conducted for three months from March to May at the Live Food Culture Laboratory, Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University. Culture of S. platensis was performed in 1.0L glass flasks in three different media such as 2.5, 5.0 and 10% and KM with three replications under fluorescent light in light : dark (12 hr : 12 hr) condition of a period of 14 days. Growth performances of S. platensis varied from one medium to another. The initial cell weight of S. platensis was 0.0023 mg/L and a maximum cell weight of 12.44 mg/L was found in KM and 10.468 mg/L in RAM on 10th day of culture. It was also observed that, the initial chlorophyll a content of S. platensis was 0.0015 mg/L which was attained at a highest content of 10.54 mg/L in KM and 12.35 mg/L in RAM on 10th day of culture. A decreasing trend of cell weight was observed from 10th day of culture. The growth of S. platensis was significantly (p<0.05) better in 5.0% Digested Rotten Apple Medium (DRAM) than other concentrations 2.5% DRAM and 10% DRAM. From the results obtained in the present study, it was summarized that the growth of S. platensis was better in the concentrations of 5.0% DRAM than other concentrations of RAM. Thus, the concentration of 5.0% DRAM is most suitable for S. platensis culture compare with standard KM. These media are easily available and most inexpensive in contrast of Bangladesh. So digested rotten apple can be used for commercially and economically viable mass culture of S. platensis.

In this study, spirulina algae which is one of the blue-green algae rich in protein 61.50%, and high content of amino acids isoleucine and treptophan (6.77 and 1.93% of protine). Also, agood source of vitamins especially vitamin B complex such as vitamin B12 (193 μg / 100 g) and folic acid (9.66 mg/100 g), many phytoepigamates such as chlorophyll, phycocyanins, total carotene (1.470, 14.17 and 0.550%) and those considered as potent antioxidants. As well as minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron (2180.79, 1042.925, 1899.71 and 336.965 mg / 100 g, respectively). In addition to a high of natural fibers. Spirulina was used in the production of crackers and instant noodles by at 5, 10, 15 and 20%. Data of sensory evaluation results showed that the adding spirulina algae by ratio 20% had lower score for most properties compared to other tested. The chemical analysis, sensory evaluation, physical and cooking properties, rheological properties were done. The obtained data showed that the adding spirulina algae play a large role in increasing protein ratio and ash content and improved the physical properties of the crackers and cooking properties of instant noodles. Therefore it could be produced for industrial level to improve the nutritional status of these products for consumed among children.

The effect of selected edible preservatives, citric acid, sucrose and calcium chloride on the stability of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) at 0 AE 5 8C and 35 AE 5 8C was studied in aqueous solution. While screening the edible preservatives for a protein like C-phycocyanin, the denaturation of C-PC with urea as a denaturant and thermal unfolding studies through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was carried out to select a stabilizing agent having Hofmeister series behaviour acting on hydrophobic interactions. While studying the efficacy of edible preservatives, citric acid (4 mg/ml) was observed to be one of the best preservative for phycocyanin at 35 AE 5 8C in aqueous solution for 45 days with negligible loss which is comparable to the stability of C-PC at 0 AE 5 8C.

Berjalannya persaingan pasar bebas AFTA ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA), dan yang terkini adalah Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), belum optimal memberikan dampak yang menggembirakan bagi industri nasional, termasuk di industri bidang pertanian dan perikanan. Sektor pertanian yang strategis dan memiliki kesempatan berkompetisi dalam persaingan pasar bebas adalah salah satunya produk olahan pangan. Produk khas, unik, inovatif, bergizi, aman, dan bermutu tinggi adalah syarat suatu produk olahan pangan lokal agar bisa lebih kompetitif dan meningkat daya saingnya. Salah satu makanan tradisional khas daerah Banyuwangi dan berbahan baku lokal yaitu Bagiak, berpotensi dapat bersaing di persaingan pasar bebas. Potensi tersebut dapat dilakukan dengan inovasi memanfaatkan penambahan zat gizi. Giakina merupakan inovasi kue Bagiak yang difortifikasi bahan rumput spirulina platensis. Secara umum, proses produksi Giakina (Bagiak Spirulina platensis) meliputi beberapa bagian, yaitu pemilihan bahan baku, penyiapan bahan, pencampuran bahan, pencetakan, pengovenan, pendinginan sampai pengemasan produk. Giakina (Bagiak Spirulina platensis) merupakan produk olahan pangan tradisional yang sangat strategis, karena sebagai makanan lokal fungsional bersifat khas daerah dan berpenampilan unik. Selain itu, produksi dari produk Giakina terus berlanjut (sustainable) karena bahan baku utama dapat didatangkan dari berbagai daerah di Indonesia serta tersedia sepanjang tahun. Dengan demikian, potensi usaha dan pemasaran produk Giakina sangat menjanjikan, baik skala lokal, nasional, maupun multinasional.
Kata kunci: bagiak, Spirulina platensis, Giakina, dan Inovatif.

A common perception of photobioreactor is an enclosed system which allows light to penetrate through with suitable circulation, cooling system and perfected with arrays of sensor to monitor culture parameters. This paper presents simple floating photobioractor (PBR) experiments that were placed on water bodies without any facilities of computerized controlled systems. The idea is to study the effects of different photobioreactors shape and different aeration placement on the productivity of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina). In this study, simple floating PBRs were designed in two different shape form using water container, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials. Simple land PBR was prepared with High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic bag, (25cm x 50cm). All PBRs were aerated from both top and bottom either with or without air stone for 10 days of A. platensis cultivation with daily monitoring of growth parameters. For bottom aeration, highest productivity was shown by Angular PBR with air stone (AS) at 0.090±0.002 gL-1d-1 ; while for top aeration, the productivity was shown highest by Cylindrical PBR aerated also with air stone (AS) at 0.071±0.001 gL-1d-1. Overall biomass of floating PBRs with and without air stone are significantly higher than land based PBRs. Regardless of having sophisticated designs for cultivation system, developing countries could use simple floating PBRs for commercial applications.

Salinization has been known as the main reason for crop failure in Oman. Since saline water is detrimental for crops production, it can be used in commercial Spirulina cultivation. Under sheltered outdoor condition in Oman, this study presents the investigation of different salinity concentrations (5, 15, 25 and 35 psu) on the growth, biochemical composition and fatty acid profile of Arthrospira platensis. Lipid productions were significantly higher in A. platensis grown in 35 psu (14.635±0.087% dry weight) whereas significantly lower in 15 psu (12.090±0.090% dry weight). Next, protein content was significantly lower in 5 psu (41.678±0.452% dry weight) while others were not significantly different. Besides that, carbohydrate content was significantly higher in 15 psu (18.656±0.098% dry weight) while significantly lower in 5 psu (12.261±0.104% dry weight). Furthermore, the fatty acid compositions were comparable between A. platensis grown in the different salinity concentrations. The variations in saturated fatty acids (SAFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) between different salinity are 56.26% to 58.42% 5.67% to 6.51% and 35.70% to 37.80% respectively. The major fatty acids acquired with the cultivation of A. platensis were Palmitic acid (C16:0, 54.78 – 57.25%), Palmitoleic acid (C16:1, 2.47 – 2.74%), Heptadecanoic acid (C17:0, 0.14 – 0.23%), Stearic acid (C18:0, 0.96 – 1.27%), Oleic acid (C18:1n9, 3.19 – 3.77%), Linoleic acid (C18:2n6, 23.84 – 24.94%), Y-linolenic acid (C18:3n6, 11.55 – 12.81%) and Eicosadienoic acid (C20:2n6, 0.22 – 0.31%). Adaptation process is one of the crucial aspects which could reduce the deviation in production of biochemical compounds by A. platensis grown in different salinity stress.

The effect of salinity on growth, biochemical composition and fatty acid profile of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) grown in sheltered outdoor conditions in Oman.

Mother earth is facing multitude of problems such as desertification, diminishing arable land and malnutrition. One way to overcome these problems is through the cultivation of Spirulina, Arthrospira platensis. Spirulina was mass cultivated in land-based tanks in Oman and Malaysia.
The objective of this study is to determine the different effects of salinity and comparative climate patterns to the mass production of A. platensis under sheltered outdoor conditions in both Oman and Malaysia. With extremely contrasting environments, A. platensis has unique ability to grow
in both tropical (Malaysia) and arid (Oman) outdoor conditions. Mass cultivation has been carried out at different salinity (5, 15, 25 and 35 ppt) over a period of 10 days with triplicates for each treatment in both countries. For the 10 days of cultivation in Oman, the highest average means of optical density measured at 620nm (ABS) was 1.691 ± 0.099 at salinity of 5 ppt which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those grown at salinity of 25 and 35 ppt. Though, highest average means of biomass (g L -1) dry weight achieved with 35ppt, 0.848 ± 0.039 was not significantly different from other salinity concentrations. While in Malaysia, the highest optical density, 620nm (ABS) was recorded from Spirulina culture treatment with 5 ppt, 0.974 ± 0.052 which was not significantly different from other salinity treatments and the dry weight at 0.575 ± 0.032 g L-1 was significantly higher than 25 and 35 ppt. Although in this study salinity has shown variability in term of dry weight and productivity, overall productivity showed promising potential for further development of commercial Spirulina farms using seawater medium.

The experimental data on the study of the antibacterial activity of purified phycocyanin, a protein-bound pigment isolated from blue-green alga, Spirulina platensis (Nordstedt) Geitler, Oscillatoriaceae are generalized and it was shown that phycocyanin was able to markedly inhibit the growth of drug resistant bacteria Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus while, no activity was recorded in Acinetobacter baumanii and Enterococcus durans, this is the first report of the activity of purified C-phycocyanin against drug resistant bacteria. The possible use of phycocyanin as a drug with associated antibacterial activity is discussed.

The present study was carried out to determine LC50 of deltamethrin (DM) in the African catfish; Clarias gariepinus, investigate its effects on the biochemical parameters and the antioxidant status of various tissues, and assess the protective role of Spirulina platensis (SP) against DM induced toxicity in C. gariepinus. The fish were distributed into seven groups of 10 fish/each for 30 days as follows: Group 1, control; Group 2, orally administered saline; Group 3, oral SP (150 mg/kg b.w.); Group 4, exposed to 5.19 μg/l DM; Group 5, exposed to 5.19 μg/l DM and orally administered SP (150 mg/kg b.w.); Group 6, exposed to 12.97 μg/l DM; and Group 7, exposed to 12.97 μg/l DM and orally administered SP (150 mg/kg b.w.). Results revealed marked elevation in serum AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, urea and uric acid. Significant decrease in serum total protein and albumin was recorded. At the same time, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in liver, kidney and gills. While, tissue level ofGSHand, SOD,CATandGSH-Px activities were reduced. Treatment with SP improved the biochemical parameters and attenuated the DM induced oxidative damage. Therefore, this study confirmed the protective role of SP as an antioxidant against the toxicity of DM in catfish.
KEYWORDS
Clarias gariepinus, Deltamethrin, Biochemistry, Oxidative Stress, Spirulina

This preliminary study aims at evaluating the efficiency of a bench-scale tubular photobioreactor by means of batch cultivations of Spirulina platensis under light-limited conditions. The most interesting feature of this plant configuration is the use of an airlift system for biomass re-cycling instead of traditional pumps to avoid the well-known problems of trichome damage owing to mechanical stress. A maximum

The disappointingly low yields of Spirulina cultivated in large, commercial-scale reactors prompted our attempt to elucidate some of the reasons for this phenomenon. The results show the importance of maintaining the pH as high as possible, at a point, however, where it does not yet limit growth. To check the growth of contaminating algae, such as Chlorella spp., the pH was elevated to a point higher than the optimal for Spirulina. Close to pH 11"0, signs of deterioration became evident, but the culture recuperated readily when the pH was lowered back to the optimum (pH 10"5). The depth of the culture had no effect on the maximal areal output of dry biomass, but exerted a very marked effect on the optimal population density. At a culture depth of 150 mm the optimal cell density was at an optical density of 0"5 absorbancy units, whereas at a culture depth of 75 mm the optimal cell density was O" 7 absorbancy units. The stirring rate also affected the optimal population density. At slow stirring speeds (58 cm s -1, which were nevertheless approximately twice as fast as that maintained in large commercial ponds) there was a substantial reduction in the output rate at high population densities. Similar results were obtained at high stirring rates, but the effect was much reduced and was only observed at the highest cell densities. The chlorophyll:phaeophytin ratio altered significantly throughout the year, being highest in mid-winter and declining in summer. A practical conclusion drawn from these results was that there is a clear advantage in operating the slow flowing cultures in large reactors at as shallow a culture depth as practically possible. This increases the optimal cell density to a level that may be easier to harvest and maintain in large-scale reactors. The inefficiency of harvesting large A. Richmond, J. U. Grobbelaar volumes of low cell densities has lead to the general practice of allowing cell densities to increase far above the optimum. Our results indicate that this may have detrimental effects on the output rate considering the relatively low stirring rates which commonly prevail in large reactors.

Nature and quantity of lipids and lipopolysaccharides of Spirulina platensis were examined. Organic cell weight consisted of 50 % protein, 8.8 % carbohydrate and 16.6 96 lipids. Carotenoid-to-chlorophyll ratio was 0.3. Lipids consisted of a diverse assortment of pigments, hydrocarbons, glycolipids, and phosphatidyl glycerol. Fatty acid contents were predominantly even-numbered chains with a relatively high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Lipopolysaccharide consisted of unsaturated fatty acids, 3-hydroxy myristate and the-carbohydrates, hexoses, heptose, octulosonic acid and glucosamine. Assays of the lipopolysaccharide preparation by the Limulus arnoebocyte lysate test and by the lethal toxicity test in mice demonstrated that the lipopolysaccharide of S. platensisis toxic but its toxicity is in the order of 10 % of the lipopolysaccharide fraction of Salmonella abortus.