Microfibrillation of phycocyanin derived from Spirulina using homogenizer with a varying carrier to improve their stability
Nasywah Fauzi, Azizah Kusuma Dewi, Shofia Ramadhani, Rosalina Ariesta Laeliocattleya, Nur Istianah*

Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia
*Email: n.istianah[at]ub.ac.id

Abstract

Phycocyanin (PC), a natural blue pigment-protein from spirulina, offers functional benefits as a potent antioxidant, anti inflammatory agent, and immune booster. However, it is not resistant to the light intense and heat. This study aimed to improve the stability of PC trough a coating process with cellulose based material under a microfibrillation using high sear homogenizer. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were compared to tannic acid (TA) as a coating agent during homogenization. Homogenization was conducted at several speed, 6000, 9000, and 12000 rpm to evaluate the effect of energy input to the stability of PC. The result shows that CMC and MCC promotes a cloudy PC-solution, unlike TA that provide a clear blue color. Higher homogenizing speed reduce the absorbance, especially at 12000 rpm in the TA sample. The PC-TA particles shows a typical microparticle.

Keywords: Homogenizer- Microcrystalline cellulose- Phycocyanin- Spirulina- Stability

Topic: Food science and biotechnology