Product properties: Phycocyanin is a characteristic light blue color, absorbing orange and red light, it is a pigment-protein complex from the light-harvesting phycobiliprotein family, along with allophycocyanin and phycoerythrin. All phycobiliproteins are water-soluble, so they cannot exist within the membrane like carotenoids can. Instead, phycobiliproteins aggregate to form clusters that adhere to the membrane called phycobilisomes.
Functions: Phycobiliproteins have fluorescent properties that are used in immunoassay kits.
1. Phycocyanin has both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation properties.
2. Excess oxygen in the brain generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). ROS causes damages to brain neurons, leading to strokes. C-phycocyanin scavenges hydrogen peroxide, a type of ROS species, from the inside of astrocyte, reducing oxidative stress. Astrocytes also increase the production of growth factors like BDNF and NDF, therefore, enhance nerve regeneration. C-PC also prevents astrogliosis and glial inflammation.
3. C-phycocyanin (C-PC) has anti-cancer effects.
4. C-phycocyanin (C-PC) can be used as a natural blue food colouring.