Magnetic-field-assisted extraction of phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis

Phycocyanin is the major natural pigment of phycobiliproteins produced by Spirulina platensis. Extraction and release of this pigment from cells depend on the disruption of the cell membrane. Extraction of bioactive compounds in magnetic field is a novel extraction method with unique characteristics and cost-effectiveness with high precision. Aim of the present study was to develop an efficient protocol for the extraction of phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis using magnetic-field-assisted extraction. Extraction process of phycocyanin via magneticfield-assisted method was optimized using response surface methodology of three-level, three-variable central composite design. Results included optimum extraction conditions of solid-to-liquid ratio of 17.11 %, magnetic field intensity of 27.13 mT and extraction time of 49.87 min. Under the highlighted conditions, phycocyanin concentration, yield and purity included 5.44 mg/ml, 26.34 mg/g and 24.32, respectively. The experimental yield under optimal conditions was similar to the predictive yield. Magnetic-field-assisted extraction increased concentration, yield and purity of phycocyanin up to 97.7, 91.5 and 28.32 %, compared to conventional methods.