A Review on the Use of Spirulina Platensis Microalgae in the Food Industry

Spirulina platensis is a photosynthetic microalgae cyanobacteria that thrives in warm, alkaline lakes in America, Asia, and central Africa is noticed as supplements in food industry. It contains protein (55-70%), polysaccharide (15-25%), total lipid (5-6%), nucleic acid (6-13%), minerals (2.2-8.4%). This microalgae is a great source of fat soluble vitamin (e.g. A, K), various B vitamins and minerals including Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Iodine, Selenium, Chromium, Zinc, Manganese and essential fatty acids (e.g. Gamma Linolenic Acid), Glycerolipids, Lipopolysaccharide, Sulfolipids. Spirulina platensis is a rich source of chlorophyll, β carotene, phycobilin, xanthophyll pigments. The blue-green algae contains phycocyanin pigment with proved antioxidant activity which is a suitable substitute instead of artificial and commercial pigments. Easy digestion of Spirulina is best known nutritional value because of cellulose absence in cell wall which another microalgae are lacking in. Due to its fine absorption especially minerals, it recommended for malnutrition and pregnant woman diets. World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as super food to mankind and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) used it as compressed food in space travels. Its remarkable therapeutic effects make it as a good option in order to use in drug industry for instance, reducing blood cholesterol level, protecting against cardiovascular disease and some cancers, boosting immune system, eliminating malnutrition in children without side effects, preventing of toxin damage for vital organs (e.g liver, heart and kidney), increasing intestinal lactobacillus and prevent the growth of some pathogen bacteria in the body. Creating desirable rheological properties in food products causes use this microalgae in food industry which can generally indicated improving quality parameters, creating stable color and better acceptance of products. At present, it is utilized in form of powdered, tablet and supplements,approved by global organizations WHO and FDA. And registered in the GRASS list. Itis expected that the advancement of research and exploitation of Spirulina platensis willbe a solution to respond healthful products requirement and demands.

Keywords:

Spirulina platensis , Microalgae , Enrichment , Food Industries , Pharmaceutical Industries