A review of the nutritional and medicinal potential of Phycobiliproteins extracted from cyanobacteria

Phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are colored and water-soluble biliproteins that are found in cyanobacteria and rhodophytes. Based on their spectral characteristics, PBPs are divided into three types: Allophycocyanin, phycocyanin and phycoerythrin. PBPs, apart from their special function as sunlight-receiving antennas in the photosynthesis process, can be used as food dyes, nutrients, cosmetics, pharmaceutical industries and fluorescent probes in immunofluorescence analysis. Since PBPs have antioxidant, anti-tumor effects, as well as potential anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties, in this review article, an attempt was made to investigate the properties and medicinal potential of PBPs along with their structural features. The results of the review of recent articles showed that the PBP part of proteins is very sensitive to environmental stress and this issue limits their use in the food industry. Therefore, it is necessary to use protective and coating materials to preserve the color. Consequently, they can prevent the denaturation of the protein structure, which not only increases the antioxidant properties but also increases the half-life of the food.