In vitro effects of dates waste on phycocyanin production by Spirulina algae and evaluation of antioxidant activity

In this study we are looking to introduce a way to optimize the use of date fruit waste. This paper investigates the possibility of using date fruite waste in the production of medium, suitable for increasing the production of phycocyanin pigment from Spirulina algae and increasing the antioxidant activity. In this paper, the statistical method of full factorial with 3 replications and data analysis with SPSS software was used. Measuring the amount of phycocyanin was conducted using spectrophotometry. Measuring the antioxidant activity of the extract was determined using DPPH radical. Increasing glucose concentration from 0 to 2 grams per liter in standard medium were increased phycocyanin production by Spirulina algae in Zarrouk medium during the 10 days. This treatment caused a linear increase in antioxidant activity (IC50) in the aqueous extracts of the algae. Date with high amounts of simple sugars and mineral content can be a good source for enrichment of spirulina platensis culture medium in order to further increase in the production of phycocyanin valuable pigment and antioxidant activity of algae Spirulina extract.