Fractionation of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) water soluble proteins by membrane diafiltration

• Published in: Separation and purification technology 2021-02, Vol.256, p.117756, Article 117756
• Main Authors: Balti, Rafik, Zayoud, Nourhène, Hubert, Florence, Beaulieu, Lucie, Massé, Anthony
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biorefinery; Chemical Sciences; Phycocyanin; Protein; Spirulina; Ultrafiltration
• ISSN: 1383-5866; 1873-3794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117756

[Display omitted] •Membrane filtration process allowed fractionating Spirulina water soluble proteins.•Purification of proteins and phycobiliproteins was achieved.•Fractionation of proteins by the size was obtained.•Blue colour extracts were successfully produced.•Several extracts could be valorised in food formulation. Membrane diafiltration process was developed in order to fractionate the water soluble proteins of the supernatant obtained after Spirulina bead milling disruption and centrifugation. The obtained crude extract was filtered with 50 kDa, 150 kDa, 300 kDa or 0.2 µm membranes. Phycocyanin purified extracts were produced after filtration on the 300 kDa or 0.2 µm membranes. The filtration on 0.2 µm membrane allowed high recovery (more than 89%) of Phycocyanin A and C into the retentate and permeate as well as separation of both molecules (depletion of C-PC into the retentate relatively to the A-PC; enrichment into the permeate). Blue colour permeates, poor in chlorophyll, were successfully produced. Concentrated solutions with more than 80% (dry weight basis) of proteins were obtained. The most severe fouling occurred with the 300 kDa membrane leading to low permeate fluxes (65L.h−1.m−2). A fractionation of proteins by the size was possible for the 50, 150 and 300 kDa diafiltrations.