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Blue green algae

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), so called because of their content of chlorophyll and the blue pigment phycocyanin, are among the most primitive living organisms on Earth. Cyanobacteria are a large and diverse group of photosynthetic bacteria which comprise the largest subgroup of Gram-negative bacteria. Cyanobacteria were classified as algae for many years due to their ability to perform oxygen-evolving photosynthesis. Although they are technically classified as bacteria, they share properties with bacteria and with plants. Algae comprise a group of plants, existing in approximately 18,000 different species, whose primary nutrients include carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as a suite of micronutrients essential to plant growth. Algae perform biosynthesis of a useful substance by photosynthesis through absorption of carbon dioxide. In addition, it is important that algal cultivation is carried out efficiently and therefore, an apparatus for cultivation is necessary for efficient photosynthesis. Hence, improving the apparatus for cultivation and developing a new apparatus for cultivation are being conducted. Blue-green algae, like Escherichia coli etc., are procaryotes having no nuclear membrane. However, blue-green algae have a photosynthesis system similar to that of higher plants, especially red algae, and can, using light from the sun as an energy source, biosynthesize organic substances from water and carbon dioxide and slight amounts of inorganic salts and autotrophically proliferate in a large amount. Phycocyanin is one of the main natural pigments commercially produced from algae. Phycocyanin, a biliprotein from the blue-green algae Spirulina platensis, and its chromophore phycocyanobilin, are potent antioxidants, free-radical scavengers and inhibitors of microsomal lipid peroxidation. In the living algae cell, phycocyanin serves as a protein storage unit and as an antioxidant, protecting the cell from certain light wavelengths. Phycocyanin is a nontoxic and non-carcinogenic pigment that has gained importance in coloring products such as fermented milk products, ice cream, chewing gum, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, desserts, cake decorations, milk shakes, and cosmetics. It has now been found that phycocyanin is effective in reducing inflammation in animals through its ability to selectively inhibit the COX-2 enzyme. Blue green algae are found in almost every conceivable habitat, from oceans to fresh water to bare rock to soil. Most are found in fresh water, while others are marine, occur in damp soil, or even temporarily moistened rocks in deserts. Representative blue-green algae include, but are not limited to, Spirulina species and Aphanizomenon species. Aphanizomenon flos aquae (AFA) is one specific, nonlimiting type of blue-green algae.

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