Production, Downstream Processing, and Application of Phycoerythrin: A Review on Progress and Challenges

Food colors derived from natural sources are in high demand currently due to the industries and health-conscious consumers. Cyanobacteria are well-suited for the development of effective natural colorants; however, they are often neglected due to low yields and limited genetic tools. Phycoerythrin (PE) is an essential colorant that has a wide range of industrial applications, including food, cosmetics, agriculture, horticulture, and human health. Despite the high demand for PE, it is difficult to achieve higher levels of production, extraction efficiency, and stability under normal conditions. However, if low-cost cyanobacterial platforms are used, it is expected that the use of PE will increase in the near future. This review addresses the most recent studies on potential new PE producers, as well as their distinctive structure and properties that are responsible for novel biological activities. Additionally, newly discovered nutritional and process parameters for improving PE production in raceway ponds and photobioreactors are highlighted. The improvement of previously developed processes for extracting and purifying PE from cyanobacterial biomass is also thoroughly explained. Additionally, the recently reported biotechnological applications of cyanobacterial PE are discussed. Furthermore, a critical analysis is also given of the market and difficulties involved in developing a system for producing PE using cyanobacteria.