Purification and characterization of phycocyanin from the blue-green alga Aphanizomenon flos-aquae.
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a blue-green alga and represents a nutrient-dense food source. In this study the presence of phycocyanin (PC), a blue protein belonging to the photosynthetic apparatus, has been demonstrated in AFA. An efficient method for its separation has been set up: PC can be purified by a simple single step chromatographic run using a hydroxyapatite column (ratio A620/A280 of 4.78), allowing its usage for health-enhancing properties while eliminating other aspecific algal components. Proteomic investigation and HPLC analysis of purified AFA phycobilisomes revealed that, contrary to the well-characterized Synechocystis and Spirulina spp., only one type of biliprotein is present in phycobilisomes: phycocyanins with no allo-phycocyanins. Two subunit polypeptides of PC were also separated: the beta subunit containing two bilins as chromophore and the alpha subunit containing only one.
Benedetti
Serena
S
Institute of Histology and Laboratory Analyses, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via Zeppi, Urbino 61029, PU, Italy. s.benedetti@uniurb.it
Rinalducci
Sara
S
Benvenuti
Francesca
F
Francogli
Sonia
S
Pagliarani
Silvia
S
Giorgi
Luca
L
Micheloni
Mauro
M
D'Amici
Gian Maria
GM
Zolla
Lello
L
Canestrari
Franco
F
D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D000458:Cyanobacteria / Q000737:chemistry*; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010798:Phycocyanin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D014461:Ultracentrifugation
D010798:Phycocyanin