8.7.11 Cosmetics
The two main microalgae commercialized in the field of cosmetics are Chlorella and
Arthrospira (Stolz and Obermayer 2005; Spolaore et al. 2006). Extracts from these
algae contain antioxidants and other regenerant chemicals which are used in skin
care products such as antiaging cream. The use of microalgae as sun protection and
hair care products is also common (Ariede et al. 2017). For example, extract rich in
protein from Arthrospira is used to repair the signs of ageing and prevent formation
of stria (e.g., Protulines and Exsymol by S.A.M., Monaco). Similarly, chemicals
isolated from Chlorella vulgaris help in the synthesis of collagen, hence supporting
the regeneration of tissues and reduction of wrinkles (products Dermochlorella and
Codif manufactured by St. Malo, France).
Other commercially available products include Pepha-Tight (launched by
Pentapharm, Switzerland) produced from Nannochloropsis oculata, which exhibit
high skin tightening properties. PephaCtive (launched by Pentapharm, Switzerland)
promotes cell proliferation, thereby influencing the skin metabolism (Stolz and
Obermayer 2005). Microalgae are also responsible for the exclusive synthesis of
scytonemin, a nontoxic secondary pigment which possesses high UV-absorbing
capacity. In addition, it exhibits the ability to scavenge free radicals, demonstrates
an efficient activity against cyclobutane purine/pyrimidine dimer (CPD) formation,
and is highly stable under conditions of abiotic stresses. These potential features are
utilized to counteract the harmful UV solar radiations, and scytonemin can thus be
used for the production of natural sunscreens (Singh et al. 2010; Rastogi et al. 2013,
2014). It can be further exploited as a therapeutic agent in the acute inflammations
due to its dual kinase inhibitory and antiproliferative activities (Stevenson 2002;
McInnes et al. 2005).
8.7.12 Production of Pigments via Microalgae and Its Utility
in Pharmaceutical Industry
The phycobiliproteins are primarily used as natural dyes and are known to possess
other health benefits and thus have widespread applications in the pharmaceutical
industry (Spolaore et al. 2006). The commercial sources available for phycoerythrin
and phycocyanin are Cyanobacterium, Arthrospira, and Porphyridium (Viskari and
Colyer 2003). Phycocyanins are most widely used as a food pigment, thereby
replacing the synthetic pigments (Becker 2004). Phycobiliproteins are also used in
various research laboratories owing to their peculiar properties that make them
suitable for immunolabeling experiments and in diagnostic processes. They also
have high fluorescence yield, high photostability, and high absorbance, so they are
very sensitive fluorescent reagents. They are used as labels for receptors, antibodies,
and other molecules in cell sorters and are used in fluorescence microscopy as well
(Bermejo et al. 2002; Spolaore et al. 2006).
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K. Agrawal et al.
The two main microalgae commercialized in the field of cosmetics are Chlorella and
Arthrospira (Stolz and Obermayer 2005; Spolaore et al. 2006). Extracts from these
algae contain antioxidants and other regenerant chemicals which are used in skin
care products such as antiaging cream. The use of microalgae as sun protection and
hair care products is also common (Ariede et al. 2017). For example, extract rich in
protein from Arthrospira is used to repair the signs of ageing and prevent formation
of stria (e.g., Protulines and Exsymol by S.A.M., Monaco). Similarly, chemicals
isolated from Chlorella vulgaris help in the synthesis of collagen, hence supporting
the regeneration of tissues and reduction of wrinkles (products Dermochlorella and
Codif manufactured by St. Malo, France).
Other commercially available products include Pepha-Tight (launched by
Pentapharm, Switzerland) produced from Nannochloropsis oculata, which exhibit
high skin tightening properties. PephaCtive (launched by Pentapharm, Switzerland)
promotes cell proliferation, thereby influencing the skin metabolism (Stolz and
Obermayer 2005). Microalgae are also responsible for the exclusive synthesis of
scytonemin, a nontoxic secondary pigment which possesses high UV-absorbing
capacity. In addition, it exhibits the ability to scavenge free radicals, demonstrates
an efficient activity against cyclobutane purine/pyrimidine dimer (CPD) formation,
and is highly stable under conditions of abiotic stresses. These potential features are
utilized to counteract the harmful UV solar radiations, and scytonemin can thus be
used for the production of natural sunscreens (Singh et al. 2010; Rastogi et al. 2013,
2014). It can be further exploited as a therapeutic agent in the acute inflammations
due to its dual kinase inhibitory and antiproliferative activities (Stevenson 2002;
McInnes et al. 2005).
8.7.12 Production of Pigments via Microalgae and Its Utility
in Pharmaceutical Industry
The phycobiliproteins are primarily used as natural dyes and are known to possess
other health benefits and thus have widespread applications in the pharmaceutical
industry (Spolaore et al. 2006). The commercial sources available for phycoerythrin
and phycocyanin are Cyanobacterium, Arthrospira, and Porphyridium (Viskari and
Colyer 2003). Phycocyanins are most widely used as a food pigment, thereby
replacing the synthetic pigments (Becker 2004). Phycobiliproteins are also used in
various research laboratories owing to their peculiar properties that make them
suitable for immunolabeling experiments and in diagnostic processes. They also
have high fluorescence yield, high photostability, and high absorbance, so they are
very sensitive fluorescent reagents. They are used as labels for receptors, antibodies,
and other molecules in cell sorters and are used in fluorescence microscopy as well
(Bermejo et al. 2002; Spolaore et al. 2006).
228
K. Agrawal et al.