620
R. Pangestuti et al.
25.3.2 Future Prospects of Natural Pigment from Microalgae
Microalgae are the subject of increasing interest for their potential as a source of
natural pigments in cosmetics industries for several reasons. These microorganisms
are considered as the fastest growing organisms on Earth. Extensively available
waters are potential areas for the culture of microalgae. In addition, culture techniques of microalgae commercial species such as Spirulina sp. and Chlorella sp.
have developed rapidly. Microalgae can be found in many areas and has great biodiversity which can be seen as a potential field for the isolation of novel pigments. In
addition, microalgae have exhibited unique chemical structures of natural pigments
(i.e., Chl c, Chl d, Fucoxanthin) unlike those found in terrestrial counterparts. Additionally microalgae are viewed as “natural and healthy” by many people, and this
promotes a positive response for consumers, who often regard natural and nontoxic
entities. Many species of microalgae have been used as extracts and colorants in
cosmetics, and there is no restriction for cosmetic use; microalgae can be considered
a consumer-friendly source of skin care and cosmetic products. However, the health
claims of natural pigments from microalgae required comprehensive studies on the
mode of biological actions, and possible side effects have to be conducted in order
to use natural pigments in skin care and cosmetic products.
The use of environmental friendly technologies to recover natural pigments is
becoming very important since the volume of solvents used in the chemical process
is extremely concerning. Further, advances in culture technologies of microalgae are
important to bridge the gap between the challenges pertaining to the exploitation
of microalgae. However, most natural pigments are sensitive to oxidation, isomerization, and polymerization. Many pigments derivatives may be formed through
microalgae processing and preparation. As an example, sensitivity of chlorophylls
to extreme pH and temperature allows the formation of several distinct derivatives
(i.e., pheophytin and pheophorbide) through processing of microalgae. Therefore,
technologies to improve natural pigments stability are required.
25.4 Potential Applications of Microalgae Pigments
in Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals
Investigative studies of skin health benefits of microalgae pigments have been
reported extensively. It has been proved that microalgae pigments exhibit several
cosmeceutical properties, including antiaging, antioxidant, skin protection, skin
pigmentation, cosmetic colorants, and skin whitening. Moreover, a number of
microalgae pigments have been used as active ingredients in commercialized
cosmetics.
R. Pangestuti et al.
25.3.2 Future Prospects of Natural Pigment from Microalgae
Microalgae are the subject of increasing interest for their potential as a source of
natural pigments in cosmetics industries for several reasons. These microorganisms
are considered as the fastest growing organisms on Earth. Extensively available
waters are potential areas for the culture of microalgae. In addition, culture techniques of microalgae commercial species such as Spirulina sp. and Chlorella sp.
have developed rapidly. Microalgae can be found in many areas and has great biodiversity which can be seen as a potential field for the isolation of novel pigments. In
addition, microalgae have exhibited unique chemical structures of natural pigments
(i.e., Chl c, Chl d, Fucoxanthin) unlike those found in terrestrial counterparts. Additionally microalgae are viewed as “natural and healthy” by many people, and this
promotes a positive response for consumers, who often regard natural and nontoxic
entities. Many species of microalgae have been used as extracts and colorants in
cosmetics, and there is no restriction for cosmetic use; microalgae can be considered
a consumer-friendly source of skin care and cosmetic products. However, the health
claims of natural pigments from microalgae required comprehensive studies on the
mode of biological actions, and possible side effects have to be conducted in order
to use natural pigments in skin care and cosmetic products.
The use of environmental friendly technologies to recover natural pigments is
becoming very important since the volume of solvents used in the chemical process
is extremely concerning. Further, advances in culture technologies of microalgae are
important to bridge the gap between the challenges pertaining to the exploitation
of microalgae. However, most natural pigments are sensitive to oxidation, isomerization, and polymerization. Many pigments derivatives may be formed through
microalgae processing and preparation. As an example, sensitivity of chlorophylls
to extreme pH and temperature allows the formation of several distinct derivatives
(i.e., pheophytin and pheophorbide) through processing of microalgae. Therefore,
technologies to improve natural pigments stability are required.
25.4 Potential Applications of Microalgae Pigments
in Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals
Investigative studies of skin health benefits of microalgae pigments have been
reported extensively. It has been proved that microalgae pigments exhibit several
cosmeceutical properties, including antiaging, antioxidant, skin protection, skin
pigmentation, cosmetic colorants, and skin whitening. Moreover, a number of
microalgae pigments have been used as active ingredients in commercialized
cosmetics.