S-STEM Scholar Leilani Boren's Blog

 Introduction:      Attempts to purify crude extracts produced of the phycobiliprotein phycocyanin (C-PC) found in the microalgae Spirulina plantesis have been previously unsuccessful. The test results have shown that charcoal and chitosan adsorption methods for as purification purposes so far have only a negative effect on purity values, opposite to what is expected. Further testing was done in an attempt to differentiate between purification methods more in depth, beginning with primary method of purification, the charcoal adsorption column. Variations that were of interest included the use of a frit, or potentially filter paper, as well as suspending the charcoal in the crude extract as opposed to just adding charcoal to the column. It is crucial for optimal phycocyanin extraction to be able to purify crude extracts in an efficient and productive manner.  Methods:        Two tubes with one gram of spirulina and ten milliliters of deionized...

 Introduction:       In the previous week, a two factor DOE was started in order to determine statistical significance of activated charcoal and two percent chitosan solution for purification of C-PC crude extract. Eight tubes, each with one gram of Spirulina plantesis , 0.25 grams of glass beads, and ten milliliters of deionized water were all sonicated in an ultrasonic bath and centrifuged twice to be read for initial purity values which could be compared to post purification results. The degradation of phycocyanin once isolated from spirulina has been an ongoing issue for accurate testing. It has been found that predominantly exposure to light and unfavorable pH values accelerated phycocyanin degradation,. Minimal light exposure and an environmental pH between 5.0 and 6.0 are ideal conditions for optimal stability (Wu et al., 2016).  It should be assumed going forward in this DOE that tubes were wrapped in aluminum foil tp prevent light exposure whenever...

 Introduction:      From the previous experimental DOE conducted last week, it was determined that this week would be focused on beginning a similar two factor DOE using chitosan and charcoal for purification, but in alternative methods. Research suggests that a charcoal column and the use of chitosan solution, introduced prior to charcoal adsorption, in crude extract can approximately triple purity values (Patil et al., 2006), so it is hypothesized that this combination will be the most successful in terms of purity levels. Scaling up the volume of Spirulina plantesis  for large scale production of phycocyanin has been the goal of all previous experimentation, and will be evaluated now that sonication methods have to achieve desirable crude extract has been roughly determined. The initial pellet produced after the first centrifuge will also be tested for any remaining phycocyanin from a tube in the DOE, to establish a protocol for resuspension and secondar...