Sustainable Production and Multidisciplinary Applications of Phycocyanin: A Systematic Review Eva Musifa (a), Alinda Tania (b*), Indah (b), Yadi Oktariansyah (c), Yuniar Harvianti (c), Amanda Astri Pratiwi Febrianti (d)
(a) Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sriwijaya University
(b) Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sriwijaya University
(c) Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sriwijaya University
(d) Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sriwijaya University
Abstract
Phycocyanin, a vibrant blue pigment-protein complex predominantly sourced from cyanobacteria and algae, holds significant promise across diverse scientific and industrial fields due to its bioactive properties. This paper uses the systematic review employs the PRISMA meta-analysis methodology to critically analyze recent advances in phycocyanin production, with the dual objectives of optimizing yield and purity, while comprehensively examining its multidisciplinary applications in life sciences. A total of 252 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 were selected from leading databases. The findings of this study reveal that phycocyanin production efficiency heavily depends on optimized extraction and purification protocols to achieve maximal purity and functional quality. The multidisciplinary impacts of phycocyanin span key sectors such as food and nutrition, pharmaceuticals and medicine, cosmetics, environmental biotechnology, and analytical diagnostics. Despite these promising applications, several challenges persist, including low production yield, chemical and physical instability, purity requirement for applications as well as extraction and cultivation limitation. This review also proposes strategic recommendations, including advancements in sustainable cultivation, innovative purification techniques, and promotes sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The study underscores the critical need for integrative, cross-disciplinary approaches to fully harness the potential of phycocyanin, promoting its role as a sustainable bio resource with broad life science and industrial relevance.
