Efficient extraction and preservation of thermotolerant phycocyanins from red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae

C-Phycocyanin (PC) is a protein used commercially as natural blue pigment produced by cyanobacteria, cryptophytes, and rhodophytes. Although it industrially synthesized from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis, PC requires high levels of energy for its extraction, which involves freezing cells. However, protein, easily denatured at extreme temperatures. In this study, we extracted red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae, denoted CmPC, found that was tolerant to temperatures acidic pH. CmPC suspending cells in water mixed with various salts organic acids without freeze-drying or freeze-thaw. The stability varied salt concentration destabilized acids. Our results indicate C. merolae potential candidate production thermotolerant properties.