Biomimetic mineralization engineered phycocyanin with improved stability and antioxidantive activity under environmental stress

Due to the brilliant blue color and antioxidative activity, phycocyanin (PC) has gained increased attentions in various fields. However, its high sensitivity towards environmental stress has greatly hindered the application of this elegant natural product. Incorporation of PC in a particulate form is an attractive strategy to maintain its functionalities. Herein, biomimetic mineralization was applied to fabricate PC@calcium phosphate (CaP) microparicles. The stability and antioxidative activity of PC@CaP was evaluated. It was disclosed that PC@CaP exhibited an enhancement in stability and antioxidative activity under environmental stress, signifying the role of the biomimetic mineralization in maintaining the stability and antioxidative activity of PC for its potential use in a variety of fields with high added-value.