Potency of Spirulina platensis as a source of cosmetic and bioplastic (review)

Abstract

Spirulina plantesis is a cyanobacteria that has many purposes such as for cosmetics, and food industry. In addition, Spirulina platensis can accumulate polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a type of bioplastic. This review discussed the potency of Spirulina platensis as a source of bioplastics and cosmetics. From the review, Spirulina contained bioactive compound, C-phycocyanin, which can inhibit cell damage and is very potential to be applied for cosmetics. The PHB content in Spirulina tends to be small compared to other microalgae. To reduce the cost of PHB from Spirulina, the biorefinery concept can be applied, by recovery the bioactive components (C-phycocyanin), while the residue can be used as a source of PHB.