Phycobiliproteins are a type of protein-pigment found in cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
and in the light-harvesting complexes of red algae and cryptophytes. These proteins play key roles in
the process of photosynthesis by capturing light energy and passing it on to chlorophylls, where it is converted into chemical energy.
Three of the main types of phycobiliproteins are listed below:
Phycoerythrin - This is the most common phycobiliprotein found in
red seaweed. It absorbs green light (around 550 nm) and emits red light.
Phycocyanin - This protein is found in both cyanobacteria and
red algae. It absorbs orange light (around 620 nm) and emits blue or cyan light.
Allophycocyanin - This protein also absorbs light in the orange
spectrum (around 650 nm) and emits red or far-red light.
The distinctive color of phycobiliproteins comes from their conjugated protein-pigment complexes, which can absorb specific
wavelengths of light. The color and type of phycobiliprotein predominant in a specific algae species is often adapted to the
light conditions of their environment. For example, red algae living at greater depths where blue light is most available
will often have a higher concentration of phycoerythrin, which can effectively absorb this blue light.
Beyond their role in photosynthesis, phycobiliproteins have found use in various applications due to their fluorescence properties
and abilities to form stable complexes. They are used as fluorescent tags in biological research, in immunoassays, and in flow cytometry,
among other applications. They are also investigated for their potential health benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Examples of some phycobiliproteins found in red seaweed are listed below:
Phycoerythrin -This is the most common phycobiliprotein found in
red algae. One red seaweed species that contains phycoerythrin is Porphyra (also known as Nori, widely used in sushi),
specifically the type called Porphyra umbilicalis.
Phycoerythrin Subtypes - There are also subtypes of phycoerythrin,
referred to with either R, C, or B prefixes, present in some red seaweeds. For example: Gracilaria tikvahiae contains R-phycoerythrin,
Ceramium rubrum contains C-Phycoerythrin, and Porphyridium cruentum contains B-phycoerythrin.
Phycocyanin - Its presence is usually associated with bluish colour in algae.
An example of a red seaweed species that contains phycocyanin is Antithamnionella spirographidis.
Phycocyanin Subtype - C-phycocyanin can be found in red algae
like Antithamnionella spirographidis.
Allophycocyanin - This phycobiliprotein is generally less abundant in red
seaweed than phycoerythrin. Species of Gracilaria, a red seaweed widely used for agar production, contain allophycocyanin.
The extraction process, including the solvents and methods used, can influence the concentration and types of phycobiliproteins present in the final extract.
It is often the case that a balance needs to be found between fully-extracting all phycobiliproteins while also ensuring that the compounds that are
obtained are of a high quality and not degraded.
At Celignis we have extensive experience in the design and optimisation of extraction protocols for a wide variety of chemical constituents from
many different biomass types. If needed we can also work on processes to separate and purify the target compounds.
Click here to read more about Celignis's Bioprocess Development Services for the extraction of
chemicals from biomass.
Celignis is a Partner in 3 Successful Proposals for EU Funding
We are pleased to announce that three of the proposals involving Celignis, submitted to the CBE-JU programme for funding collaborative biomass research in Europe, were successful. These projects will provide an additional funding of €1.5m to Celignis and build on our achievements in other CBE and EU projects. In particular, the projects are all at enhanced TRLs (6/7) and will use our existing Celignis Bioprocess infrastructure and will also fund further development of our bioprocessing capacities and the Bioprocess Development Services we offer our clients.
Details on the funded projects are provided below:
BIONEER - This project was funded under CBE-JU topic IA-06 and focuses on the TRL 6/7 production of biobased platform chemicals. Celignis's activities in the project focus on scaling up the work undertaken in our ongoing
Celignis to Exhibit and Present at Major Biochar Event
The 2024 North American Biochar Conference will take place in Sacramento, California, on Feb 12-15
On Feb 12-15 we'll be exhibiting at the 2024 North American Biochar Conference, taking place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Centre in Sacramento, California.
We're looking forward to interacting with the 1000+ expected attendees, outlining our extensive range of analytical and application testing services for biochar.
Celignis CIO Lalitha Gottumukkala will also be a member of the expert panel focused on developing improved laboratory methods for biochar characterisation.
This Networking Event Will Involve Discussions on Collaborations for Proposals to the 2024 CBE-JU Topics
The Circular Bioeconomy Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) is an organisation that funds biomass research in Europe at various Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Since 2016 Celignis has been an active participant in a number of projects funded by the CBE-JU.
The Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC) is the steering committee that helps to steer the focus of research for the CBE-JU programme. In 2023 Celignis joined the BIC as a Full Industry Member and participated in several proposals submitted for different research topics in the CBE-JU's 2023 Work Programme.
We're Hiring - Business Administration & Client Relationship Manager
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships.
Situated in Limerick, Ireland, Celignis currently operates at two centres, Celignis Analytical and Celignis Bioprocess, actively engaging in a variety of private and public bioeconomy projects. As we continue to expand, we're looking to strengthen our team of 14 with a Business Administration and Client Relationship Manager who can bring a blend of enthusiasm and expertise.
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships, and ensuring successful delivery of our services, playing a key role in our ongoing growth and success.
Celignis to Sponsor and Present at Major Biochar Event
The event takes place on May 3rd at Carrick-on-Shannon
We are pleased to announce that, on May 3rd, Celignis will be presenting and exhibiting at the National Biochar and Carbon Products Conference 2023, which is taking place in Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrm, Ireland.
This conference is being organised under the auspices of the Interreg Northwest Europe-funded THREE C Project, entitled 'Creating and sustaining Charcoal value chains to promote a Circular Carbon economy in NWE Europe'.
The conference will highlight both Irish stakeholders who are currently working in the biochar and carbon products sector, but also partners from the THREE C project (covering Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, France and Wales, as well as Ireland) who have interesting stories and products to share.
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