IMPRESSUM partner NEOALGAE is developing a new cosmetic ingredient based on phycocyanin, a phycobiliprotein derived from the cyanobacterium Limnospira (Arthrospira) platensis, commonly known as Spirulina.
The work is connected to the IMPRESSUM objective of developing innovative approaches for marine and freshwater-based ingredients and creating novel value for food, feed, ingredients, biopolymers, and bioactives. It also supports the project’s focus on circular and sustainable value chains.
The study, titled “In vitro determination of anti-inflammatory effects of a new cosmetic ingredient based on phycocyanin”, focuses on one of the main limitations of phycocyanin in cosmetic applications: its intrinsic instability, especially in aqueous matrices and under thermal stress.
To address this, Neoalgae is developing an anhydrous cosmetic ingredient in which phycocyanin is incorporated into a high-lipid matrix, such as shea butter. The aim is to create a stabilised phycocyanin system suitable for functional dermocosmetic applications at industrial level.
The ingredient is being characterised through in vitro testing in human THP-1 monocytic cells. The work includes evaluation of cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity.
According to the results reported by Neoalgae, the anhydrous phycocyanin and shea butter ingredient demonstrates strong cytocompatibility at relevant cosmetic doses. The ingredient also shows significant anti-inflammatory activity.
These results support its suitability for cosmetic formulations targeting skin sensitivity, erythema reduction, and post-inflammatory recovery. The anhydrous lipid matrix also substantially improves pigment stability and allows for industrial scalability.
Within IMPRESSUM, this work contributes to the valorisation of microalgal biomass as a renewable source of functional compounds. It also demonstrates the market-oriented exploitation potential of microalgae-derived ingredients in high-value sectors beyond food and feed.
___________
The article was created by Neoalgae partners Jesús Fidel Delgado Ramallo, Mario Blanco Vietes, María Álvarez Gil, Victor Casado Bañares, and Eduardo Rodriguez.
Edited for the IMPRESSUM website.