phycocyanobilin

Phycocyanobilin Product Introduction

1. Basic Information

• Chemical Name: Phycocyanobilin

• Synonyms: PCB, Phycocyanin chromophore

• Molecular Formula: C₃₃H₃₈N₄O₆

• CAS Number: 20298-86-6 (approximate, varies by source)

• Appearance: Blue pigment, typically extracted as a powder or liquid concentrate .

• Source: Derived from phycocyanin, a protein found in cyanobacteria (e.g., Spirulina platensis) and blue-green algae .

2. Technical Description

• Structure: A linear tetrapyrrole chromophore responsible for the blue color in phycocyanin .

• Absorption Spectrum: Peak absorption at ~620 nm (visible light), contributing to its antioxidant properties via light-harvesting mechanisms 1.

• Solubility: Water-soluble in its native phycocyanin form; isolated phycocyanobilin may require specific solvents for stabilization .

3. Key Functions

1. Antioxidant Activity: Neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, supporting cellular health 1.

2. Anti-inflammatory: Modulates inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-κB inhibition), potentially alleviating chronic inflammation .

3. Neuroprotective: Crosses the blood-brain barrier, protecting neural cells from oxidative damage .

4. Photodynamic Therapy: Acts as a photosensitizer in biomedical research for targeted cancer cell destruction .

4. Applications

Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods

• Dietary Supplements: Incorporated into antioxidant formulations for immune support and detoxification 1.

• Gut Health: Supports intestinal barrier integrity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, as highlighted in studies on nutraceuticals 1.

Cosmetics

• Skincare: Used in anti-aging creams for its anti-inflammatory and UV-protective properties .

Biomedical Research

• Photodynamic Therapy: Investigated for cancer treatment due to its light-activated cytotoxicity .

• Diagnostic Imaging: Explored as a fluorescent marker in bioimaging .