Phycoerythrin is a major light-harvesting pigment of red algae, which could be used as a natural dye in foods. The stability of R-phycoerythrin of Grateloupia turuturu and B-phycoerythrin of Porphyridium cruentum in relation to different light exposure times, pHs, and temperatures was studied. Regarding the light exposure time, after 48h, the reduction in concentrations of B-phycoerythrin and R-phycoerythrin were 30±2.4% and 70±1%, respectively. Phycoerythrins presented good stability from pH 4 to 10. At pH 2, the reduction in concentration was 90±4% for B-phycoerythrin and 40±2.5% for R-phycoerythrin while, at pH 12, the phycoerythrins were degraded. Phycoerythrins showed good stability toward temperature, up to 40°C. At 60°C, the reduction in concentrations of B-phycoerythrin and R-phycoerythrin were 50±3.4% and 70±0.18%, respectively. Moreover, the best conditions of storage (-20°C) were determined.
Keywords: B-PE; B-phycoerythrin; CE; Grateloupia turuturu; Light stability; PBP; PE; PI; Phycoerythrins; Porphyridium cruentum; R-PE; R-phycoerythrin; Temperature stability; crude extract; pH stability; phycobiliprotein; phycoerythrin; purity index.
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