Spirulina is a form of bacteria known as cyanobacterium, or blue-green algae, that can thrive in both fresh and saline water. It uses the photosynthetic process to produce energy from sunlight, just like plants. It flourishes in alkaline ponds and rivers with warm water. One of the most important nutrients in a diet is protein. It is one of the most promising protein sources. Spirulina protein is commercially grown in large-scale culture systems for human and animal use. Spirulina has a protein concentration of 40 to 80 percent and a rapid growth rate. It requires less water and acreage to grow, and it can thrive in any tropical climate. In the business world, Spirulina is employed as a supplemental food element in commercial aquacultures such as fish, prawns, and animals, in both wet and dry forms. Spirulina is a filamentous blue-green algae that is unicellular and coiled in spirals of various tightness and numbers of around 0.1 mm. It grows quickly in surroundings rich in minerals, with high nutritional content, low nucleic acid content, and high vitamin and mineral concentrations. It is employed as a possible source of food, feed, and fuel in impoverished countries. It is grown on a big scale in clean waters and under regulated conditions for human nourishment, and it is also grown in wastewaters and can be used in animal feed.
Health Benefits of Spirulina
• Spirulina has a high concentration of numerous nutrients.
• It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• It benefits the heart by lowering LDL and triglyceride levels.
• Prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
• Appears to have anti-cancer effects and is effective in the treatment of oral cancer.
• Reduces inflammation in the nasal passages (allergic rhinitis symptoms).
• Effective in the treatment of anaemia.
Spirulina Growing Conditions
Climate: Spirulina must be grown in areas with acceptable climatic conditions for commercial and large-scale production. Tropical and sub-tropical climates are ideal for its cultivation. It necessitates year-round sunshine. Spirulina development and production are influenced by a variety of elements including wind, rain, temperature fluctuations, and sun radiation.
Temperature: A temperature of 30° to 35° C is suitable for high production with high protein content. Spirulina can withstand temperatures ranging from 22 to 38 degrees Celsius, although the protein content and colour will be compromised. Temperatures above 35° C cause cultures to bleach, whereas temperatures below 20° C prevent them from surviving.
The intensity of light has a significant impact on its growth. Spirulina's protein content, growth rate, and pigment synthesis are all affected by light. For Spirulina cultivation, light intensities of 20 to 30 K lux have been shown to be optimum. It was studied at 2 K lux for 10 hours with varied light shades; it gave the highest protein level under blue light. The next tiers of protein created were yellow, white, red, and green light.
Spirulina, like a photosynthesizing organism, requires light for growth. Because light is concentrated on the top surface of the culture, Spirulina that grows on top will thrive, whereas Spirulina that grows below will grow slowly and may die. The culture must be regularly stirred for maximal production and proper growth rate of each organism. This allows all organisms to reach the top of the culture for uniform photosynthesis to occur. Manual and mechanical stirring are both options. Pumps and paddle wheels are solar-powered and can be fitted. Manual stirring, which can be done with a stick, a broom, or a whisk, should be done with extreme caution.
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