In a recent article in Elsevier’s International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, scientists at Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology, and Research in India redefined the industrial potential of cyanobacteria through innovative bioprocessing strategies that boost production of phycobiliproteins (PBPs)—valuable pigments with growing biomedical and commercial demand.
PBPs, the vibrant light-harvesting proteins responsible for cyanobacteria’s photosynthetic prowess, also fight oxidative stress and inflammation. These dual properties position them for cutting-edge applications, from photodynamic cancer therapy and wound healing to targeted drug delivery and precision bioimaging. Their natural fluorescence also powers essential research tools such as flow cytometry and multiplex immunoassays.
Despite their promise, companies struggle to manufacture PBPs at scale. The Vignan researchers argue that smarter bioprocess engineering can unlock high-volume production without driving costs sky-high. They highlight several tactics to make that happen—starting with how cyanobacteria grow.
By fine-tuning nutrient supply, the team reports dramatic boosts in pigment yield. Nitrogen-rich media support strong phycocyanin biosynthesis, while tailored phosphorus availability helps balance cell growth and pigment storage. The scientists also manipulate light—wavelength, intensity, and timing—to selectively amplify desired PBPs. Blue light nudges cells toward phycocyanin; red light steers them to phycoerythrin. Careful control of temperature, pH, and CO2 input keeps cells energetically efficient and productive.
On the engineering side, next-generation photobioreactors reshape how light reaches cells. Fiber-optic illumination and LED-based systems distribute light uniformly throughout dense cultures, preventing the shading that often plagues large-scale photosynthetic growth. Microbubble aeration delivers CO2 efficiently and reduces energy use. Automated sensors now adjust environmental conditions in real time, preventing productivity losses and ensuring consistently high pigment quality.
Artificial intelligence adds another boost. Machine learning models predict how culture conditions influence biosynthesis, accelerating optimization and minimizing costly trial-and-error experimentation. Data-guided cultivation shortens development pipelines and improves economic viability.
Genetic engineering provides an even more powerful lever. Researchers deploy CRISPR-based edits and synthetic biology tools to strengthen pigment pathways, tailor fluorescence spectra, and increase strain resilience under industrial stress. Some labs now reconstruct pigment synthesis pathways in fast-growing microbes like E. coli, which dramatically cuts production time.
Despite all of the advances in producing PBPs, obstacles remain. Extraction and purification still demand considerable labor and cost, and harsh processing steps can degrade pigment bioactivity. Many cyanobacterial strains grow slowly and require precise conditions, creating challenges when scaling up. Regulatory hurdles surrounding engineered strains also influence commercialization timelines.
Still, momentum continues to build. As industries seek sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes and petrochemical-based materials, PBPs stand out for their renewability and superior biological performance. The Vignan team urges deeper partnerships between academic labs and manufacturers to convert laboratory advances into real-world production.
By combining smarter bioreactors, engineered biology, and AI-driven process control, scientists can transform cyanobacteria into efficient pigment-producing platforms. These colorful proteins may soon shift from niche specialty products to mainstream essentials, driving greener bioprocessing and beyond.