Abstract
Spirulina platensis, a filamentous cyanobacterium, has gained global recognition for its remarkable nutritional and therapeutic properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the taxonomy, biology, and cultivation techniques of Spirulina, emphasizing its applicability in various sectors including health, food, cosmetics, and biofuels. The paper explores optimal growth conditions in natural and controlled environments and evaluates the nutritional profile, which includes high protein content, essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Spirulina exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties, supporting its use as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agent. Its applications in aquaculture, livestock feed, and as a protein supplement further highlight its commercial and ecological potential. Moreover, advances in genetic engineering, sustainable cultivation, and biorefinery integration present promising prospects for expanding its utility. Despite environmental and economic challenges in large-scale production, Spirulina stands as a viable solution to global health, nutrition, and sustainability issues.
Introduction
Modern environmental degradation, dietary shifts, and increased mental and physical stress have emerged as major risk factors contributing to rising mortality and lifestyle- related diseases. In response, contemporary medicine, pharmacology, and biotechnology are increasingly focused on developing safe and effective therapeutic agents. Among these biotechnological advances, Spirulina platensis, a blue-green microalga, has gained significant attention. It is widely utilized as a functional additive across various sectors, including agriculture, the food industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and medical research.
Spirulina platensis was first isolated from a freshwater stream by Turpin in 1827 and has since been identified in diverse environments such as soil, marine, and freshwater systems. It is widely used in the production of food and pharmaceutical additives. During cultivation, particularly in controlled systems like closed photobioreactors and open reservoirs, the nutritional profile of Spirulina biomass can be enhanced by supplementing with trace elements such as iron, iodine, selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, and chromium in bioavailable forms.
Spirulina is regarded as a superfood due to its exceptional nutritional composition, exceeding that of many conventional foods, plants, and herbs. As a whole-food source of essential nutrients, it serves as an alternative to synthetic vitamin supplements. The United Nations has identified Spirulina as a promising food for addressing future global nutritional needs. It is widely recognized for its roles in enhancing energy levels, supporting immune function, and promoting detoxification. Consequently, it is increasingly used in dietary supplements, commonly available in powder, capsule, and tablet forms.
Currently, Spirulina is commercially available and consumed in numerous countries, including Germany, Brazil, Chile, Spain, France, Canada, Belgium, Egypt, the United States, Ireland, Argentina, the Philippines, India, and various African nations. Its use as a dietary supplement has been approved by public health authorities and regulatory agencies in these regions.
The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of Spirulina (particularly Arthrosporic spp.) with a focus on its biological characteristics, cultivation methods, and wide-ranging applications. The review highlights current advances in cultivation technologies, evaluates the nutritional and medicinal value of Spirulina, and discusses its potential role in addressing global challenges such as malnutrition, environmental sustainability, and food security.
The scope includes:
- The taxonomy and physiological traits of Spirulina.
- Cultivation techniques in both natural and controlled environments.
- Nutritional composition and bioactive compounds.
- Health benefits and therapeutic applications.
- Industrial and environmental uses (e.g., wastewater treatment, CO₂ sequestration).
- Global production trends and economic potential.
- Challenges and future research directions.
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Dr. Kinjal Upadhyay, Pal Parmar, JUL 2025 | CRSI JOURNAL | VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 ISSN: APPLIED, Spirulina: A Comprehensive Review on Its Cultivation, Nutritional Profile, and Global Importance, CRSIJ250000003 COSMO RESEARCH AND SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL
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