Phycobiliprotein conjugates play an invaluable role in capturing light energy and are used to prevent slaking due to fluorescence and light absorption. With increased upsides, such as excellent water solubility, long-wavelength emission, and molecule structure, phycobiliprotein conjugates could be highly sought-after across cosmetics, dietary supplements, and natural food colorant applications. The family of photosynthetic light-harvesting proteins has become trendier among stakeholders investing in organic products. For instance, Cyanobacteria is profoundly used to develop vitamin B and E supplements. Business Research Insights projects the market for phycobiliprotein conjugates to surpass USD 96 million by 2028.
The cosmetics sector could be the major recipient of phycobiliprotein conjugates as the product has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant attributes. Heightened awareness about the naturally occurring component will encourage leading companies to boost their presence across untapped areas. Some of the major players of phycobiliprotein conjugates who are slated to redefine the global landscape are elucidated below:
1. DIC Corporation
DIC Corporation is a Tokyo-based chemical company established in 1908. The Japanese company specializes in organic pigments, printing inks, and PPS compounds globally. The company operates in over 60 countries and territories and has 10 plants in Japan. DIC is divided into four business units, fine chemicals, printing inks, application materials, and polymers.
2. Japan Algae
Japan Algae is a biotechnology company dealing in organic germanium, kumejima enzyme drinks, spirulina pigment, and spirulina. Japan Algae was established in 1980 and was founded based on its biotechnology profile. The company will continue to invest in advanced technology as a frontrunner in the bio-industry.
3. Norland Biotech
Norland Biotech is a China-based company specializing in microalgae products in China. The company has more than 350,000 m² standard farms of algae cultivation in Erdos, China. The company claims it produces more than 1100 tons of high-quality microalgae products a year. It invests in rigorous quality management and advanced production technology and equipment.
4. Parry Nutraceuticals
Parry Nutraceuticals, a division of EID Parry, was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Tamil Nadu, India. The Chennai-based company specializes in organic, chlorella, spirulina, immunity, microalgae, organic, and superfoods, among others. The company contemplates investing in ecologically sustainable cultivation practices in organic micro-algal products.
5. Ozone Naturals
India-based Ozone Naturals is a leading manufacturer of high-quality ingredients. Founded in 2012, the company has focused on natural and safe products with the use of cutting-edge technologies and strict adherence to world-class quality systems. The company asserts that it manufactures natural ingredients from green technology Supercritical Fluid Extraction (or, Co2 extraction) for 100% natural, solvent-free, and superior quality products.
6. Fuqing King Dnarmsa Spirulina
Established in 1995, Fuqing King Dnarmsa Spirulina is an integrated high-tech company with an emphasis on microalgae farming, microalgae biotechnology research & development, scientific research & development, and microalgae products’ deep processing and product sales at home and abroad. The China-based company claims to be one of the major exporters of spirulina products.
7. Zhejiang Binmei Biotechnology
Headquartered in China, Zhejiang Binmei Biotechnology was established in 2013. It specializes in manufacturing reliable and high-quality powder, liquid, and oil soluble spirulina extract. The company also focuses on spirulina extract (Phycocyanin) that is prevalently used in cosmetics, food, health, pharmaceuticals, and others. Binmei has reportedly eight technical patents in marine biology.
Growing Prominence of Spirulina
Phycocyanin, a phycobiliprotein, is a key component of spirulina. Spirulina has become trendier as a sustainable bioactive microalga with health-boosting attributes. It has become one of the most sought-after ingredients in natural cosmetic products. Lately, leading companies are seeking spirulina in topical skin-care formulations, including anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, anti-acne, and anti-aging agents. The immensely-popular anti-aging action makes spirulina a tremendous ingredient in the cosmetics sector.
The product is rich in vitamins, including riboflavin and thiamin, which boost collagen production from the skin’s deeper layers. Moreover, the detoxifying action makes spirulina a value proposition for purifying scrubs and masks.
With the cosmetics industry witnessing a paradigm shift, the use of spirulina could gain further impetus over the next few years. Also, the pharmaceutical sector could be the major recipient of phycobiliprotein conjugates following the pervasive vitamin deficiency globally. UNICEF asserted that in 2020, two-dose coverage with vitamin A supplement was below 50% in all regions. Therefore, leading companies are expected to inject funds into R&D and innovations to turn challenges into opportunities.