Improved procedure for separation and purification of Arthronema africanum phycobiliproteins

A rapid, inexpensive and reliable procedure for separation and purification of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) and allophycocyanin (APC) from Arthronema africanum based on a previously described rivanol-sulfate method for C-PC purification was developed. Exclusion of NaCl from the extraction buffer resulted in complete separation of APC and C-PC, two-fold reduction of rivanol treatments, and a higher yield and purity of C-PC. Pure C-PC (A(620)/A(280) of 4.52) and APC (A(652)/A(280) of 2.41) were obtained. The estimated molecular masses of the alpha and beta subunits were 17 and 19 kDa for C-phycocyanin and 16 and 18 kDa for APC, respectively. The overall C-PC recovery of 55% (w/w) from its content (100 mg) in the crude extract was 10-20% higher than so far reported. The procedure appears promising for scaling up and broader applications.