Vol. 10, Issue 3 (2021)

Author(s):
Sumit Sow and Shivani Ranjan

Abstract:
Limited consumption of natural food stuff in the 21st century has led to deficiency of vitamins and other important minerals in the human body. Due to excess and repetitive use of chemical fertilizers, the crop productivity is declining day by day. Spirulina is multi-cellular and filamentous blue-green algae biomass which belongs to the class of cyanobacteria discovered by non-referenced Mexicans in the 16th century can be a viable solution of all these problems. In recent years, Spirulina has gained enormous attention from research point of view as well as industries as a flourishing source of nutraceutical and pharmaceuticals. It has a very high content of macro as well as micronutrients, essential amino acids, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. It is among the most nutritious, concentrated whole food sources that exists in nature, and is known as a superfood. Spirulina exhibits anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and many other properties. Spirulina has the potential of reducing the negative impacts of wastewater discharge through bioremediation. Two major technologies are being considered for the cultivation of Spirulina: closed photobioreactors (PBR) and open raceway ponds. In developing countries like India where malnutrition is a renowned social challenge and it can be defeated by the supplementation of Spirulina products in the diet. The commercial cultivation of Spirulina and converting it to consumable forms (tablets or powder) can be a new way of agribusiness. Therefore, Spirulina is emerging as a cost-effective means of improving livestock and crop productivity in a sustainable manner to ensure food and nutritional security.