Professor of IPB: Benefits of Spirulina from Anti-acne to Anti-cancerKOMPAS.com - Microalgae in the sea have many benefits for humans.In addition to growing rapidly, microalgae are able to produce a variety of promising and sustainable value-added products.Professor of IPB University from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK), Iriani Setyaningsih explained the various benefits of microalgae for humans.According to him, even if this plant is explored further, it will not only have a good impact on health but also for the economy.“The market for microalgae-based products in 2020 reached $1547 million and is projected to double by 2028. Microalgae, algae with chlorophyll that play a role in photosynthesis produce organic materials that can be utilized for various human needs.These include the food industry, supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and can be alternative bioenergy," he said as quoted from the IPB University website during the Scientific Pre-Oration Press Conference some time ago.Also read: Quail Eggs Contain High Cholesterol?This is IPB Lecturer's ExplanationHe gave an example that there are microalgae that are suitable for food.For example, Spirulina and Chlorella are recognized as food grade.As medicinal ingredients, microalgae have physiological functions that are beneficial to health and have the potential to treat non-degenerative and degenerative diseases.Several types of microalgae have antibacterial potential, including Chlorella vulgaris, Skeletonema costatum, Nitzschia closterium, Chaetoceros gracilis, and Spirulina platensis.“Phycocyanin pigment, crude extract and alkaloid fraction from Spirulina platensis can inhibit Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (malaria virus).Both are in the moderately and active categories," he explained.Also read: IPB Lecturer Shares How To Know Rotten Eggs Through This TechniqueExtracts from Spirulina platensis can also inhibit breast cancer cells (MCF-7) more than 50 percent, while against normal breast cells (MCF-12a) less than 50 percent."This means that the crude extract of Spirulina platensis has the potential as an anticancer that can inhibit breast cancer cells and is safe for normal cells," he added.Prof. Iriani has also obtained biomass and phycocyanin pigments from Spirulina fusiformis which can lower blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.Meanwhile, for the cosmetic industry, Prof. Iriani said that his team succeeded in making a face mask made from spirulina and fish collagen which can inhibit acne-causing bacteria.“The peel-off mask formulation based on spirulina and fish collagen has received a patent certificate (granted), which is a collaboration with PKSPL IPB University.We also make lip balms using spirulina oil/fat.This formulation has been registered with a patent,” he said.For bioenergy, he explained that bioethanol can be produced from microalgae Chlamydomonas and Synechococcus sp through the glucose fermentation process using yeast, especially the type of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.Also read: 5 Foods That Can Lower IQ, Check The ListMeanwhile, exopolysaccharides from Porphyridium cruentum also have the potential to produce bioethanol.“Despite having great opportunities for the development of microalgae applications, there are still many challenges to be faced.One of them is the lack of microalgae industry in Indonesia," he continued.In addition, he explained the need to design new functional foods, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals from microalgae other than spirulina."And single compound isolation from active compounds that have physiological functions and become drug candidates," he added.This research, he said, was also supported through collaboration with the Center for the Study of Coastal and Ocean Resources (PKSPL) IPB University.“We have succeeded in making spirulina-based products, including noodles, biscuits, jelly drinks, cookies, yogurt, snack bars, spirulina lozenges and so on.Some of them have been patented with registered and published status,” he added.This article is part of Parapuan.Parapuan is a space for women's self-actualization to achieve their dreams.Write your comments with the hashtag #JernihBerkomentar and win e-vouchers for 90 winners!Get information and insight selected by Kompas.com editorsDouble check and complete your data.Your data will be used for account verification when you need assistance or when unusual activity is found on your account.Immediately complete your data to join the #JernihBerkomentar program.