Cultivo de arthrospira platensis (spirulina) em fotobiorreator para aplicação em industria cosmética

Abstract

The production of Arthrospira platensis for the cosmetic industry has been gaining incentive due to the high quantity of antioxidants, and the anti-aging activity that this Resource add to the final product. Due to the high cost of microalgae production, photobioreactors used in cultivation have been the focus of improvement, especially in the development of lower-cost equipment. Comparative tests of yield and concentration with other sources were conducted, allowing the evaluation of the new photobioreactor. The integration of this equipment into artisan communitiesin the northern region of Natal - RN, was assessed. Through physicochemical tests, proximate analysis of microalgae, FTIR analysis, and the evaluation of the overall cost of the process, it was possible to determine that the production of the constructed photobioreactor is valid for producing microalgae as an ingredient for the manufacture of cosmetic items. The positive yield results of approximately 1g/L for biomass production were also satisfactory for application for the same purpose. The acceptance of the Spirulina production from the new photobioreactors by the communities was also evaluated, with the presentation of new cosmetics using Spirulina to boost the income of the selected artisan community. The project can be classified as an excellent solution for the economic development of the northeastern region of Brazil, associating organic production techniques of Arthrospira platensis in the market.