Spirulina (Arthrospira) Taxonomy, Biology and Applications

About this book

Language: English

This book covers all essential information on the free-floating filamentous cyanobacterium Spirulina (genus Arthrospira) for interested students and specialists, and provides a broad outline on all aspects in the relevant chapters. However, emphasis is laid on studies which are helpful to teaching and research staff. As biodiversity is gaining importance, the chapter on taxonomy, morphology and ecology provides useful guidelines for those interested in basic floristic studies on cyanobacteria. The chapter on growth physiology deals with all aspects of laboratory and open-air cultures with current information on the interaction of light, temperature and nutrients in cultivation indoors and outdoors. The section on low cost non-toxic substitutes for nutrient media is highly useful for adoption at village-level cultivation for food and feed purposes. Large-scale Spirulina cultivation in India is limited to only a few industrial units and there is ample scope for new entrants as the demand is increasing steadily. This book provides basic information on both centralized large-scale production and decentralized production. Photographic illustrations of innovative low-cost pond designs, agitation devices, harvesting and drying options also provide guidelines for scholars in universities and technology institutes in preparing project proposals for funding agencies. The wide-ranging applications of Spirulina in human health, its essential constituents, and its immune functions and disease prevention are summarized with special regard to the Indian context for the benefit of students of medicine as well as practicing physicians. The detailed report of the well-authenticated benefits of long-term feeding trials in pre-school children especially in improved blood haemoglobin levels and prevention of eye disorders is worth replicating in view of the latest available additional data on the wide ranging benefits of Spirulina. This book also has valuable information for food industries.

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