Spirulina and Chlorella Drying – Process Parameters That Protect Key Bioactive Compounds

Spirulina and Chlorella Drying – Process Parameters That Protect Key Bioactive Compounds

Spirulina and Chlorella Drying Machine

Spirulina and Chlorella biomass typically enter the drying stage with 80–90 % moisture. It must be reduced to 4–8 % final moisture to ensure storage stability, food-grade safety, and consistent powder performance. The primary technical goal is to minimize degradation of phycocyanin, chlorophyll, and protein during the process.

Low-temperature controlled drying helps limit phycocyanin loss and maintain bright natural color.

Uniform moisture removal also supports efficient downstream grinding and long-term powder stability.

These parameters are based on commercial production data where bioactive retention and consistent powder quality are critical requirements.

FAQ

Why is the temperature kept below 55 °C for Spirulina?

Phycocyanin is heat-sensitive and degrades noticeably above this range. Controlled low temperatures help maintain higher levels of this compound.

What final moisture target is commonly used for algae powder?

4–8 % moisture (water activity below 0.6) is standard to ensure microbial stability during storage and transport.

Can the same drying system process both Spirulina and Chlorella?

Yes. Heat pump systems with adjustable temperature and humidity control allow effective switching between the two materials.

How does the drying method influence the final powder quality?

Lower-temperature methods better preserve protein structure, color, and bioactive compounds compared with higher-heat processes.