*7.2. Phycobilin Pigments*

Phycobiliproteins are secondary pigments generated by microalgae, which help them to exploit the light energy while protecting them from harmful radiation. It seems that the antioxidant mechanisms within the organisms that create them are very similar to those carried out in food matrices or in the human organism [153]. The main microalgae producing these compounds are cyanobacteria (*Spirulina*, which produces phycocyanin, blue) and cryptomonads, but are also found in red algae (*Porphyridium*, which produces phycoerythrin, red). Despite being a labile molecule, phycocyanin is capable of generating a blue color that other natural dyes do not achieve, so it is used in the manufacture of foods such as ice cream, yogurt, chewing gum, and beverages, as well as in various cosmetic products, mainly in Japan [154].
