A novel two-phase bioprocess for the production of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima LJGR1 at pilot plant scale during different seasons and for phycocyanin induction under controlled conditions

[Display omitted] •A two-stage process at pilot-plant scale allowed A. maxima growth and PC recovery.•During cultivation outdoors, biomass productivity was 13.63–18.97 gDWm−2 d−1.•Phycocyanin production was enhanced under controlled conditions with blue LED light.•Membranes allowed both biomass separation and recovery of a high purity phycocyanin. A two-phase outdoor cultivation bioprocess for Arthrospira maxima LJGR1 combined with phycocyanin induction in concentrated cultures under controlled conditions was evaluated using a modified low-cost Zarrouk medium. Growth was monitored during 4 cycles in 2018 and 4 cycles in 2019. Biomass was harvested and concentrated using membrane technology at the end of each cycle for further phycocyanin induction using blue LED light (controlled conditions, 24 h). The highest biomass productivity was observed during spring and summer cycles (13.63–18.97 gDWm−2 d−1); during mid-fall and mid-end fall, a decrease was observed (9.93–7.76 gDWm−2 d−1). Under favorable growth conditions, phycocyanin induction was successful. However, during cycles with unfavorable growth condition, phycocyanin induction was not observed. Reactive-grade phycocyanin (3.72 ± 0.14) was recovered and purified using microfiltration and ultrafiltration technologies.