Methods for synthesizing phycocyanin using a biological substance include first synthesizing the phycocyanin by receiving a source containing phycocyanin, forming a solution by adding the source to water, extracting the phycocyanin from the source containing phycocyanin, such as by lysing cell walls and adding chemical reagents to assist in the extraction process, separating the phycocyanin from the solution by using a filter, processing the solution through a centrifuge, and sterilizing the phycocyanin.