Microalgae Valorisation via Accelerated Solvent Extraction: Optimization of the Operative Conditions

Abstract

The valorisation of microalgae for the production of valuable biomolecules, for their use in several fields, such as cosmetic, pharmaceutical and animal food, by applying technologies able to avoid any kind of alteration of the biomolecule, is becoming a priority research topic. Several techniques can be used, among them Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) with Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) solvents is an interesting technology. This paper deals with Accelerated Solvent Extraction investigations for extraction of lutein (C40H56O2, carotenoid belonging to the xanthophylls group) from Haematococcus pluvialis in red phase with a mechanical pre-treatment method to break the cell wall. Experiments were carried out by comparing performance of several solvents both conventional as Chloroform:Methanol (1:1) and Hexane (class 2 according to FDA classification) and solvents normally accepted in the pharmaceuticals and food industry as Acetone and Ethanol (class 3 of FDA classification) by varying extraction conditions (pressure, temperature and time ).