Macroalgae Greem Biorefinery: Extraction optimization of bioactive compounds from Neoporphyra spiralis (Rhodophyta) and Caulerpa sp. (Chlorophyta)

• Grant number: 25/10694-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Mendes de Souza Mesquita
• Grantee: Maria Eduarda Diniz de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/16744-0 - Sustainable innovations: the biorefinery revolution via macroalgae valorization using renewable solvents towards a (green/blue) economy, AP.JP

Abstract

This project aims to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from the macroalgae Neoporphyra spiralis (Rhodophyta) and Caulerpa sp. (Chlorophyta), integrating eutectic and bio-based solvents within a sustainable biorefinery approach. The proposal aligns with the principles of green chemistry and circular bioeconomy, seeking to maximize the sequential and efficient recovery of carotenoids, chlorophylls, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, phycobiliproteins, and polysaccharides. Initially, in silico modeling using COSMO-RS will be employed to identify the ideal combinations of eutectic solvents, reducing the number of experiments and the use of inputs. The preparation of the eutectic solvents will consider the adjustment of water content and the molar ratio of components to form efficient extraction mixtures (magnetic stirring at 80 rpm, temperature 60¿°C). Extractions will be intensified using modern techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), pressurized-liquid extraction (PLE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), aiming for higher yield, selectivity, and lower energy consumption. Optimization experiments will follow a Response Surface Methodology (CCRD) to explore variables such as solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time, ultrasound intensity, flow rate, and pressure. Extracts will be characterized using well-established analytical methods in the laboratory, including UV-vis, HPLC-PDA-MS/MS, GC-FID, and GC-MS to identify and quantify target compounds, as well as elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. Comparisons with conventional extractions using organic solvents and water will serve as controls, enabling the evaluation of the environmental and economic advantages of the proposed strategy. The project contributes to the development of sustainable biorefineries for macroalgae, fully harnessing the potential of these biomasses and reducing environmental impacts, while also generating knowledge for future applications in sectors such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, which will be addressed in other projects of the research group. (AU)