Recovery and encapsulation of Dunaliella salina β-carotene through a novel sustainable approach: Sequential application of an ionic liquid as naturally-derived solvent and emulsifier

Author(s)

Sousa, Vitor ; Hijo, Ariel A. C. Toledo ; Luedtke, Fernanda L. ; Vicente, Antonio A. ; Dias, Oscar ; Geada, Pedro

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Food Chemistry; v. 458, p. 8-pg., 2024-07-10.

Abstract

Dunaliella salina is a promising source of beta-carotene, widely employed in the food industry. This study aimed to evaluate the sequential application of the Ionic Liquid (IL) cholinium oleate as an extraction solvent for D. salina beta-carotene recovery and, sequentially, as emulsifier for emulsion-based products obtained therefrom. The IL was evaluated regarding its ability to permeabilize the cells and recover beta-carotene at different temperatures (25-65 degrees C) and IL concentrations (0-46%). The use of the IL as solvent greatly improved beta-carotene recovery (>84%). The IL already present in the obtained extracts loaded with recovered beta-carotene was sequentially used as emulsifier in the production of nanoemulsions (NE). NE presented a beta-carotene entrapment efficiency of 100% and were kinetically stable for 30 days and presented droplet size, size distribution, and zeta-potential of 220 nm, 0.21, and -67 mV, respectively. These results indicate that using IL sequential as solvent and emulsifier has potential applications in the food industry. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/18608-1 - Development and application of ionic liquids derived from bioactive and natural compounds as functional additives and nutraceuticals for the food industry
• Grantee: Ariel Antonio Campos Toledo Hijo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/04614-2 - Digestion simulation of ionic liquid-based systems for the development of functional food additives
• Grantee: Ariel Antonio Campos Toledo Hijo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor