Alternative green solvents associated with ultrasound-assisted extraction: A green chemistry approach for the extraction of carotenoids and chlorophylls from microalgae

Author(s)

Fernandes, Andressa S. ; Caetano, Patricia A. ; Jacob-Lopes, Eduardo ; Zepka, Leila Queiroz ; de Rosso, Veridiana Vera

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Food Chemistry; v. 455, p. 16-pg., 2024-06-12.

Abstract

This study proposes a method for the ultrasonic extraction of carotenoids and chlorophyll from Scenedesmus obliquus and Arthrospira platensis microalgae with green solvents. Ethanol and ethanolic solutions of ionic liquids were tested with a variety of extraction parameters, including number of extractions, time of extraction, and solid-liquid ratio R((S/L)), to determine the optimal conditions. After selecting the most effective green solvent (ethanol), the process conditions were established: R-(S/L) of 1:10, three extraction cycles at 3 min each), giving an extraction yield of 2602.36 and 764.21 mu g(carotenoids).g(dried biomass)(-1); and 22.01 and 5.81 mg(carotenoids).g(dried biomass)(-1) in S. obliquus and A. platensis, respectively. The carotenoid and chlorophyll extracts obtained using ethanol were shown to be potent scavengers of peroxyl radical, being 5.94 to 26.08 times more potent a-tocopherol. These findings pave the way for a green strategy for valorizing microalgal biocompounds through efficient and environmentally friendly technological processes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/02202-1 - Bioaccessibility of microalgae chlorophylls in 3D printed bigels: relationship between bigel composition, physical, mechanical and microstructural characteristics
• Grantee: Andrêssa Silva Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 21/13567-5 - Development of innovative strategies for the application of microalgae carotenoids and chlorophylls as natural pigments in functional foods
• Grantee: Andrêssa Silva Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/02692-3 - Substitution of artificial colors by carotenoids from Brazilian fruits: innovative technological responses for food applications
• Grantee: Veridiana Vera de Rosso
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants