Lipid and phycocyanin extractions from Spirulina and economic assessment

Autor(es)

Rios Pinto, Luisa Fernanda ; Filipini Ferreira, Gabriela ; Beatriz, Fernanda Palmeira ; Cabral, Fernando Antonio ; Maciel Filho, Rubens

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: JOURNAL OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS; v. 184, p. 8-pg., 2022-05-01.

Resumo

Microalgae are a promising feedstock for several bioproducts due to their low carbon footprint in cultivation and high biomass productivity. However, downstream processes such as oil extraction usually require the use of solvents harmful to health. This work evaluated lipid extraction from cyanobacteria Spirulina platensis using green solvents: supercritical CO2 (scCO(2)), high-pressure (HP) ethanol, and scCO(2) with ethanol as a co-solvent (60 degrees C, 400 bar); compared to conventional lab-scale extractions: Soxhlet, Bligh & Dyer (B&D), and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Subsequent phycocyanin extraction was considered to improve economic performance. Total extract yield using B&D showed the highest value (11.6%), followed by HP ethanol (11.4%); nevertheless, scCO(2) resulted in better selectivity for fatty acid content (0.57 g/g lipids). Integrating lipid and phycocyanin extraction to a Spirulina facility is unprofitable in the considered conditions. However, utilization of CO2 from an emitter facility could provide a profitable scenario. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 14/10064-9 - Produção de biodiesel a partir de microalgas via transesterificação in situ em condições supercritas
• Beneficiário: Luisa Fernanda Rios Pinto
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado