A successful method for phycocyanin extraction from Arthrospira platensis using [Emim] [EtSO₄] ionic liquid

Abstract

Research into the extraction of phycobiliprotein from Arthrospira platensis is currently ongoing. Most traditional methods of phycobiliprotein extraction include the use of organic solvents, which negatively affect the sustainability of the process. Ionic liquids (ILs) are a promising alternative for phycobiliprotein extraction due to their properties as green solvents. In the present work an imidazolium-based IL and sonication were studied for phycobiliprotein and carbohydrate extraction. A factorial experimental design was used to optimize the amount of extracted phycocyanin. The maximum extraction yield was achieved by using low biomass/solvent ratios combined with high IL/water ratios and sonication powers, and long operation times. The recovery of IL was studied under these conditions using a dialysis-based process to separate the IL from the extracted phycobiliproteins. The results reveal the possibility of using the recovered IL for seven consecutive extraction cycles with an acceptable phycocyanin extraction amount, from 75 mg g −1 (fresh IL) to 60 mg g −1 (7 cycles of reused IL). The use of [Emim] [EtSO 4 ] + ultrasound is a promising alternative for phycocyanin extraction, enhancing the results obtained with other IL in terms of extracted phycocyanin and the number of times the IL can be reused.

Novel Biorefinery Approach for Phycocyanin Extraction and Purification and Biocrude Production from Arthrospira platensis

“…A. platensis, characterized in our previous work, was used as biomass. Table summarizes the biochemical composition and elemental analysis of A.…”

“…The PC extraction of A. platensis using an IL also produces residual biomass with high amounts of lipids and carbohydrates, which requires further exploitation within a circular economy context. The residual biomass after the extraction step could be valorized by hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) to obtain a biocrude that could then be processed in a refinery to obtain different biofuels, such as jet fuel.…”

“…These water-soluble and brilliant-colored proteins capture light energy by acting as photosynthetic pigments. They have potential applications in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. ,, Particularly, phycocyanin (PC) is a natural blue pigment, mainly present in the cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis (with contents up to 13%, dry weight basis). , PC is highly demanded due to its pharmacological properties, such as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, potential use as a food colorant for chewing gum and sweets, and as an active cosmetic ingredient. PC will have an estimated global market value of US$245.5 million by 2027 .…”

“…[Emim]­[EtSO 4 ] has been applied in the PC extraction of A. platensis with successful results in terms of extraction yield and IL recovery through a dialysis process . In addition, food-grade PC was obtained without an additional purification process.…”

Paramylon and Other Bioactive Molecules in Micro and Macroalgae

“…(phycocyanins) and from rhodophytes such as Porphyridium cruentum , Pyropia tenera , and Porphyra sp. (phycoerythrins, phycoerythrocyanins), by means of aqueous, acidic, and alkaline methods, followed by several rounds of centrifugation and recovery using techniques such as ultrafiltration, precipitation, chromatography, and water extraction methods [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Resistant cell walls and the presence of high viscosity and anionic carbohydrates in these algae can substantially hinder the success of the extraction procedure; hence, cell disruption methods and chemical reagents (mechanical grinding, osmotic shock, ultrasonic treatment, and enzyme-assisted hydrolysis) are used in order to improve the efficiency of phycobiliproteins extraction.…”