Extraction of Chlorophylls and Carotenoids from Microalgae: COSMO‐SAC‐Assisted Solvent Screening

Abstract

Efficient pigment extraction is a key factor influencing the economic feasibility of microalgal biorefineries. Ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and hexane were evaluated for the batch extraction of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids from Chlorella sorokiniana and Heterochlorella luteoviridis. Solvent‐to‐biomass ratios did not affect extraction results in most cases. Ethanol showed the highest efficiency in the recovery of chlorophylls, presenting high extraction yields. Acetone was among the most efficient solvents to extract violaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotene from both microalgae, proving to be generally suitable to this application. Conductor‐like screening model for real solvent segment activity (COSMO‐SAC) corroborated experimental results, proving to be an important tool in the screening of solvents for extraction processes.

Advances in Research on Natural Distribution, Biosynthesis, Detection, Bioactivity, and Application of Lutein

“…Acetone is one of the most effective solvents for extracting violanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene from microalgae. 31 The combination of organic solvents with other substances is also the focus of research. Enzyme-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (EA-ATPE) using an ethanol/ ammonium sulfate system was investigated for total polyphenol (TP) and lutein from marigold flowers, and such experiments have also achieved good results.…”

“…In most cases, the solvent/biomass ratio does not affect the extraction results. Acetone is one of the most effective solvents for extracting violanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene from microalgae . The combination of organic solvents with other substances is also the focus of research.…”

Screening of several microalgae revealed biopesticide properties of Chlorella sorokiniana against the strawberry pathogen Phytophthora cactorum

“…The method is inexpensive, readily available, non-toxic and has already been successfully used for C. sorokiniana(Valcareggi Morcelli et al 2021). However, the test of different pretreatment and extraction methods revealed that aqueous C. sorokiniana extracts are more effective antimicrobial agents than acetone extracts (compare Fig.3A and B with C and D, respectively).…”