Natural Carotenoid Pigments of 6 Chlorophyta Freshwater Green Algae Species

Abstract

Nowadays, halal products are gaining wider recognition as a new benchmark for safety and quality assurance. As a consequence the commercial development of microalgae is established due to their high value chemicals, for examples, β-carotene, astaxanthin, phycobilin pigments and algal extracts for cosmaceutical products. Therefore, many researchers have gained interest to study the potential of microalgae as new valuable chemicals and other product sources. The aim of the research is to explore new sources of pigments to be used as halal food colorants. This quest is not only directed in finding natural alternatives for synthetic dyes, but also to discover new taxons for the carotenoid production. Thus, there is a solid need to investigate the potential of natural pigments, particularly carotenoids in microalgae to be fully utilised and commercialised especially in halal market, health advantages, food products and dye technology. A total of 6 species was evaluated for quantitative and qualitative carotenoid composition, namely, Chlorella fusca, Chlorella vulgaris, Selenastrum capricornutum, Pandorina morum, Botryococcus sudeticus and Chlorococcum sp. The main carotenoids identified in all species through HPLC analysis were lutein, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene. The ratio of these carotenoids varies between species. Lutein was detected substantially higher in Chlorella fusca(69.54±11.29 μg/g DW);β-cryptoxanthin in Pandorina morum species (1.24±0.33 μg/g DW) whereas β-carotene in Chlorella vulgaris (18.42±9.2 ug/g DW). The significant outcome of the research will be new findings of new natural carotenoid pigment sources as potential food colorants and bioactive compounds which can be beneficial to halal health promoting products industry.

Alkaline-based curcumin extraction from selected zingiberaceae for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

“…“Bonglai”, which also has been used as a spice similar to turmeric and contains curcumin. For its beneficial constituents, this medicinal plant including microalgae (Othman et al , 2018) has been traditionally used in the various application including medicines, culinary and events (Wardiyati et al , 2012).…”

Potential of Chlorella Species as Feedstock for Bioenergy Production: A Review

“…Chlorella is a source of high value pigments such as lutein, astaxanthin and β-carotene; vitamins, especially vitamin B complex, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and several other bioactive compounds [28]. Othman tested 6 green freshwater microalgae and found that C. vulgaris had the highest total carotenoid and β-carotene content, 81 µg/g DW and 18 µg/g DW, respectively [35]. Moreover, highest lutein content (69 µg/g DW) was found in Chlorella fusca.…”

“…In contrast, very low lutein was reported in Othman's study. C. vulgaris was found to produce 63 µg/g DW lutein but C. fusca 69 µg/g [35]. Although sustainable and economically viable lutein production still needs extensive research, lutein production rate of Environmental and Climate Technologies ____________________________________________________________________________ 2020 / 24 207 microalgae is reported to be 3 to 6 times higher than that of marigold flowers [42] and the results achieved so far are promising.…”

Carotenoid Pigments of Red, Green and Brown Macroalgae Species as Potential Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

“…The extraction procedure essentially follows the methods described by [17], with some modifications. 1.0 g of each powdered sample was rehydrated with distilled water and extracted with a mixture of acetone and methanol (7:3) at room temperature until colorless.…”