Uncovering the Bioactivity of Aurantiochytrium sp.: a Comparison of Extraction Methodologies

Abstract

Aurantiochytrium sp. is an emerging alternative source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and squalene, playing an important role in the phasing out of traditional fish sources for these compounds. Novel lipid extraction techniques with a focus on sustainability and low environmental footprint are being developed for this organism, but the exploration of other added-value compounds within it is still very limited. In this work, a combination of novel green extraction techniques (high hydrostatic pressure extraction (HPE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)) and traditional techniques (organic solvent Soxhlet extraction and hydrodistillation (HD)) was used to obtain lipophilic extracts of Aurantiochytrium sp., which were then screened for antioxidant (DPPH radical reduction capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assays), lipid oxidation protection, antimicrobial, anti-aging enzyme inhibition (collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase), and anti-inflammatory (inhibition of NO production) activities. The screening revealed promising extracts in nearly all categories of biological activity tested, with only the enzymatic inhibition being low in all extracts. Powerful lipid oxidation protection and anti-inflammatory activity were observed in most SFE samples. Ethanolic HPEs inhibited both lipid oxidation reactions and microbial growth. The HD extract demonstrated high antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiinflammatory activities making, it a major contender for further studies aiming at the valorization of Aurantiochytrium sp. Taken together, this study presents compelling evidence of the bioactive potential of Aurantiochytrium sp. and encourages further exploration of its composition and application.

Investigation on Cell Disruption Techniques and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Mortierella alpina Lipid

“…Reboleira et al had studied high-hydrostatic pressure treatment for Aurantiochytrium sp., an alternative source of PUFAs-DHA and squalene, lipid extraction [ 16 ]. Three different pressure media (ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane), pressure (500 MPa) and time (15 min) were applied, and lipid was recovered directly from pressure media.…”

“…The effect of HPP for lipid extraction from Aurantiochytrium sp. was proved [ 16 ], and a longer application time and suitable solvent was suggested for further lipid recovery from M. alpina FU30797.…”

“…In the downstream bioprocess, an effective cell disruption/assisted extraction method is critical for intercellular microbial lipid recovery, and green-eco and sustainable technology, such as supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO 2 ) and high-pressure processes (HPP) have drawn much attention [ 12 , 16 ]. HPP, also called high-hydrostatic pressure, as an alternative to heat decontamination methods has shown the effect on cell membrane integrity and molecular composition [ 17 ], and it might be used for improving extraction efficiency [ 16 , 18 ]. The advantages of applying HPP include the preservation of nutrients, colors, uniformity of treatment throughout, shorter processing time and potential for a reduction in chemical preservatives [ 19 ].…”