Abstract
In this study, we determined the effect of drying on extraction kinetics, yield, and lutein content and recovery of the microalga Muriellopsis sp. (MCH35) using the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process. The strain was cultivated in an open-raceways reactor in the presence of seawater culture media and arid outdoor conditions in the north of Chile. Spray-drying (SD) and freeze-drying (FD) techniques were used for dehydrating the microalgal biomass. Extraction experiments were performed by using Box-Behnken designs, and the parameters were studied: pressure (30–50 MPa), temperature (40–70 °C), and co-solvent (0–30% ethanol), with a CO2 flow rate of 3.62 g/min for 60 min. Spline linear model was applied in the central point of the experimental design to obtain an overall extraction curve and to reveal extraction kinetics involved in the SFE process. A significant increase in all variables was observed when the level of ethanol (15–30% v/v) was increased. However, temperature and pressure were non-significant parameters in the SFE process. The FD method showed an increase in lutein content and recovery by 0.3–2.5-fold more than the SD method. Overall, Muriellopsis sp. (MCH35) is a potential candidate for cost-effective lutein production, especially in desert areas and for different biotechnological applications.
Highlights
In the past few decades, demand for bioprospection of microorganisms isolated from harsh environmental conditions has been increased because of their diverse biotechnological applications
Carbon carbon dioxide is an inorganic carbon source used to formwherein chemical light energy photosynthesis dioxideToisevaluate an inorganic carbon source used to form chemical energy by using photosynthesis the growth performance and parameters of Muriellopsis sp. (MCH35), batch tests were [27]
The effect of drying methods as a pretreatment for Muriellopsis sp. (MCH35) biomass was studied for the optimization of lutein recovery extracted by the supercritical fluids (SF) process
Summary
In the past few decades, demand for bioprospection of microorganisms isolated from harsh environmental conditions has been increased because of their diverse biotechnological applications. Microalgae are the most diversified photosynthetic organisms with high adaptability to different environmental conditions [1]. They are mainly classified as Cyanophyta (cyanobacteria), Rhodophyta (red algae), Chlorophyta (green algae), and Chromophyta (brown algae) [2,3]. Microalgae are characterized as natural sources of bioactive molecules such as phycobiliproteins, polysaccharides, carotenoids, lipids, fatty acids, polyphenols, and vitamins [4,5]. These compounds exhibit health benefits such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer activities that are essential in pharmacological, nutraceutical, food, and biotechnological development [5,6,7].
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