Abstract
In this review, the effect of organic solvents on microalgae cultures from molecular to industrial scale is presented. Traditional organic solvents and solvents of new generation-ionic liquids (ILs), are considered. Alterations in microalgal cell metabolism and synthesis of target products (pigments, proteins, lipids), as a result of exposure to organic solvents, are summarized. Applications of organic solvents as a carbon source for microalgal growth and production of target molecules are discussed. Possible implementation of various industrial effluents containing organic solvents into microalgal cultivation media, is evaluated. The effect of organic solvents on extraction of target compounds from microalgae is also considered. Techniques for lipid and carotenoid extraction from viable microalgal biomass (milking methods) and dead microalgal biomass (classical methods) are depicted. Moreover, the economic survey of lipid and carotenoid extraction from microalgae biomass, by means of different techniques and solvents, is conducted.
Highlights
Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms [1] that include cyanobacteria, green microalgae, eustigmatophytes, diatoms, dinoflagellates, coccolithophores, as well as euglenoid species, which are regarded as microalgae [2] and/or photosynthetic protists [3], and Polytomella species, regarded as protozoa or as unicellular colourless algae [4]
Organic solvents possess a range of applications and can be used for extraction, synthesis, catalysis, separation, purification, cleaning, degreasing, sterilization and cryoprotection in many branches of industry [18,19,20]
Mixotrophic cultivation of Arthrospira platensis and Scenedesmus obliquus with ethanol as a carbon source resulted in higher biomass production than in photoautotrophic control
Summary
Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms [1] that include cyanobacteria, green microalgae, eustigmatophytes, diatoms, dinoflagellates, coccolithophores, as well as euglenoid species, which are regarded as microalgae [2] and/or photosynthetic protists [3], and Polytomella species, regarded as protozoa or as unicellular colourless algae [4]. Carotenoids are fat soluble pigments that can find applications as food colorants, fish pigmenters and cosmetic additives Due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities, carotenoids can serve as therapeutics for the treatment of the range of health disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, skin photosensivity and eye-related diseases [7]. Organic solvents are carbon-based solvents which include methanol, ethanol, chloroform, acetone, isopropanol, butanol, ethyl acetate and hexane that differ in boiling point, density, polarity and miscibility in water. These solvents find application in food, pharmaceutical, oil and petrochemical industries [18]. Mass and energy balances with economic survey for lipids and pigments, extracted by means of various processes (mechanical, thermal, microwave, ultrasound and supercritical fluid treatment) and different solvents (traditional solvents and ILs), were evaluated. Energy requirements and production costs for different extraction processes were calculated
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