Method to obtain an extract rich in carotenoids from microalgae, in which fucoxanthin represents the most abundant compound. It is a simple method, with two solid-liquid extraction steps and, optionally, an additional evaporation step, in which one gets an extract rich in carotenoids, with purity superior to 80% in fucoxanthin.
Carotenoids are pigmented liposoluble compounds highly abundant in nature. They are considered very important molecules due to their functions within the cells, namely in light capture, photosynthesis, photo-protection, etc. Fucoxanthin in one of the most abundant carotenoids and have been widely studied for its various biological properties, with highlight to anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-angiogenic, antimalarial, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity activities, as well as cerebrovascular, ocular, skin and liver protection properties. These attributes make fucoxanthin of keen interest for cosmetic, pharmaceutics, food and nutraceutical industries.
The present fucoxanthin extraction method, simpler and more efficient than the presently used methods, comprises two solid-liquid extraction steps with an additive-based solution and a second solvent. Evaporating the solvent one can obtain a dry extract. This method allows getting an extract rich in carotenoids, with purity in fucoxanthin above 80%.
A provisional patent application filed in Portugal (priority date: 20-09-2018).
TRL 3: Applied research; first laboratory tests completed.
MORE EFFICIENT than presently used methods:
- PURITY LEVEL ABOVE 80%
- 5-10 TIMES HIGHER YIELD
SIMPLE METHOD
LOWER COSTS: solvent consumption up to 60 times lower than the traditional method.
Pharmaceutics
Cosmetics
Nutraceutics
Food Industry