The present invention describes a new method to obtain pure extracts of chlorophylls and xanthophylls from macroalgae.
This method comprises two main steps: the first step comprises the solid-liquid extraction using a polar organic solvent, for example, ethanol or acetone, to obtain a rich extract in pigments; and a second step represented by the use of liquid-liquid extraction, with the formation of two phases, one phase pure in chlorophylls and another pure in xanthophylls.
Natural pigments, namely the ones extracted from algae, have been receiving particular attention, not only because they have an important role in the photosynthetic and pigmentation metabolism, but also because they exhibit several beneficial biological activities, like antioxidant, antitumor, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. These attributes make these pigments of great interest for food, cosmetic, pharmaceutic and nutraceutical industries.
The literature reviews methods of extraction and purification of natural pigments, namely chlorophylls and xanthophylls, present in plants and algae. However, no purification method presented so far is simple and fast enough to be easily and effectively implemented by the industry. This extraction method is simpler and more efficient than the previously reported in the literature, allowing the extraction and purification of both pigments.
Portuguese patent application filed (115968; priority date: 13/12/2019).
TRL 3: Applied research; first laboratory tests completed.
MORE EFFICIENT than presently used methods:
- HIGHER PURITY LEVEL (~ 100%)
- FASTER
LOWER COSTS
LOWER ENERGY CONSUMPTION
SIMPLE METHOD
Pharmaceutics
Cosmetics
Nutraceutics