Extraction of Microalgal Bioactive Compounds

Introduction

As the world's population increases, there is a growing demand for natural bioactive compounds that provide health benefits. Microalgae are a natural source of bioactive compounds with great potential. Not only can they be produced on a large scale, but their chemical composition may be adapted to over-synthesize specific target compounds that are widely used in several commercial fields such as biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and chemical industries. Traditional methods of extracting bioactive compounds from microalgae (e.g., solvent extraction, organic solvents, and ionic liquids) have many limitations, including low efficiency, high energy costs, and low yields. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize and integrate effective pretreatment strategies for microalgae and develop new state-of-the-art methods for the extraction of microalgal bioactive compounds.

Fig 1. A stepwise illustration to extract and purify bioactive compounds from marine-based potential sources. (Sosa-Hernández JE, et al., 2018)

Customized Solutions

The use of microalgal bioactive compounds in different fields promote the need for the most suitable and standardized extraction strategies. The quantitative and qualitative characterization of microalgal bioactive compounds strongly depends on selecting suitable extraction methods. Here, Lifeasible is dedicated to extracting bioactive compounds from microalgae simply and cost-effectively.

Our scientists use advanced and sustainable extraction techniques to recover bioactive compounds from microalgae. Depending on your project requirements, we will develop the best solution to ensure the quality of the final bioactive compounds.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE)

We use this method extensively to recover polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), pigments, and vitamins. In addition, various biomolecules such as α-tocopherol, chlorophyll quinone, γ-tocopherol, retinol, keratin, phytofluene, and luteolin are extracted from microalgae by combining supercritical fluids with co-solvents.

• Extraction selectivity.
• Short processing time
• Low degradation of extracted products.
• Minimal solvent required.
• Low critical point.
• Green and non-polluting.

Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE)

We use this method widely for the recovery of bioactive phenolic compounds, phytonutrients, and functional foods from microalgae.

• Environmentally friendly.
• Simple operating conditions.
• Low solvent usage.
• Non-corrosive solvent.
• Short extraction cycle.
• Overall low energy.
• Temperature consumption rate.
• Degradation inhibition.

Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE)

We use this method extensively to extract bioactive phenolic compounds and high-value fatty acids from microalgae.

• Minimal consumption of organic solvents.
• Less extraction time.
• High-quality products obtained.

Lifeasible can quickly help you achieve socially acceptable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly extraction methods to recover microalgal bioactive compounds of interest, versatility, no or low side effects, and high levels of bioactivity. If you are interested in our solutions for the extraction of microalgal bioactive compounds, please contact us directly.