Selective Extraction of Fatty Acids and Carotenoids from Microalgae by Supercritical Fluid Systems

Introduction
Spirulina maxima, a type of microalgae, is of great interest to the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries due to its chemical composition. The blue-green cyanobacterium is a source of carotenoids, which are rich in Vitamin A and act as powerful antioxidants. Conventional methods of extraction of carotenes from algae are often time consuming and use large volumes of organic solvent. These solvents often produce crude extracts that are difficult to fractionate.

SFE is an alternative technique using supercritical carbon dioxide to selectively extract carotenes and fatty acids quickly, while avoiding the co-extraction of triglycerides. SFE eliminates the use, exposure to, and disposal of hazardous solvents while providing superior extraction results in less time.

Equipment
Applied Separations Supercritical Extraction System
Analytical Balance

Materials
Spirulina maxima
Carbon dioxide –industrial grade

Method
In order to prevent photodegradation always store dried algae at 20 °C under vacuum in plastic bags wrapped in aluminum foil. When ready for extraction, weigh out 8 g of dry S. maxima and grind to pass through a 16 mesh sieve. Place the ground sample in the extraction vessel, and compress the sample with a tamping rod. Next, seal the vessel and install it into the Spe-ed SFE. Place a predried and preweighed collection vial on the discharge tube, and extract the sample according to the specified extraction conditions.