A recent study authored by the Center’s Deputy Director, Dr. Julie Zimmerman, and Center member, Dr. Mary Kate Lane, has unveiled new insights into supercritical fluid extraction of fucoxanthin, a promising nutraceutical. This research highlights supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) density, ethanol cosolvent amount, and polarity as key predictors of fucoxanthin yield. Novel experiments with a fucoxanthin standard demonstrated that solvent system polarity is crucial for optimal recovery, providing specific extraction conditions. Additionally, the study found that scCO2 extractions of Phaeodactylum tricornutum microalgae showed selectivity for fucoxanthin over chlorophyll, unlike ethanol extractions. These findings advance green chemistry by enhancing selective extraction methods for high-value nutraceuticals from algae while utilizing green solvents.
For more details, read the full publication here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960852424007405