title: An efficient method for extraction of astaxanthin from green alga Haematococcus pluvialis.
abstract: Haematococcus pluvialis is one of the potent organisms for production of astaxanthin, a high value ketocarotenoid. Astaxanthin is accumulated in thick-walled cyst cells of Haematococcus. The thick cell wall is made up of sporopollenin-like material, algaenan, which hinders solvent extraction of astaxanthin. In the present study, an improved method for extraction of astaxanthin without homogenization of cells is reported. Extractability of astaxanthin from cyst cells was evaluated by treating cells with various solvents and pretreating the cells with organic and mineral acids at 70 degrees C followed by acetone extraction. Hydrochloric acid treatment facilitated 86-94% extractability of astaxanthin. Treatment time, temperature, and concentration of the acid were found to be critical factors for maximum extractability. The treatment did not affect the astaxanthin ester profile and the treated cells can be preserved until further use.
authors.affiliation: Plant Cell Biotechnology Department, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore 570 020, India.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sarada
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vidhyavathi
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Usha
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Ravishankar
mesh_terms: D000096:Acetone; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000460:Chlorophyta / Q000737:chemistry*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid; D024341:Xanthophylls / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D024341:Xanthophylls; D000096:Acetone; D002338:Carotenoids; C005948:astaxanthine; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid