Degree
Master of Engineering Science
Program
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Supervisor
Rehmann, Lars
Abstract
Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis) is one of the main sources of astaxanthin, a high value carotenoid and a strong antioxidant. Astaxanthin extraction is hindered by the thick cell wall of H. pluvialis which is composed of sporopollenin. Mechanical cell disruption methods, high cost and energy-consuming, are required to enhance astaxanthin extraction. This study employed a novel technology using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to demonstrate the possibility of direct extraction of astaxanthin without a disruption step. It was established that 68% of astaxanthin can be extracted from intact H. pluvialis cells using choline chloride-glycerol (ChCl-G) mixture with 12.5% (v/v ) water at 70 °C. Using deep eutectic solvents is a promising method for efficient extraction of astaxanthin from H. pluvialis, while complying with Green Chemistry Principles.
Recommended Citation
Barzegar, Roya, "Extraction of Astaxanthin from H. pluvialis Using Deep Eutectic Solvents" (2018). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 5952.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/5952