An improving method for extracting total carotenoids in an aquatic animal Chlamys nobilis

In the present study, an improving method for extracting carotenoids in aquatic animals using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was developed. The theoretical optimum extraction condition (ultrasonic power, temperature and time of 246.77 W, 37.64 °C and 29.03 min, respectively) based on the maximum extracted total carotenoids content (TCC) (141.13 µg/g) was predicted by single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. Additional experiments were then carried out under practical extraction conditions to verify the predicted value for TCC. The optimum practical extraction condition was at ultrasonic power, extraction temperature and extraction time of 240 W, 38 °C and 29 min, respectively, where the TCC (137.88 ± 1.22 µg/g) similar to the predicted value. On the other hand, a much lower total carotenoid of 107.75 ± 2.60 μg/g was obtained by the 2 h conventional extraction of carotenoids (CEC). The UAE in carotenoids extraction has higher efficiency, shorter processing time, and less acetone than the CEC.