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Omega-3 rich oils from microalgae: A chitosan mediated in situ transesterification method
Francesco Saliu1, Chiara Magoni2, Anna Torelli3
1Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
Food Chemistry
|August 16, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel method using chitosan nanoaggregates to efficiently extract polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from microalgae. The technique utilizes CO2-responsive emulsification for improved lipid recovery, suitable for PUFA supplements.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Marine Biology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Microalgae are rich sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).
- Extraction of PUFA from microalgae is challenging due to their cell structure.
- Existing methods often face limitations in efficiency and scalability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient and scalable method for microalgal lipid extraction.
- To utilize chitosan nanoaggregates as a CO2-responsive emulsifier.
- To optimize the extraction of PUFA from specific microalgae species.
Main Methods:
- Application of chitosan nanoaggregates as a CO2-responsive emulsifier during ethanolysis.
- Induction of microalgal cell wall swelling and enhanced oil-ethanol interphase.
- CO2-triggered demulsification for easy lipid fraction recovery.
- Testing with Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Nannochloropsis sp. at varying ratios.
Main Results:
- Successful extraction of PUFA from microalgae using the novel method.
- Highest PUFA yields obtained from Nannochloropsis sp. (207.9 mg/g oil) with 0.4% chitosan and 1:10 biomass:ethanol ratio.
- Significant linolenic acid yield (43.6 mg/g) from Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata.
Conclusions:
- The developed method offers an efficient approach for microalgal PUFA extraction.
- The use of GRAS solvent (ethanol) and food-grade additives makes it suitable for PUFA supplement production.
- This technique enhances lipid recovery and is adaptable for industrial applications.
