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Meeting Sustainable Development Goals: Alternative Extraction Processes for Fucoxanthin in Algae
Su Chern Foo1, Kuan Shiong Khoo2, Chien Wei Ooi3
1School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|February 8, 2021
Summary
Microalgae offer a sustainable food source, yielding valuable marine carotenoids like fucoxanthin. Greener extraction methods are crucial for their commercialization and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Sustainable Food Systems
- Marine Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Growing global population and climate change necessitate sustainable food alternatives.
- Microalgae present a carbon-neutral biomass source, avoiding competition with agriculture.
- Microalgae produce unique marine carotenoids with antioxidant and anti-cancer potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current fucoxanthin extraction processes.
- To explore emerging green extraction technologies for fucoxanthin.
- To guide sustainable extraction of carotenoids like fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on fucoxanthin extraction techniques.
- Analysis of conventional solvent extraction versus green extraction methods.
- Evaluation of technological potential and limitations for alternative extraction.
Main Results:
- Conventional solvent extraction is effective but environmentally concerning.
- Emerging green extraction technologies offer sustainable alternatives.
- Standardization of extracts is key for quality control and commercialization.
Conclusions:
- Adopting green extraction techniques aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Further research in extract standardization is vital for commercial viability.
- This review serves as a guide for sustainable carotenoid extraction.
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