Tetraselmis chuii Edible Microalga as a New Source of Neuroprotective Compounds Obtained Using Fast Biosolvent...

Area of Science:

• Marine Biotechnology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Tetraselmis chuii is an EFSA-approved microalga gaining traction in global nutraceutical production.
• Investigating sustainable extraction methods for bioactive compounds from T. chuii is crucial for its wider application.
• Neuroprotective properties of microalgal extracts are of significant interest for dietary supplements and functional foods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the neuroprotective potential of bioactive compounds from Tetraselmis chuii.
• To optimize extraction conditions using green biobased solvents (ethyl acetate and cyclopentyl methyl ether) via pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE).
• To evaluate the anticholinergic, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) scavenging, and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts.

Main Methods:

• Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were employed using ethyl acetate (AcOEt) and cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME).
• Response surface methodology was utilized to optimize PLE parameters (temperature, solvent composition) for neuroprotective activities.
• Extracts were chemically characterized for carotenoids and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs); cytotoxicity assays were performed on HK-2 and THP-1 cell lines.

Main Results:

• Optimized PLE conditions yielded extracts with high anticholinergic and ROS/RNS scavenging capacity (40 °C, 34.9% AcOEt in CPME).
• Extracts with potent anti-inflammatory properties were obtained at higher temperatures and AcOEt concentrations (180 °C, 54.1% AcOEt in CPME) within 20 minutes.
• Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of neuroprotective carotenoids and omega-3 PUFAs with a favorable ω-3/ω-6 ratio (>7); no cytotoxicity was observed below 40 μg mL⁻¹.

Conclusions:

• Tetraselmis chuii extracts possess significant neuroprotective potential, attributed to their rich carotenoid and omega-3 PUFA content.
• Green solvent-based extraction methods (PLE and SFE) are effective for isolating bioactive compounds from T. chuii.
• These findings support the use of T. chuii extracts as valuable ingredients in nutraceuticals and highlight the viability of sustainable extraction techniques.