Optimised phycoerythrin extraction method from Porphyridium sp. combining imidazolium-based ionic liquids

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Marine Biology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Phycoerythrin (PE) is a valuable phycobiliprotein with diverse applications.
• Efficient extraction methods are crucial for maximizing PE yield from microalgae like Porphyridium sp.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize an ultrasound-assisted extraction method for phycoerythrin (PE) from Porphyridium sp. using ionic liquids (ILs).
• To investigate the effects of various parameters on PE yield and assess the reusability of the ILs.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasound-assisted extraction combined with aqueous mixtures of two imidazolium-based ionic liquids.
• Face-centered central composite design and response surface methodology for optimization.
• Independent examination of temperature and pH effects.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 300% and 115% improvement in PE yield compared to phosphate buffer and freeze-thaw methods, respectively.
• Optimized conditions: 10 mg mL⁻¹ biomass, 18.6 wt% IL, 0.78/0.22 E/B ratio, 10 min, 35°C, pH 7.5.
• Ionic liquids demonstrated reusability for at least five cycles with 94.2% PE yield retention.

Conclusions:

• The developed ultrasound-assisted ionic liquid extraction is a highly efficient and novel method for phycoerythrin extraction.
• The process is cost-effective and environmentally friendly due to IL reusability.
• This method holds significant potential for industrial-scale phycoerythrin production.