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Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Astaxanthin Using Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvent: Process Optimization and
Yuan Cao1,2, Yalu Ji3, Chong Chen3
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
This study presents a green method using deep eutectic solvents (DES) and ultrasound to extract astaxanthin (AST) from Phaffia rhodozyma (PR). The optimized method achieved high AST recovery and demonstrated anti-aging properties, offering a sustainable alternative to toxic solvents.
Area of Science:
- Green Chemistry and Biotechnology
- Natural Product Extraction
- Biomedical Applications
Background:
- Deep eutectic solvents (DES) offer a sustainable alternative to traditional organic solvents for extracting bioactive compounds.
- Astaxanthin (AST) from Phaffia rhodozyma (PR) has potential health benefits but efficient extraction remains a challenge.
- Hydrophobic DES for lipophilic astaxanthin extraction and its bioactivity linkage require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an eco-friendly and efficient ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES-UAE) method for astaxanthin (AST) extraction from Phaffia rhodozyma (PR).
- To optimize extraction parameters using response surface methodology (RSM).
- To evaluate the anti-aging bioactivity of the extracted astaxanthin.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and screening of six DL-menthol-based deep eutectic solvents (DES).
- Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) for parameters like ultrasonic power, time, and temperature.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for astaxanthin quantification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for cell structure analysis, and in vitro assays for bioactivity assessment.
Main Results:
- The DL-menthol-acetic acid DES showed superior extraction performance.
- Optimal extraction conditions (420 W ultrasonic power, 20 min, 60 °C) yielded 62% astaxanthin recovery (2.49 mg/g), outperforming most organic solvents.
- The PR extract demonstrated good biosafety, promoted cell proliferation, alleviated oxidative stress by increasing SOD and decreasing MDA, and upregulated type I collagen expression.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound-assisted hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent extraction is an efficient and green method for astaxanthin recovery from Phaffia rhodozyma.
- The extracted astaxanthin possesses significant anti-aging properties, including antioxidant and collagen-boosting effects.
- This study validates the practical value of hydrophobic DES for natural product extraction and provides a basis for the high-value utilization of Phaffia rhodozyma resources.
