Supercritical fluid extraction of carotenoids from Scenedesmus almeriensis

Scenedesmus almeriensis is a fast-growing highly productive new strain and is also a good producer of lutein.The aim of this study was to determine the influences of pressure and temperature on the supercritical fluid extraction of lutein and β-carotene from a freeze-dried powder of the marine microalga, S. almeriensis. The operating conditions were as follows: pressure in the range 200–600 bar and temperatures between 32 and 60 °C. The extracts were analysed by HPLC. Empirical correlations were also developed.The results demonstrate that it is necessary to work at a pressure of 400 bar and a temperature of 60 °C to obtain a significant yield in the extraction of pigments. In comparison with the reference extraction process used, the results show that better yields are obtained in the extraction of β-carotene; it is possible to extract 50% of the total of this pigment contained in the microalga studied.