Biorefinery of Dunaliella salina: Sustainable recovery of carotenoids, polar lipids and glycerol

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Monte, J (Author) Other; Ribeiro, C (Author) Other; Parreira, C (Author) Other; Costa, L (Author) Other; Brive, L (Author) Other; Susana Casal (Author) FFUP; Brazinha, C (Author) Other; Crespo, JG (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Bioresource Technology

Vol. 297

ISSN: 0960-8524

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 29 Citations

Scopus - 34 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-F1E

DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122509

Abstract (EN): Dunaliella salina is well-known for its high content in carotenoids and glycerol. Nevertheless, Dunaliella salina has also a high content in lipids, including polar lipids, which are suitable for nutraceutical/cosmeceutical applications. This work proposes a sustainable process to maximise the potential of Dunaliella salina for the production of distinct fractions of carotenoids, glycerol, polar lipids and proteins, which may contribute to improve the revenues of the microalgae industry. In this work, extraction with non-hazardous solvents and organic solvent nanofiltration are integrated, in order to obtain added-value products and glycerol. Also, aiming to separate carotenoids from glycerides, a saponification process is proposed. High overall recoveries were obtained for carotenoids (85%), glycerol (86%), polar lipids (94%) and proteins (95%). In order to evaluate the profitability of the proposed biorefinery, an economic assessment was accomplished. Both CAPEX and OPEX (Capital and Operating expenditure) were calculated, likewise the Return of Investment (ROI).

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10