Extraction of nannochloropsis fatty acids using different green technologies: the current path

Sérgio Cruz Sousa*, Ana Cristina Freitas, Ana Maria Gomes*, Ana P. Carvalho

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)
60 Downloads

Abstract

Nannochloropsis is a genus of microalgae widely recognized as potential sources of distinct lipids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These may be obtained through extraction, which has conventionally been performed using hazardous organic solvents. To substitute such solvents with “greener” alternatives, several technologies have been studied to increase their extraction potential. Distinct technologies utilize different principles to achieve such objective; while some aim at disrupting the cell walls of the microalgae, others target the extraction per se. While some methods have been utilized independently, several technologies have also been combined, which has proven to be an effective strategy. The current review focuses on the technologies explored in the last five years to extract or increase extraction yields of fatty acids from Nannochloropsis microalgae. Depending on the extraction efficacy of the different technologies, distinct types of lipids and/or fatty acids are obtained accordingly. Moreover, the extraction efficiency may vary depending on the Nannochloropsis species. Hence, a case-by-case assessment must be conducted in order to ascertain the most suited technology, or tailor a specific one, to be applied to recover a particular fatty acid (or fatty acid class), namely PUFA, including eicosapentaenoic acid.

Original languageEnglish
Article number365
Number of pages23
JournalMarine Drugs
Volume21
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jun 2023

Keywords

  • Disruption
  • Eicosapentaenoic acid
  • Green extraction
  • Polar lipids
  • Polyunsaturated fatty acids

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Extraction of nannochloropsis fatty acids using different green technologies: the current path'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this