Multicomponent bioactive extract from red stage Haematococcus pluvialis wet paste: avoiding the drying step and toxic solvents

Abstract This study provides an efficient alternative by extracting bioactive compounds from Haematococcus pluvialis via matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) its wet form, reducing one of the process steps with greatest economic impact, drying microalga. To obtain a suitable extract for nutraceutical purposes, solvents generally recognised as safe (GRAS) designation (ethanol, ethyl lactate, and acetate) limitations use (acetone) extractants higher toxicity such methanol methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) are contrasted. Through optimisation extractive process, ethanol, GRAS solvent, presents best overall recovery carotenoid fatty acids, showing antioxidant activity 1.58 mmolTE g −1 DW, comparable to synthetic petrochemical origin without drawback having in food use. In addition, identification phenolic compounds, phloroglucinol, p- coumaric acid, gallic catechin, not previously characterised red stage H. , response present (24.65 mmolGAE DW). Comparison efficiency obtained main methods extraction carotenoids acids contrast proposed method, shows positive feasibility this approach.