Supercritical fluid (CO2+ethanol) extraction of chlorophylls and carotenoids from Chlorella sorokiniana: COSMO-SAC assisted prediction of properties and experimental approach

In this work, COSMO-SAC was used to calculate infinite dilution activity coefficients (??) of carotenoids in CO2+ethanol mixtures as a theoretical approach evaluate the effect solvent composition on solute solubility. an experimental approach, central composite design employed use supercritical extract chlorophylls and from microalga Chlorella sorokiniana. The carotenoid profiles extracts were fully evaluated, optimal conditions for extraction chlorophyll a, b, carotenes, lutein, zeaxanthin violaxanthin differentiated. Extraction temperature, pressure proved be relevant factors, rendered fundamentally different results. presence ethanol essential efficient substantially improve recovery carotenoids. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) cell integrity, indicated that increase may have positively affected compounds by causing disruption particles. work able corroborate results C. sorokiniana, reinforcing hypothesis are extracted microalgal biomass aggregates, showing is important tool selection solvent.