Fucoxanthin from marine microalga Isochrysis galbana: optimization of extraction methods with organic solvents

Fucoxanthin was the carotenoid studied from the marine microalga Isochrysis galbana for its importance in preventing obesity and diabetes. In this manner, seven solvents were used to fucoxanthin extraction, highlighting methanol and ethanol with 6.282 and 4.187 mg/g, respectively. However, petroleum ether and n-hexane were the worst solvents for fucoxanthin extraction, obtaining approximately 12-folds less content. Extraction time was another relevant parameter in improve fucoxanthin extraction where 10 min was the best time reaching 7.464 mg/g under 100% ethanol. Finally, we propose the use of I. galbana as natural source of fucoxanthin, a bioactive compound usefulfor food industry.