Astaxanthin stability in intracellular and extracellular conditions from the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis

Astaxanthin is a lucrative, biologically-derived xanthophyll compound used in a variety of industrial applications, ranging from human health and nutrition to cosmetics and animal feed. The stability of astaxanthin is limited and proper storage must be considered to ensure the full benefit of its oxidative capabilities. Pure extracted astaxanthin was subjected to oxidation factors of illumination and temperature for 11 weeks. NMR experiments were conducted to evaluate any oxidation or structural change over this period of time. To determine the rate of decomposition and oxidation of intracellular astaxanthin, ‘whole cell’ algal biomass from Haematococcus pluvialis rich in astaxanthin was stored under different conditions and tested in the presence of light and heat. The results showed that the extracted astaxanthin compound itself was stable while intracellular astaxanthin showed low stability in similar conditions, suggesting other biotic or chemical factors may degrade the carotenoid if not stored properly. Lower temperatures and the absence of direct light were the two most important conditions to aid carotenoid stability.