Assessment of carotenoids recovery through cell rupture of Sporidiobolus salmonicolor CBS 2636 using compressed fluids.

摘要

The increasing demand for carotenoids by industries has drawn attention to their bio-production. Since pigments are intracellular, extraction steps are then needed after cell cultivation. In this work, different strategies for extraction of carotenoid pigments from Sporidiobolus salmonicolor (CBS 2636) were investigated. The cell rupture was carried out using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), two pure compressed fluids, supercritical carbon dioxide and propane, and also a combination of pressurized fluid treatment followed by liquid DMSO. Dichloromethane, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and acetone were tested for the carotenoids extraction. Results obtained show that when multiple solvents were used a synergetic effect on the extent of carotenoids recovery was verified. Maximum concentration of total carotenoids (2,875 micro g/L) was obtained in the treatment using supercritical CO₂ (300 bar/120 min) followed by dimethyl sulfoxide to disrupt the cell, and then the extraction with a solution of acetone/methanol (7:3, v/v).