Microalgae Fucoxanthin Extraction with Low Saccharide Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microalgae extracts face challenges in achieving high levels of fucoxanthin while minimizing heavy metals, iodine, and saccharide content, with instability issues due to pH, temperature, and light sensitivity, and contamination from macro-algae sources.
Innovation Solution
A microalgae extract composition from Phaeodactylum tricornutum with fucoxanthin levels exceeding 3% by dry weight, low saccharide content (<0.7%), and minimal heavy metals and iodine, combined with fatty acids and vitamin E for stability, using extraction methods like supercritical fluid-CO2 and polar solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If microalgae extract is obtained from macro-algae sources, then extraction process is simpler, but the extract contains heavy metals and iodine contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates fucoxanthin specifically from microalgae sources, separating it from the harmful heavy metals and iodine that are naturally present in macro-algae. This selective extraction process removes the contaminants while retaining the desired carotenoid compound.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the source parameter from macro-algae to microalgae (specifically Phaeodactylum tricornutum), which fundamentally alters the compositional parameters of the extract. Microalgae naturally contain minimal heavy metals and iodine compared to macro-algae, thus resolving the contamination issue while maintaining extraction feasibility.
2Productivity
If fucoxanthin is extracted using conventional methods, then extraction efficiency is achieved, but fucoxanthin stability is compromised due to pH, temperature and light sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs extraction methods that minimize exposure to degrading conditions (extreme pH, high temperature, direct light). By controlling the extraction environment to be less harsh and potentially using protected conditions, the patent maintains fucoxanthin stability while achieving efficient extraction of the carotenoid from microalgae biomass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary stabilization measures during the extraction process, such as controlling pH levels, temperature, and light exposure before significant degradation can occur. This preventive approach ensures that fucoxanthin remains stable throughout the extraction procedure.
3Quantity of substance
If microalgae extract contains high levels of saccharides, then extraction yield is improved, but the extract has reduced purity and increased contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively extracts fucoxanthin and associated fatty acids from microalgae while leaving saccharides behind in the biomass residue. This selective extraction process achieves high purity of the target compounds without co-extracting excessive amounts of saccharides, thus resolving the contradiction between yield and purity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves different compositional qualities in different parts of the extraction system: the extract phase contains high concentrations of fucoxanthin and fatty acids with low saccharide content, while the biomass residue contains the majority of the saccharides. This spatial separation of qualities resolves the purity-yield contradiction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition achieves high fucoxanthin content with low saccharides and minimal contaminants, enhancing stability and nutritional value for applications in supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Implementation Method 1
using extraction methods like supercritical fluid-CO2 and polar solvents
Implementation Method 2
combined with fatty acids and vitamin E for stability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Microalgae extract and microalgae dried biomass compositions comprising carotenoids including but not limited to fucoxanthin and fatty acids, are provided.