Feasibility study on the extraction of lutein from the green alga Chlamydomonas asymmetrica.
A research project of the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences and the East Bavarian Technical University Amberg-Weiden.
In this research project, lutein, a ß-carotene, is to be extracted from the green alga Chlamydomonas asymmetrica. The alga is known to have high contents of lutein. Lutein extracts are used both as a colorant and as an antioxidant in numerous products.
Novel extraction process for lutein extraction from microalgae.
On the one hand, the project investigates whether the use of a special cell disruption process (pulsed electric field) is worthwhile in terms of lutein yield. Secondly, two different extraction processes are being compared with regard to lutein yield and extract quality. Lutein has lipophilic properties, so that CO₂ high-pressure extraction represents a promising alternative to solvent extraction, which has been common practice to date.
In addition to the lutein content, the antioxidant capacity of the algae extracts is also being investigated.
Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Bioengineering
Project Manager: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sabine Grüner-Lempart
East Bavarian University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weiden, Faculty of Mechanical/Environmental Engineering
Project Manager: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christoph Lindenberger
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