This study aimed at optimizing the accumulation of phytoene in Chlorella sorokiniana by using norflurazon and investigating the capacity of green and traditional solvents to extract carotenoids by ultrasound-assisted extraction with and without previous milling. Phytoene-rich first described C. sorokiniana biomass was used, both fresh, freeze-dried, and encapsulated. The ideal dose of norflurazon (1 µg/mL) was selected to block the carotenoid pathway at the level of phytoene desaturase and induce the accumulation of phytoene in C. sorokiniana. A mill pre-treatment allowed a higher recovery of carotenoids compared to non-milled samples, in both the freeze-dried and encapsulated matrices. 2-Methyloxolane provided a higher total carotenoid content (4.75-5546.96 µg/g) compared to the other solvents tested in all the matrices, proving a promising bio-based solvent to replace traditional organic ones for the extraction of microalgal carotenoids.
Keywords: 2-methyloxolane; Bioactive compounds; Norflurazon; Powdering; Sonication; Sustainability.
Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.