Simultaneous production of carotenoids and chemical building blocks precursors from chlorophyta microalgae. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rengel, Rocío; Giraldez, Inmaculada; Díaz, Manuel J.; García, Trinidad; Vigara, Javier; León, Rosa
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 351(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Microalgae -- Biomass -- Starch -- 5′-hydroxymethylfurfural -- Levulinic acid; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Highlights: Microalgae can be utilized as feedstock for platform chemicals. Co-production of carotenoids can make profitable the generation of HMF and LA. Natural Carotenoids are increasingly-demanded high-value compounds. 5′-hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid were synthesized via starch hydrolysis. Operational conditions were optimized performing Multiple Regression Analysis. Abstract: Replacement of fossil fuels has to be accompanied by the incorporation of bio-based procedures for the production of fine chemicals. With this aim, the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was selected for its ability to accumulate starch, an environmentally-friendly alternative source of chemical building blocks, such as 5′-hydroxymethylfurfural or levulinic acid. The content of appreciated lipophilic coproducts was assessed in the selected microalga cultured at different nutritional conditions; and the parameters for the acidic hydrolysis of the algal biomass, obtained after pigments extraction, were optimized using a Central Composite Design. Response Surface Methodology predicted that the optimal hydrolysis conditions were elevated temperature, high DMSO % and short hydrolysis time for glucose. LA was favored at long times and high acid % and 5′-HMF at lower acid % and high DMSO %. Chlamydomonas can therefore be used as a sustainable feedstock for the simultaneous production of high-added value lipophilic compounds and platform chemicals.