A simple and efficient strategy for fucoxanthin extraction from the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum

In the present study, we proposed an innovative fucoxanthin extraction strategy for the fucoxanthin preparation from the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Fucoxanthin was extracted from P. tricornutum using an ethanol extraction method. Subsequently, purification of fucoxanthin was accomplished as the ethanol extraction solution was concentrated during the vacuum evaporation process. A one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method was used to investigate the effect of solvent type, ethanol-water mixed solvent, extraction duration, extraction temperature, and the number of extractions. Under the optimum conditions, the recovery rate of fucoxanthin was 80.04 ± 1.18%. Purification of fucoxanthin was achieved using a two-step ethanol precipitation process, including fat-soluble component precipitation and fucoxanthin precipitation. Under the optimal precipitation conditions, the purity of fucoxanthin was 79.35 ± 1.54%, and the recovery rate was 55.86 ± 1.09%. The purified fucoxanthin was identified as all-trans-fucoxanthin by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. Collectively, the eco-friendly method was cost-efficient for the preparation of fucoxanthin. The newly developed method provided a potential approach for the large-scale production of fucoxanthin from the diatom P. tricornutum.