Optimization of chlorophyll extraction from microalgae: evaluating solvent types, temperature, and time for biotechnological applications
Subject Areas : Phytochemistry
Muzhda Qasim Qader
1
*
,
Sewgil Saaduldeen Anwer
2
1 - Department of Public Health, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
2 - Clinical Biochemistry Department Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Keywords: chlorophyll extraction, temperature sensitivity, extraction efficiency index, environmental conditions, solvent efficiency. ,
Abstract :
Chlorophyll extraction plays a pivotal role in enhancing the functional properties of microalgal biomass for biofuel applications. This study investigated the efficiency of four commonly used solvents - methanol, ethanol, acetone, and diethyl ether in extracting chlorophyll from Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus quadricauda under different experimental conditions. Extractions were conducted at three temperatures (20 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C) and two-time intervals (5 and 10 minutes). Extraction efficiency was evaluated using the Extraction Efficiency Index, Temperature Sensitivity Index, Time Efficiency Index, Coefficient of Variation, and Comprehensive Extraction Index. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and post-hoc tests, were conducted to identify significant differences at p≤0.05 among solvents and microalgae species. Methanol proved to be the most effective solvent for extracting chlorophyll. The highest chlorophyll concentrations were observed at 60 °C after 10 minutes, reached 21mg/L for C. vulgaris and 19.4 mg/L for S. quadricauda. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.001) in chlorophyll extraction among the solvents, with methanol recorded as the best solvent. The EEI for methanol was 79.68% for C. vulgaris and 79.23% for S. quadricauda, indicating the highest extraction performance. Temperature significantly influenced extraction efficiency, with the highest yield at 60 °C. TEI and TSI confirmed that methanol had the highest extraction performance. Post-hoc analysis confirmed significant differences between methanol and other solvents.
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