Ultrasound assisted extraction of carotenoids from Sargassum Angustifolium algae

Abstract

An experimental batch extraction method was studied to obtain a carotenoid pigment from dried Sargassum Angustifolium algae using ultrasound as an enhancer and a mixture of ethanol-isopropanol as a solvent. The purpose of this work is to investigate the extraction kinetics as well as the temperature effects (303 to 333) K, solvent concentration (40% ethanol - 60% isopropanol to 60% ethanol - 40% isopropanol) and particle size (250 - 500, 500 - 710 and 710 - 1000) micrometer. Also, the effect of collecting, drying and transporting Sargassum Angustifolium algae on the total carotenoids extraction from dried algae was studied. The ultimate extraction value of the carotenoids was found to be 0.29% from algae. A batch model for extraction was created and numerically solved. The model parameters were calculated using existing empirical correlations and data gathered during this project. The model predicts the mass transport rate constant and saturation capacity at various temperatures. Furthermore, the energy of activation and frequency factor of the extraction process were enumerated and it was found that the process is endothermic with activation energy equals 28.9 kJ/mol. The utilized mathematical model agreed well with the experimental data, allowing it to be used in modeling and improving the carotenoids extracting process from Sargassum Angustifolium algae.