Abstract
In this study, a comparative analysis between conventional solvent extraction and innovative green extraction methods, using microwaves and ultrasounds, has been conducted for the recovery of bioactive compounds and especially astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis microalga. The isolation of the desired natural compounds as well as the environmental impact of each method has been the criteria for the different processes evaluation. A comparative life cycle analysis was carried out, using proper databases and software, in order to evaluate the selected extraction processes’ sustainability. Among the extraction procedures applied, ultrasound assisted extraction was found the most sustainable method so far for astaxanthin extraction, regarding its high yielding, low cost, short time and medium environmental impact. Moreover, microwave assisted extraction showed great potential as a rapid and overall eco-friendly technique suffering though from low yielding due to thermal degradation of carotenoids in long processing times.
