Supercritical CO2 extraction of carotenoids and other lipids from Chlorella vulgaris

Freeze-dried samples of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris were submitted to supercritical CO2 at temperatures of 40 and 55 °C and pressures up to 35.0 MPa. This study was carried out on whole and crushed algae. The extraction yields of carotenoids and other lipids were low in the former case and improved significantly in the latter one. Extraction yields of carotenoids and other lipids increased with pressure. The fraction of carotenoids in the oil was also greater at higher pressures. On the other hand, supercritical CO2 extraction of carotenoids compared favourably with hexane and acetone extractions.