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Process Intensification for Green Extraction of C-Phycocyanin Protein From Limnospira platensis (Spirulina) Microalgae Through Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents and Membrane Contactor
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Resumo(s)
This research explores the potential of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents
(NADESs) as sus-tainable and efficient alternatives for extracting C-
phycocyanin (C-PC); a valuable blue pig-ment-protein, from the microalga
Limnospira platensis (commonly known as Spirulina). Thirty-three terpene-
based NADESs were synthesised and tested in aqueous two-phase systems
(ATPS) under batch extraction conditions. Among them, the combinations of
acetic acid:thy-mol (DES 1) and decanoic acid:thymol (DES 2), and levulinic
acid:thymol (DES 3) showed the highest extraction performances, achieving
79.87%, 78.21%, and 73.60% extraction efficiency, respectively, with partition
coefficients ranging from 2.5 to 3.9. These results suggest favoura-ble
interactions driven by solvent polarity and hydrogen bonding.
Following the batch trials, the three most promising solvents DES 1, DES 2, and
DES 3 were further evaluated in a continuous extraction setup using
membrane-based contactors. Two configurations were used: a flat-sheet
polyethersulfone (PES) membrane module and a hollow fiber membrane
contactor, both tailored for high molecular weight species. Although continuous
operation led to slightly reduced efficiencies i.e. 59.80% (DES 1), 51.32% (DES
2), and 53.23% (DES 3), this was expected given the limitations of mass
transfer experienced in membrane processes which is not modified specifically
to cater C-PC extraction. Moreover, the hollow fiber module delivered superior
and more stable performance, owing to its higher interfacial contact area.
Interfacial tension measurements revealed significant reductions (up to 73%)
when C-PC solutions contacted DES 2 and DES 3, indicating strong interfacial
affinity. Importantly, FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that the protein’s secondary
structure remained intact after ex-traction, reinforcing the biocompatibility of
these solvents.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Green solvent Aqueous biphasic system C-phycocyanin membrane contactor liquid-liquid extraction