Biorefinery-oriented green intensified extraction of bioactive blue pigment–protein complex from spirulina biomass via integrated deep eutectic solvents and microbubble-assisted ultrasound

What if the secret to a vibrant blue pigment could be unlocked with a greener, smarter approach? Scientists have found a way to extract spirulina's prized phycocyanin using deep eutectic solvents and microbubbles, making the process more sustainable and efficient.

Spirulina, the blue-green microalga, is more than a superfood—it's a factory of bioactive compounds. Among them, phycocyanin (PC) stands out as a blue pigment-protein complex with immense potential in food and pharmaceuticals. But extracting it has often relied on harsh chemicals and energy-intensive methods. Now, researchers have engineered a greener route that aligns with biorefinery principles, turning biomass into valuable products with minimal environmental footprint.

The innovation lies in combining deep eutectic solvents (DES) with ultrasound and microbubbles. A choline chloride-urea mixture served as the eco-friendly solvent, replacing toxic alternatives. Ultrasound-assisted extraction was then optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), a statistical tool that fine-tunes conditions for maximum yield. The optimal setup used a 1:1 molar ratio of choline chloride to urea, showing that simple ingredients can achieve powerful results.

This integrated approach doesn't just extract—it intensifies. Microbubbles enhance mass transfer, while ultrasound disrupts cell walls gently yet effectively. The result is a more efficient recovery of phycocyanin, paving the way for sustainable bioprocessing. While the abstract focuses on optimization, the implications are clear: a cleaner, smarter way to harness nature's blue gold.

Key Points

• Green extraction of phycocyanin using DES and ultrasound
• Choline chloride-urea at 1:1 molar ratio optimized via RSM
• Microbubble intensification boosts biorefinery-oriented recovery