Tetraselmis chuii Edible Microalga as a New Source of Neuroprotective Compounds Obtained Using Fast Biosolvent Extraction

What if the next brain-boosting supplement comes from a tiny green alga you've never heard of? Meet Tetraselmis chuii, an edible microalga already approved as a novel food, now revealing its hidden neuroprotective powers.

Forget exotic berries and pricey roots—the next brain food might be a humble microalga. Tetraselmis chuii, already a star in nutraceuticals, was put under the microscope to test its neuroprotective potential. Researchers used green, biobased solvents like ethyl acetate and cyclopentyl methyl ether, under pressurized liquid extraction and supercritical fluid extraction, to pull out the good stuff without toxic leftovers.

Using clever response surface optimization, they found that mild conditions—40°C with a dash of ethyl acetate—yielded extracts that could block acetylcholinesterase and mop up reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Crank up the heat to 180°C, and the same alga produced extracts with potent anti-inflammatory effects in just 20 minutes.

What's inside? A cocktail of carotenoids (neoxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, alpha- and beta-carotene) known for their brain-friendly actions, plus omega-3 fatty acids with a stellar omega-3/6 ratio above 7. Safety? No toxicity was seen in kidney and immune cell lines up to 40 µg/mL.

This green approach isn't just kind to your neurons—it's kind to the planet, offering a sustainable alternative to harsh solvents. Tetraselmis chuii might just be the tiny titan of tomorrow's supplements.

Key Points

• Green solvents extract neuroprotective compounds from edible alga.
• Optimized conditions yield anticholinergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory extracts.
• Extracts safe up to 40 µg/mL in cell tests; rich in omega-3s.