Preparation and characterization of astaxanthin from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis

Abstract

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid belonging to the family of xanthophylls by the presence of oxygen in their chemical structure. Use is widespread in the pharmaceutical industry and pisciculture, with the first presents the greatest potential because of its use as an antioxidant. There are different sources for obtaining astaxanthin, however; in recent years has become very important to obtain this biomolecule from photosynthetic microorganisms such as microalgae, which can produce different metabolites using solar energy and capturing CO2 from the atmosphere. It has found that the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is one of the microalgae has the greatest potential in the production of astaxanthin. This production is performed under conditions of stress by suppressing nutrients, light intensity, and others. Because of the importance which is of astaxanthin and its use at industrial level have been evaluated different methods for extraction and quantification of such as solvent extraction, supercritical fluid, quantification by reverse phase HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry, with the most often developed for this type biomolecule, which has quantified in the UV /Visible by the characteristics of the molecule, as are their conjugated bonds. However, being a carotenoid each of the methods of extraction and quantification must be carefully evaluated in order that it not degraded. This article presents a brief description of the methods used in the extraction and quantification of astaxanthin H. pluvialis and prospects for use of this biomolecule.