Pulsed electric field (PEF) recovery of biomolecules from Chlorella: Extract efficiency, nutrient relative value, and algae morphology analysis

This study investigated the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) (3 kV/cm, 44 pulses, 99 kJ/kg), solvent (H2O or 50 % DMSO) and time (0, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min) on the extraction of Chlorella antioxidant bio-molecules and minerals. The results showed that PEF treatment increased the biomolecules recovery. For the extraction time of 120 min, more proteins and polyphenols were obtained using water, while more chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoids were obtained using 50 % DMSO as the extraction solvent. The extracts mineral con-centration (PEF vs control) were analysed including Mg, P, Ca, Fe and Zn, and the Relative Nutrient Values results indicated that Chlorella H2O-extracts could be used as a mineral source for different populations. Finally, the fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy revealed the electroporation effect of PEF.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of pulsed electric field, solvent, and time on the extraction of Chlorella antioxidant bio-molecules and minerals. The results showed that PEF treatment increased the biomolecules recovery, and using water as the extraction solvent for 120 minutes obtained more proteins and polyphenols, while using 50% DMSO obtained more chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoids.