Bioactive Compounds Produced by Microalgae: Extraction Techniques and Characterization

Event organized by ENEA.

ENEA is the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, a public body dedicated to research, technological innovation, and the provision of advanced services to businesses, public administration, and citizens in the fields of energy, the environment, and sustainable economic development (Art. 4, Law of December 28, 2015, no. 221).

Session Details

Microalgae represent one of the most promising biological resources for the sustainable production of high-value bioactive compounds, thanks to their high productivity and ability to cultivate in controlled indoor and outdoor environments. Among the most notable metabolites are carotenoids and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids—particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—which are widely studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nutraceutical properties, as well as their numerous applications across the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries.

Obtaining these compounds requires cultivation strategies based on optimizing growth parameters that most significantly influence intracellular bioactive compound production. It also demands the development of efficient, sustainable extraction processes capable of preserving the integrity of their functional properties. In this context, "green" and "safe" extraction technologies—such as supercritical fluid extraction—are emerging as viable alternatives to conventional methods, offering improved extraction yields and a lower environmental impact aligned with green chemistry principles.

In parallel, the qualitative and quantitative characterization of extracts plays a fundamental role in evaluating the chemical composition, purity, and quality of the resulting products. Advanced analytical techniques, such as ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (uHPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), enable accurate identification and quantification of carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids, facilitating process standardization.

This presentation aims to analyze the state of the art in microalgae cultivation and the primary bioactive compounds they produce. Case studies on microalgae cultivation for carotenoid and omega-3 production will be examined in depth, alongside the methodologies used for the chemical and analytical characterization of microalgae and extracts obtained through supercritical fluid extraction. Furthermore, the discussion will cover the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of leveraging green technologies to valorize microalgal biomass within the circular bioeconomy and the development of high-value bioproducts.

Speaker

Patrizia Casella, Researcher at the ENEA Portici Research Center

 The event will be held in Italian

 English translation available (see below)