The concentration of fucoxanthin in marine algae is relatively low, necessitating purification processes to enhance its purity and yield. Currently, common purification techniques include organic solvent extraction, chromatography, and crystallization [13, 14] .
Organic solvent extraction is a frequently employed method, utilizing solvents such as acetone, ethanol, n-butanol, and chloroform. By mixing the algal powder with the organic solvent, followed by stirring and oscillation, an extract containing fucoxanthin is obtained. Subsequently, the extract is centrifuged, and the supernatant is collected and concentrated using a rotary evaporator, resulting in a concentrated fucoxanthin solution.
Chromatography, another widely used purification technique, encompasses gel chromatography, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and ion-exchange chromatography. Among these, RP-HPLC stands out as an effective method for achieving high-purity fucoxanthin. In RP-HPLC, a C18 column with hydrophobic groups is employed. Through interactions between fucoxanthin and the column, and by adjusting the polarity and flow rate of the elution solvent, fucoxanthin can be effectively separated.
Apart from these two primary purification methods, crystallization is also commonly utilized, capable of purifying fucoxanthin to over 99% purity. Solvents commonly used in the crystallization process include acetone, ethanol, n-butanol, and water. By carefully controlling the crystallization temperature and rate, fucoxanthin crystals with various purities and morphologies can be obtained.
Organic solvent extraction is a frequently employed method, utilizing solvents such as acetone, ethanol, n-butanol, and chloroform. By mixing the algal powder with the organic solvent, followed by stirring and oscillation, an extract containing fucoxanthin is obtained. Subsequently, the extract is centrifuged, and the supernatant is collected and concentrated using a rotary evaporator, resulting in a concentrated fucoxanthin solution.
Chromatography, another widely used purification technique, encompasses gel chromatography, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and ion-exchange chromatography. Among these, RP-HPLC stands out as an effective method for achieving high-purity fucoxanthin. In RP-HPLC, a C18 column with hydrophobic groups is employed. Through interactions between fucoxanthin and the column, and by adjusting the polarity and flow rate of the elution solvent, fucoxanthin can be effectively separated.
Apart from these two primary purification methods, crystallization is also commonly utilized, capable of purifying fucoxanthin to over 99% purity. Solvents commonly used in the crystallization process include acetone, ethanol, n-butanol, and water. By carefully controlling the crystallization temperature and rate, fucoxanthin crystals with various purities and morphologies can be obtained.
