Extraction Of Algal Lipid As A Natural Cosmetic Component

PurposeThe main aim of the present research is to use different methods for algal oil extraction with different organic solvents to be used as natural components in cosmetic formulations.Materials and methodsSeveral extraction techniques using a cosolvent of n-hexane with isopropanol in a ratio of 3 : 2 (v/v) including conventional extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted bath, and ultrasound-assisted probe extraction on three algae species (Scenedesmus spp., Spirulina platensis, and bloom) were studied against the percentage of algal lipid. The polarity effect of different solvents on the algal lipids, quantitative and qualitative, was studied with the ultrasound-assisted probe extraction method using, hexane, diethyl ether, acetone, ethanol, and chloroform-methanol. The content of essential fatty acids (FAs) in a series of omega-9 (oleic acid), omega-6 (linoleic acid), and omega-3 (linolenic acid and docosapentaenoic acid) was determined using gas chromatographic analysis.Results and conclusionThe ultrasound-assisted probe extraction method recorded a higher lipid percentage for the species in the current study. The gravimetric analysis of lipid extractions proved that ethanol was the most producer solvent. The analysis of all FAs extracted using gas chromatography showed that there was no variance in both the classification and the mass of FAs for each algae species under study through either different techniques or with the use of different solvents. In our species of study, the FAs that were present in higher quantities were stearic (18:0), palmitic (16:0), oleic (18:1n9), linoleic (18:2n6), and alpha-linolenic (18:3n3). Very long rank FAs, lignoceric (24:0), and docosapentaenoic (22:5n3) acids were found. The high PUFA content of the investigated algae makes them a good source as natural materials for cosmetic industries.