Valorization of microalgae biomass as a potential source of high-value sugars and polyalcohols

In the current context of global warming and fossil fuel depletion, the aim of the EU Blue Growth concept is to support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors. A crucial issue under this initiative is the valorization of microalgae biomass. The production of sugar and polyalcohols from microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana, Arthrospira platensis, and Pyrocystis lunula has been studied in the context of this initiative. Using fresh and/or atomized samples, several extraction methods were assayed. In brief, two types of lysis (mechanical and ultrasonic), variations in temperature and treatments times, and treatments with HCl and maceration. The obtained mono-saccharides, di-saccharides and polyalcohols were analyzed by HPLC. Best obtained results were for saccharose with the HCl treatment and mannitol with maceration treatment extracted from N. gaditana biomass (160250 and 72148 mg/L respectively). These results may open new routes for the commercial exploitation of microalgae biomass as a completely novel raw material for the food, drinks and pharmaceuticals manufacturing industries.