Extraction optimization using response surface methodology and evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of polyphenols in Scenedesmus sp. and Chlorella sp.

• DOI: 10.1007/s13399-021-01850-x
• Publication Date: 2021-09-06T11:04:58Z
• Authors: Ines Dahmen-Ben M...; Mohamed Ali Masmoudi; Sirine Choura; Mohamed Chamkha; Sami Sayadi
• Keywords: Chlorella vulgaris; Scenedesmus; Photobioreactor; Central composite design

Microalgae are considered natural alternatives to replace synthetic antioxidants. The extraction of polyphenols from Scenedesmus sp. and Chlorella sp. was optimized by employing a central composite design. The effect of solvent nature (ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate), extraction temperature (4–80 °C), and extraction time (0.1–4 h) were investigated with an ultrasound-assisted system. Total phenolic compound (TPC) extraction was higher at the combination of methanol, 4 °C, and 4 h for Scenedesmus and methanol, 80 °C, and 4 h for Chlorella. Microalgae were cultivated in BG11 and BG11 + 40% olive mill wastewater (OMUF) media. The extracts were analyzed for their total polyphenol content and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The estimation results of models and experimental results indicated a high consistency when cultivating microalgae in BG11 medium. Polyphenols extracted from microalgae cultured with 40% (OMUF) possess significantly high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Hence, Scenedesmus sp. and Chlorella sp. showed a capability to grow in the presence of ultrafiltered OMW and produce high added-value compounds.