Optimization of hydrolysis conditions of Palmaria palmata to enhance R-phycoerythrin extraction

• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.12.146
• Publication Date: 2013-01-02T19:15:33Z
• Authors: Justine Dumay; Nathalie Clément; Michèle Morançais; Joël Fleurence
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Endo-1,4-beta Xylanases; Models, Chemical; Hydrolysis; Liquid-Liquid Extraction; Rhodophyta; Computer Simulation; Phycoerythrin; Cell Fractionation; Models, Biological; 01 natural sciences; 6. Clean water

In this study, response surface methodology was applied to optimize R-phycoerythrin extraction from the red seaweed Palmaria palmata, using enzymatic digestion. Several algal treatments prior to digestion were first investigated. The extraction yield and the purity index of R-phycoerythrin, and the recovery of proteins and reducing sugars in the water-soluble fraction were then studied in relation to the hydrolysis time, the temperature and the enzyme/seaweed ratio. Enzymatic digestion appears to be an effective treatment for R-phycoerythrin extraction. Moreover, using the seaweed roughly cut in its wet form gives the most interesting results in terms of extract quality and economic cost. The R-phycoerythrin extraction yield is 62 times greater than without enzyme treatment and 16 times greater than without optimization. Enzymatic optimization enhanced the purity index up to 16 times.