Optimization and kinetic modeling of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of fucoxanthin from edible brown algae Sargassum fusiforme using green solvents

The development of green and sustainable extraction technologies for various naturally active biomaterials is gaining increasing attention due to their environmentally friendly advantages. In this work, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of fucoxanthin from edible brown algae Sargassum fusiforme using different green solvents was presented. Ethyl lactate, limonene, soybean oil, and sunflower oil were used in place of traditional organic solvents. Ethyl lactate showed similar performance to organic solvents, whereas limonene and vegetable oil exhibited higher selectivity for fucoxanthin. Moreover, the effects of various extraction factors, including liquid/solid ratio, extraction time, extraction temperature, as well as amplitude were studied. The optimal conditions were optimized as follows: liquid/solid ratio, 40 mL/g; extraction time, 27 min; extraction temperature, 75 ℃; amplitude, 53%; and solvent, ethyl lactate. Optimal model of second-order kinetic parameters (rate constant, equilibrium concentration, and initial extraction rate) was successfully developed for describing the dynamic ultrasonic extraction process under different operating conditions.