Optimization of Chlorophyll Extraction from Dried Spirulina platensis Using Low Power Microwave Assisted Extraction Method

Abstract

Chlorophyll extraction using the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method has several advantages such as fast, cost-effective, and able to result higher chlorophyll yield than any other extraction methods. Despite its numerous advantages, MAE method still suffers from a drawback related to the excessive heat generated by high power, leading to potential damage and a degradation chlorophyll yield. This research was conducted to evaluate the optimum formulation parameters for chlorophyll extraction using the Low Power Microwave Assisted Extraction (LP-MAE) method. The chlorophyll of dried Spirulina platensis was extracted following the I-optimal design. Extraction parameters to be optimized include the solvent type, soaking time, the power of microwave irradiation, and the solid-to-solvent ratio. The response parameters to be evaluated include the yield, viscosity, and total dissolved solids (TDS). We found that the highest yield of 5045.7 μg chlorophyll/g biomass was obtained from 90% methanol extraction following 1 h of soaking, irradiation power of 40 W for 5 mins, at the ratio of 1:20 (m/v). Under this condition, we observed that the viscosity of the solution was 7.6 x 10-3 Nms-2, and the total dissolved solid was 32 ppmml-1. In conclusion, chlorophyll is very susceptible to high temperatures, can be extracted using the Low Power Microwave Assisted Extraction (LP-MAE) method.