Conventional extraction techniques: Solvent extraction

Macroalgae represent a relatively untapped source of high-value compounds with unlimited possibilities and promising applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food, and animal feed industries. Conventional or solvent extraction protocols are still widely used by industry and researchers aiming to achieve high yields of compounds by operating relatively simple and affordable equipment. However, these extraction techniques are time-, energy-, and solvent-consuming procedures, raising both environmental and health and safety concerns. This chapter covers the principles, current equipment, and main process parameters aiming to obtain high-value compounds from macroalgae using steam distillation, maceration, and Soxhlet. The recent developments and novel technological designs aiming to overcome the limitations of these conventional methods are also discussed in detail together with the prospects and future technological trends in the field of conventional extraction.