Recent Advances in the Use of Greener Extraction Technologies for the Recovery of Valuable Bioactive Compounds from Algae

Marine organisms including algae (macroalgae and microalgae) represent a relatively untapped source of high-value compounds with enormous potential application in the food industry. Compounds synthesized by algae include polysaccharides, proteins-peptides, lipids, polyphenols, and carotenoids with potent biological activities. The exploitation of these molecules requires the development of extraction protocols that should ideally be selective, achieve high yields of compounds, minimize the generation of waste, and reduce the use of solvents and energy during the process. This chapter summarizes the main innovative technologies (pulsed electric fields, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, microwave assisted extraction, and ultrasound assisted extraction) used to generate high-value compounds from algae. The concepts of green chemistry and biorefinery are discussed in detail together with the principles, advantages, applications, future trends, and challenges of novel green extraction technologies.