Development of two processes for extraction, purification and NMR characterization of All-trans-Fucoxanthin from marine microalgae Isochrysis galbana, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Cylindrotheca fusiformis

Fucoxanthin is one of the most abundant carotenoid present in brown algae Light Harvesting Complexes (LHC). Fucoxanthin displays antioxidant, anticancer, anti-obesity and UVB filter activity, therefore it is becoming interesting for pharmacological, cosmetic and nutraceutical applications. In this study, multi-step and one-step processes of extraction, purification and crystallization are shown to obtain quantitative amount of All-trans-Fucoxanthin (purity >98.5%) from microalgae Isochrysis galbana, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Cylindrotheca fusiformis. Structure elucidation was conducted by means of mono and bidimensional NMR techniques amongst which 1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC and HMBC NMR.