Extraction of Biologically Active Substances from Microorganisms
Schizochytrium sp. genus consists of microscopic algae known for their extremely high docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content – up to 49% of total lipids. These heterotrophic algae can grow rapidly under controlled conditions using various carbon sources, thus providing efficient and sustainable production of long-chain (omega-3) fatty acids.
Due to their unique biochemical properties, Schizochytrium has become an important industrial microorganism for DHA production, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional animal sources. Under optimal conditions, they can double their biomass every few hours while maintaining high lipid and DHA content, making them ideal for industrial Omega-3 fatty acid production. Additionally, these microalgae contain other polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, and pigments, enabling their wide application in nutraceutical and cosmetic product manufacturing, as well as aquaculture feed.
SIA MICELLUM conducts research on cultivating Schizochytrium biomass using various carbon sources, as well as isolating and purifying DHA-rich extracts.
Technologies Used
Modern Extraction Technology
Supercritical fluid extraction uses carbon dioxide (CO2) under pressure and temperature above critical limits. This process changes CO2’s physicochemical properties, bringing it to a supercritical state with excellent solvent properties. As it circulates through prepared raw material, CO2 extracts high-quality fat-soluble substances – oils, fats, and waxes. During extraction, when CO2 saturated with source material substances reaches separators, specific fractions of fat-soluble substances are obtained by appropriately reducing pressure. Additionally, using a secondary solvent enables the extraction of polar bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols). After releasing the obtained substances, CO2 is recollected (recycled) and used for further extraction. The obtained products are CO2-free, high-quality, stable, and microbiologically clean with long shelf life. The technology is environmentally friendly and uses no organic solvents.
Technology Advantages
- Effective and selective active substance extraction
- Substances remain unaltered, preserving their natural chemical form
- Gentle extraction method, maintaining all beneficial compound properties
- Ability to obtain different substance fractions during extraction
- High extraction yield
- No oxygen contact – no oxidation occurs
- CO2 recovery and recycling
- Obtained substances are effective in small doses (concentrated extract)
- Stable extracts with long shelf life
- Products are protein and allergen-free
- Products contain no solvent residues
Lyophilization
Lyophilization is a low-temperature dehydration process under vacuum conditions. First, the raw material is frozen, then sublimation occurs under reduced pressure. We use lyophilization for drying microorganisms, fungi, plants, and their parts. Conventional drying technologies subject raw materials to high temperatures, causing loss of beneficial properties and biological functionality. Lyophilization’s advantage is low-temperature dehydration, preserving most bioactive substances (up to 98%). We primarily use lyophilization to prepare material for extraction. Effective and standardizable extraction requires high-quality raw materials with high bioactive substance content.
We also provide contract lyophilization services for various raw materials, such as mushrooms, berries, fruits, and vegetables. We develop customized lyophilization parameters for each product to ensure process efficiency. Lyophilized mushrooms, berries, fruits, and vegetables are often used in various high value-added products.
