Lee, S. Y., Coutinho, J. A. P., & Weingarten, M. (2025). Sustainable recovery of microbial-derived natural pigments using deep eutectic solvents: advances, potential, and challenges. Separation and Purification Technology, 361, 131413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.131413
Abstract:
Microbial-derived natural pigments present a promising alternative to synthetic colorants, offering diverse benefits and a more sustainable approach. This review explores the potential of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as sustainable alternatives for recovering natural pigments derived from microbial sources, addressing the environmental and safety concerns associated with conventional extraction methods. Specifically, the microbial pigments discussed in this work include carotenoids (e.g., fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, bacterioruberin, lutein, and β-carotene), chlorophylls, and phycobiliproteins (e.g., phycocyanin and phycoerythrin). The review covers the fundamental properties and classifications of DESs, emphasizing their versatility and tunability for specific applications. The main stages of downstream processing, including biomass pretreatment, pigment extraction, and purification, are examined in detail, with DESs demonstrating better efficiency and selectivity than traditional solvents. The review also discusses the challenges and opportunities in developing task-specific DESs, optimizing extraction techniques, and achieving scalable, eco-friendly processes. The potential for using DES-based systems to produce ready-to-use pigment-rich extracts is highlighted, creating potentially new applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The findings underscore the DESs’ role in advancing the sustainable production of microbial pigments, and their implications for broader industrial adoption and the needs for further research.
License type:
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation, Singapore, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) - Singapore Food Story R&D Programme Theme 2 IAF-PP Cycle 2 on Advanced Biotech-Based Protein Production Programme
Grant Reference no. : A21H7a0132
This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation, Singapore, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) - Singapore Food Story R&D Programme Theme 2: Future Foods – Whitespace Programme for Shared Lab Facilities
Grant Reference no. : W22W2D0001
This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation, Singapore, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) - Singapore Food Story (SFS) R&D Programme 1.0 Theme 2 Future Foods: Shared Lab Facilities Whitespace Funding
Grant Reference no. : W23W2D0012
This research is supported by core funding from: Singapore Institute Food & Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI)
Grant Reference no. :
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) - Central Funds, Council Strategic Funds, BMRC programmes
Grant Reference no. : C210314014 and C210314016