2026-05-18T14:49:47Zhttps://uvadoc.uva.es/oai/request

oai:uvadoc.uva.es:10324/824042026-03-25T09:31:15Zcom_10324_1185com_10324_931com_10324_894col_10324_1346

Mild one-step protein recovery from microalgae cultivated in swine wastewater using natural deep eutectic solvent-based aqueous biphasic systems Moldes Plaza, David Vega Alegre, María del Sol Bolado Rodríguez, Silvia Fernández Requejo, Patricia Separation (Technology) Protein extraction Green solvents Biomass valorization Microalgae biomass Producción Científica Photobioreactor-based microalgae cultivation offers an integrated approach for nutrient-rich wastewater treatment while producing valuable biomass. One of the main microalgae components is proteins, making them a biotechnological target. In this work, to develop efficient and greener extraction methodologies, aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) based on natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were evaluated for one-step protein extraction from microalgae cultivated in swine wastewater. Six ATPSs combining two NADES—betaine:levulinic acid (Bet:2LA) and choline chloride:urea (ChCl:2Urea)—and their individual components (Bet or ChCl) with phosphate salts were compared. Systems {NADES + K3PO4 + water} were characterized and reported for the first time. Protein recovery yield (PRY) and selectivity (protein-to-carbohydrate mass ratio, R) were assessed for three extraction times and at room temperature. The ATPS {Bet:2LA + K3PO4 + H2O} achieved a PRY of 16.4% and remarkable selectivity after 30 min (R = 2.17 g/g), with proteins concentrated in the NADES-rich phase, and negligible recovery in the salt-rich phase. Although the maximum PRY (18.2% at 120 min) was achieved with the precursor betaine, the ATPS with Bet:2LA at 30 min offered an optimal balance between efficiency and process time. With a water content of up to 50%, these systems underscore the potential of NADES-based ATPSs as sustainable platforms for protein recovery. 2026-01-30T11:37:02Z 2026-01-30T11:37:02Z 2026 info:eu-repo/semantics/article Molecules, 2026, 31, 483 1420-3049 https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/82404 10.3390/molecules31030483 1 483 18 Molecules 31 eng https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/3/483 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internacional MDPI SI