Supercritical fluids extraction of valuable compounds from algae: Future perspectives and challenges

Algae (macro and micro) can be used to produce several high–value metabolites to supply industries as cosmetics, additives and pigments, among others. Those metabolites can have physiological and nutritional benefits for human and animal health. However, the availability of high–value metabolites from algae is still unaffordable due to traditional extraction techniques and their requirements of energy and use of pollutant solvents. Recently, green extraction technologies for the extraction of high–value metabolites have become more desirable due to their sustainability and environmental benefits. Supercritical fluids extraction, as green extraction techniques, has been widely applied for extraction of high–value metabolites from algae. Here, the highlight of supercritical CO₂ and subcritical water on the extraction of bioactive compounds from macro– and microalgae was presented. The perspective and challenge for using supercritical CO₂ and subcritical water on the algae extraction were also concluded.