Evaluation of Bed Height and the Use of Glass Beads in the Extraction of Microalgae Compounds By Supercritical Fluid

The environmental impact of industrial activity and the depletion of natural resources increase the need for changes in production chains. The exploration of microalgae is highlighted in this context, but its potential applications are limited by the high cost of cultivation and processing, requiring studies to optimize the technologies used. This study proposed to improve the production of valuable compounds for the nutritional and pharmaceutical industries from the microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana, such as carotenoids, chlorophylls and fatty acids, using supercritical extractions with mixtures of CO₂ and ethanol. The effect of height and filling of the extraction bed were investigated to understand the relationship between compound recovery, bed compaction in the extraction vessel and solvent-biomass contact under the tested conditions.