Importance of Downstream Processing of Natural Astaxanthin for Pharmaceutical Application

Astaxanthin (ASX) is a xanthophyll pigment considered as nutraceutical with high antioxidant activity. Several clinical trials have shown the multiple health benefits of this molecule; therefore, it has various pharmaceutical industry applications. Commercial astaxanthin can be produced by chemical synthesis or through biosynthesis within different microorganisms. The molecule microorganisms highly preferred due to its zero toxicity and superior therapeutic properties. However, biotechnological production not competitive against synthesis, since downstream process may represent 70–80% cost. These operations denote then an opportunity optimize make alternative more competitive. Since ASX intracellularly microorganisms, investment operational costs, like centrifugation bead milling high-pressure homogenization, are mainly used. In cell recovery, flocculation flotation low energy demanding techniques, whereas, after disruption, efficient extraction technique necessary extract highest percentage cell. Solvent traditional method, but large-scale adopted supercritical CO 2 (SC-CO ), environmentally friendly technology. On other hand, assisted technologies extensively reported carried out in single step. Because high-purity product required pharmaceuticals applications, use chromatography for process. Traditionally liquid-solid techniques applied; however, recent emergence liquid-liquid high-speed countercurrent (HSCCC) coupled allows productivity purity up 99% ASX. Additionally, SC-CO , two-dimensional chromatography, very promising. Finally, purified needs formulated ensure stability bioavailability; thus, encapsulation widely employed. review, we focus on processes drying, extraction, purification, formulation Haematococcus pluvialis Phaffia rhodozyma Paracoccus carotinifaciens . We discuss current that being developed carotenoid.