Recently, various Omega-3 products have been advertised under the name 4th Generation Omega-3 or natural TG Omega-3 (nTG). However, the term 4th Generation Omega-3 is not yet an officially defined concept. It generally refers to vegan Omega-3 extracted from microalgae through eco-friendly methods.
Which Microalgae Are Suitable for Omega-3 Production?
The ratio of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) in Omega-3 fatty acids extracted from microalgae varies depending on the species of microalgae and growth conditions.
For EPA, species like Nannochloropsis contain about 30-33% EPA of total fatty acids, making them a popular choice for commercial use. Crypthecodinium cohnii, although better known for its high DHA content, can reach an EPA level of up to 43.5% under certain conditions. Tetraselmis species, which thrive in high temperatures, have about 10% EPA, while Phaeodactylum tricornutum shows an EPA content of 20-30%.
For DHA, Crypthecodinium cohnii is a leading species with 43.5% DHA, while Schizochytrium contains 40-50% DHA, making it a prime candidate for commercial DHA supplements. In contrast, Phaeodactylum tricornutum includes about 10-15% DHA, and Tetraselmis species tend to have relatively lower DHA levels.
In summary, Nannochloropsis and Schizochytrium stand out as promising candidates for the commercial production of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Eco-Friendly Methods for Extracting Omega-3 from Microalgae
As previously mentioned, microalgae are gaining attention as a sustainable resource for producing Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA. However, traditional extraction methods using organic solvents pose environmental hazards, as well as safety and cost concerns. As a result, various solvent-free and efficient methods have been developed to extract Omega-3 fatty acids.
1. Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE)
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) breaks down the cell walls of microalgae through ultrasonic vibrations to release Omega-3 fatty acids. This method has been successfully used with Nannochloropsis oculata, combining cell disruption and lipid extraction simultaneously. Research has shown that using a 1000W ultrasound output for 30 minutes yields high efficiency, making this method eco-friendly while maintaining performance comparable to traditional solvent-based extraction methods.
2. Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE)
Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) utilizes high temperature and pressure to extract Omega-3 fatty acids without the use of solvents. Studies on Nannochloropsis gaditana have shown that this method allows for rapid and efficient extraction of both neutral and polar lipids, making it a commercially promising technique.
3. Green Solvent Extraction
Another alternative to organic solvents is the use of terpenes derived from natural sources for extraction. This method uses natural compounds extracted from plants to replace petroleum-based solvents. Research indicates that this approach is environmentally friendly while delivering similar extraction performance to traditional solvent methods.
4. Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) Extraction
The Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) method is particularly effective for extracting fatty acids from moist biomasses such as Chlorella sp. and Chlorococcum sp. DES allows for lipid extraction from wet biomass, eliminating the need for additional drying processes and significantly reducing energy consumption. Studies have demonstrated a significant increase in FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) yields, making this method economically efficient.
5. Ultrasound and Enzyme-Assisted Extraction
By combining ultrasound technology with commercial enzymes, such as Viscozyme® and Celluclast®, extraction efficiency is maximized. In studies on Nannochloropsis gaditana, this method showed that cell walls could be effectively broken down, leading to a higher yield of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). This eco-friendly approach delivers performance on par with traditional chemical extraction methods.
Conclusion: Eco-Friendly Technologies for Sustainable Omega-3 Extraction
The extraction of Omega-3 fatty acids from microalgae is becoming increasingly sustainable and economically viable as technology advances. Methods such as ultrasound-assisted, pressurized, green solvent, and deep eutectic solvent extraction are achieving high efficiency without the use of harmful organic solvents, and they show great promise for commercial applications. These technologies will play a critical role in producing Omega-3 in a more sustainable and safe manner.
The ongoing development of eco-friendly extraction techniques is expected to drive the commercial utilization of microalgae-based Omega-3 products forward, contributing to the broader availability of sustainable health supplements.
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