Preparation of fucoxanthin from Bacillariophyta using ultra-high pressure microfluidization–preparative high-performance liquid chromatography

Fucoxanthin, a bioactive carotenoid from marine diatoms (Bacillariophyta), has demonstrated promising nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties, but its industrial-scale isolation remains challenging due to conventional methods’ limitations in efficiency and purity. Here, we present an optimised strategy integrating ultra-high pressure microfluidization (UHPM) with preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (Prep-HPLC) to address these challenges. While both techniques are established independently, their synergistic combination enables rapid extraction (<10 min) and high-yield purification of fucoxanthin at 95.09% purity – a significant improvement over existing protocols typically yielding 80–90%. Comprehensive characterisation (FT–IR, HRMS, and 1H/1³C NMR) confirmed the compound’s structural integrity. This UHPM-Prep-HPLC pipeline not only streamlines the isolation process but also demonstrates scalability potential for industrial applications, particularly in algal biorefineries where efficient biomolecule recovery is critical. The methodology’s adaptability may further facilitate the extraction of other high-value diatoms metabolites, opening avenues for sustainable marine resource utilisation.