Comparación de la eficiencia de extracción de astaxantina a partir de exoesqueletos de camarón (Litopenaeus vannamei) utilizando como solvente etanol y aceites comestibles como alternativa sostenible.

Abstract

The Ecuadorian shrimp industry generates vast volumes of exoskeletons, a byproduct with high potential for obtaining astaxanthin, a valuable carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties. Given concerns about the environmental and health risks associated with conventional extraction methods using organic solvents, the present study evaluated the efficiency of astaxanthin extraction from Litopenaeus vannamei exoskeletons using a traditional solvent, ethanol, and exploring three edible oils (sunflower, palm, and sesame) as sustainable alternatives. A 2² factorial design was implemented to investigate the impact of two temperatures (26 °C and 50 °C) and two liquid-to-solid ratios (5:1 and 15:1) on astaxanthin content, which was quantified by UV-Vis spectrophotometry at 450 nm. The results showed that ethanol offered the highest overall yield (48,80 ± 1,23 µg/g) under conditions of 50 °C and a 5:1 ratio. Among the edible alternatives, sesame oil stood out significantly (39,11 ± 3,01 µg/g), attributed to its high lipid affinity and good oxidative stability for the pigment. In contrast, sunflower (19,86 ± 0.58 µg/g) and palm (18,32 ± 0,69 µg/g) oils exhibited considerably lower yields. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, p < 0,05) confirmed that solvent type and temperature were the most influential factors in extraction yield. Specifically, temperature proved critical for ethanol, while the liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio was the dominant factor in sunflower and palm oil extracts. For sesame oil, both temperature and L/S ratio were significant factors. The interaction between temperature and L/S was not statistically significant in any case. These findings position sesame oil as a viable and safe alternative for the sustainable extraction of astaxanthin, offering a method free of toxic solvents. This research not only contributes to the valorization of shrimp waste but also boosts the circular economy in the Ecuadorian aquaculture sector, opening new avenues for industrial applications of this valuable carotenoid.