Abstract

In order to replace conventional organic solvents with more benign equivalents such as ionic liquids or eutectic solvents, in this work we attempt to develop a simple and ecofriendly process using these alternative solvents for the extraction of astaxanthin and beta-carotene from Phaffia rhodozyma biomass, which could simultaneously be used as a colorant and plasticizer agent for the preparation of bioactive starch-based biodegradable films without further purification. The use of cholinium-based eutectic solvents appears to be a promising solution envisioning the development of functionalized carotenoid-rich biofilms.