Aqueous natural extract from Chlorella vulgaris: a new functional micro delivery system for healthy applications

Chlorella vulgaris , a microalga rich in bioactive compounds, has potential applications as natural functional ingredient in nutraceuticals, cosmetics and as a biostimulant in agriculture [ 1 ]. A high functionality aqueous extract from Chlorella vulgaris was produced, during the “MIGLIORARE” and Agritech National Research Center projects activities; however, issues like instability, handling challenges, and reduced water solubility, likely due to extraction procedures, limit its applications. To address these limitations, a spray drying process was used to convert the extract into a stable microparticulate powder. Inulin [ 2 ] and Sodium carboxymethylcellulose were used as a carrier and coating hydrocolloid, respectively, to facilitate microparticle formation. The product was characterized for process yield, extract loading efficiency, morphology, dimensional properties, and water dispersion behavior to evaluate its potential in various applications. The spray-dried microparticles exhibited a high process yield of over 90% and an extract loading efficiency close to 100%. Morphological characterization of the solid state showed that the resulting microparticles were predominantly spherical with a micrometric size distribution. The microparticles, when dispersed in water at high concentrations, demonstrated the ability to form a colloidal system with particle sizes reduced to below 1 micron, transitioning from the micro to the nano scale (below 0.5 microns). This colloidal system significantly enhances the ingredient’s functionality. The nanometric colloidal system can improve permeation, dissolution rates, and interaction with the environmental system thus enhancing efficacy. The transformation of the Chlorella vulgaris extract into spray-dried form presents multiple functional advantages. The technological approach and the development of this delivery system could significantly enhance the efficacy of Chlorella vulgaris extract in diverse fields, providing a versatile platform for future healthy applications. Acknowledgment Agritech National Research Center, funded by the EU Next-GenerationEU (PNRR – M4C2, Investment 1.4, D.D. 1032, 17/06/2022, Project CN00000022), and PRIN 2022 project “MIGLIORARE” (code P2022WT79B, CUP N. D53D2302209 0001). MISSION 4 COMPONENT 2, INVESTIMENT N. 1.1, CALL PRIN 2022 D.D. 104 02-02-2022 – Sustainable technologies to produce MIcroalGaL bIOmass and agRo-industrial wastes extracts and their novel Application as active coating materials for pREserving fresh cut fruits and vegetables quality (MIGLIORARE) (Project code P2022WT79B) CUP N. D53D2302209 0001”. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany