Abstract: This paper established a method for astaxanthin extracting by ultrasonic extraction and detection by high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）. The result showed that acetone was the optimal solvent among the selected solvents. The astaxanthin yield of Haematococcus pluvialis was used as measurement index, the sequence of extraction efficiency of different solvent was that acetone> methylene chloride: methanol（3∶ 1, V/V） > methanol > petroleum ether > chloroform. The mathematical model of ultrasound assisted astaxanthin extraction of H.pluvialis was established by response surface method. The optimal condition for extraction technique was that S/L 1∶ 377, ultrasonic time 5.19 min and ultrasonic power 145 W. Under the optimal condition, the predicted astaxanthin yield was 2.931%, and the measured value was 2.896%. It indicated that the adaptable of model was good. Compared with conventional reflux extraction methods, extraction efficiency of astaxanthin was improved significantly assisted by response surface method.

Key words: Haematococcus pluvialis, astaxanthin, ultrasound assisted extraction, response surface, HPLC