Maximizing carotenoid extraction from microalgae used as food additives and determined by liquid chromatography (HPLC)

•How temperature and KOH concentration influence on the carotenoids extraction.•How different polarity solvents influence on the recovery.•To establish a standard method for all microalgae is not possible. Microalgae are an interesting source of natural pigments that have valuable applications. However, further research is necessary to develop processes that allow us to achieve high levels of carotenoid recovery while avoiding degradation. This work presents a comprehensive study on the recovery of carotenoids from several microalgae genera, optimizing carotenoid extraction using alkaline saponification at various temperatures and KOH concentrations. Results show that I. galbana requires a temperature of 60 °C and