Extraction conditions can exert a remarkable influence on extraction efficiency. The aim of this study was to improve the extraction efficiency of carotenoids from Dunaliella parva (D. parva). Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 95% ethanol were used as the extraction solvents. The extraction time, extraction temperature and the proportions of mixed solvent were taken as influencing factors, and the experimental scheme was determined by Central Composite Design (CCD) of Design Expert 10.0.4.0 to optimize the extraction process of carotenoids from D. parva. The absorbance values of the extract at 665 nm, 649 nm and 480 nm were determined by a microplate spectrophotometer, and the extraction efficiency of carotenoids was calculated. Analyses of the model fitting degree, variance and interaction term 3D surface were performed by response surface analysis. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: extraction time of 20 min, extraction temperature of 40 °C, and a mixed solvent ratio (DMSO: 95% ethanol) of 3.64:1. Under the optimal conditions, the actual extraction efficiency of carotenoids was 0.0464%, which was increased by 18.19% (the initial extraction efficiency of 0.03926%) with a lower extraction temperature (i.e. lower energy consumption) compared to the standard protocol.

This paper describes two new species of Eurhaphidophora, namely: Eurhaphidophora curvata sp. nov. (Chinese name: 弯板优驼螽) and Eurhaphidophora fossa sp. nov. (Chinese name: 凹板优驼螽) based on the specimens from Yunnan Province, China. The type specimens are deposited in the Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.

Seven new species and the female sex of Rhaphidophora xishuang Gorochov, 2012 of the rhaphidophorines are described from China. The images illustrating the morphology of the two known species are provided. Meanwhile, the complete mitogenome of Rhaphidophora quadrispina was assembled. The mitogenome was 15892 bp in length and contained the typical gene arrangement. All examined specimens are deposited in the Guangxi Normal University.

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