Method of separating and purifying astaxanthin from Phaffia rhodozyma

The invention discloses a method of separating and purifying astaxanthin from Phaffia rhodozyma. The method comprises the following steps: dilapidating walls of Phaffia rhodozyma thalli; coarsely extracting astaxanthin by use of acetone; degreasing to remove low-polarity carotenoid; removing dimethyl sulfoxide; crystallizing and the like. The purpose of quickly separating astaxanthin is realized by combining efficient extraction by an organic solvent and simple separation and purification step. The prepared astaxanthin is high in purity and fewer in impurity. The conventional column chromatography step is avoided, and the active functional groups of astaxanthin can be effectively maintained so as to maintain the stability of product quality of astaxanthin in the separation and purification step.