Abstract: A quickly microwave- assisted extraction method was built for β- carotene extraction from Dunaliella salina,different solvents,ratio of liquid to solid,extracting time,extracting temperature,and stirring speed were investigated.The effect of microwave- assisted extraction method was compared with ultrasonic assisted extraction method,and conventional solvent maceration extraction method under optimal conditions.The optimized condition of microwave- assisted extraction method was that ethyl acetate was used as solvent,ratio of liquid to solid232 m L / g,extracting temperature 42 ℃,extracting time 7.0 min,and stirring speed 180 r / min.β- carotene yield of Dunaliella salina was 1.03% when it was extracted under the optimal conditions. Compared to the conventional solvent maceration extraction method,the β- carotene yield was improved significantly by microwave- assisted extraction method and ultrasonic assisted extraction method,respectively,and the maximum β- carotene extraction efficiency was deserved by ultrasonic assisted extraction method.