A novel method for the extraction of prodigiosin from bacterial fermentation was achieved using an integrated sequential batch extraction reactor (SBER) containing functionalized iron oxides ([Fe3O4](F)). The [Fe3O4](F) was prepared using diethanolamine to impart quaternary amine group onto Fe3O4. The quaternary amine group imparted to Fe3O4 enhanced the prodigiosin adsorption efficiency. Two SBER were integrated with the continuous fermenter for the continuous extraction of prodigiosin. The present investigation established a method to conserve solvent by about 95% during the prodigiosin extraction step. The proposed extraction method can be regarded as solvent free direct extraction of bacterial bioactive compounds from bacterial fermented medium. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.