Process for Extracting Lipids from Microalgae
Microalgae lipid extraction brochure
Need:
In order to effectively utilize the microalgae as a source of biofuel, a cost-effective process for the extraction of lipid compounds is needed. The ideal extraction process would be scalable, safe, inexpensive, and have a low energy requirement. This means minimizing the number and complexity of process steps, limiting the use of hazardous materials and minimizing the material and energy consumption for the processing of the biofuels.
Solution:
Researchers at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo have developed a process for extracting lipids from microalgae. The process involves pretreating a quantity of non-homogenized microalgae with an aliphatic alcohol for a predetermined period of time. The pretreatment liberates a substantial portion of lipids from the microalgae without requiring energy intensive cell membrane disruptive technologies. The liberated lipids are then treated with a transesterification reagent to form fatty acid methyl esters. The fatty acid methyl esters are separated from the resulting mixture and may be further purified to remove remaining solvents or other impurities. The fatty acid methyl esters produced by the process are suitable as a green energy biodiesel product.
Applications:
- Microalgae sourced biofuel
Advantages:
- Scalable and inexpensive
- Low energy requirement
- Safe process due to limited use of hazardous materials
IP Status:
US 8,563,759 issued 10/02/2010
Licensing Status:
Available - please contact us for more information