Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Experimental Protocol for Biodiesel Production with Isolation of Alkenones as Coproducts from Commercial Isochrysis Algal Biomass
Published on: June 24, 2016
Extraction of oil from microalgae for biodiesel production: A review
Ronald Halim1, Michael K Danquah, Paul A Webley
1Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia. ronald.halim@monash.edu
Abstract:
The rapid increase of CO(2) concentration in the atmosphere combined with depleted supplies of fossil fuels has led to an increased commercial interest in renewable fuels. Due to their high biomass productivity, rapid lipid accumulation, and ability to survive in saline water, microalgae have been identified as promising feedstocks for industrial-scale production of carbon-neutral biodiesel. This study examines the principles involved in lipid extraction from microalgal cells, a crucial downstream processing step in the production of microalgal biodiesel. We analyze the different technological options currently available for laboratory-scale microalgal lipid extraction, with a primary focus on the prospect of organic solvent and supercritical fluid extraction. The study also provides an assessment of recent breakthroughs in this rapidly developing field and reports on the suitability of microalgal lipid compositions for biodiesel conversion.
Related Concept Videos
Biofuels
Green Algae
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Lipid Catabolism
Overview of Algae
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

