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Experimental Protocol for Biodiesel Production with Isolation of Alkenones as Coproducts from Commercial Isochrysis Algal Biomass
Published on: June 24, 2016
Low solvent, low temperature method for extracting biodiesel lipids from concentrated microalgal biomass
Ian L D Olmstead1, Sandra E Kentish, Peter J Scales
1Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3000, Australia.
Bioresource Technology
|October 2, 2013
Summary
This study presents an efficient method for disrupting microalgal cells and extracting neutral lipids for biodiesel production. The process significantly enhances lipid recovery from Nannochloropsis sp. biomass.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Renewable Energy
- Algal Biomass
Background:
- Microalgal lipids are a promising source for sustainable biodiesel.
- Efficient cell disruption and lipid extraction are critical for economic viability.
- Nannochloropsis sp. presents challenges due to its robust cell wall.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an industrially relevant method for microalgal cell disruption.
- To optimize neutral lipid extraction from Nannochloropsis sp. pastes.
- To assess the efficiency and selectivity of the extraction process.
Main Methods:
- Incubation at 37°C for 15 hours followed by high-pressure homogenization (1200 bar) for cell disruption.
- Hexane-based lipid extraction from concentrated algal paste (<2:1 solvent:biomass ratio).
- Sequential extraction steps to maximize neutral lipid recovery.
Main Results:
- Cell disruption increased lipid recovery by 100-fold.
- Yields of 30-50% w/w neutral lipids in the first extraction, with an additional 6.5-20% in the second.
- Hexane preferentially extracted neutral lipids, recovering up to 86% w/w.
Conclusions:
- The developed method is effective for wet, concentrated microalgal paste.
- The process requires minimal solvent and moderate temperatures.
- This approach offers a scalable and efficient route for biodiesel feedstock production.
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