Secondary amines as switchable solvents for lipid extraction from non-broken microalgae

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Green Chemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Algal biomass is a potential source for renewable fuels and chemicals.
• Energy-intensive drying and milling processes hinder efficient lipid extraction from algae.
• Developing energy-efficient extraction methods is crucial for algal biofuel production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate switchable solvents for direct lipid extraction from wet microalgae slurries.
• To achieve oil and solvent recovery via CO2-induced phase splitting, eliminating drying and milling.
• To evaluate secondary amine solvents for lipid extraction and phase-splitting capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Investigated secondary amine solvents for lipid extraction from wet microalgae (Desmodesmus sp.).
• Assessed solvent polarity switching and phase splitting triggered by carbon dioxide (CO2).
• Compared extraction yields with and without cell disruption to the Bligh & Dyer method.

Main Results:

• Lipid extraction yields from wet algal slurries were comparable to the Bligh & Dyer method, even without cell disruption.
• Successful oil and solvent recovery was achieved through CO2-induced phase separation.
• Secondary amine solvents demonstrated effective lipid extraction and recovery.

Conclusions:

• Secondary amine-based switchable solvents offer an energy-efficient alternative for algal lipid extraction.
• The developed method eliminates the need for algae drying and milling.
• This technology shows promise for sustainable and cost-effective biofuel feedstock production.