Biofuel and co-products from algae solvent extraction.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Algae biomass is a rich source of lipids and other valuable co-products.
• Efficient extraction and utilization methods are crucial for sustainable algae-based industries.
• Characterization of extracted components and residual biomass is key to unlocking their full potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel method for simultaneous extraction of lipids and co-products from algae biomass.
• To characterize and evaluate the utilization of different fractions obtained from chloroform-methanol extraction.
• To investigate the potential of algae-derived materials as adsorbents and fertilizers.

Main Methods:

• Solvent-based extraction (chloroform-methanol) to isolate lipid fractions.
• Transesterification of lipids for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) production.
• Analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
• Physicochemical characterization of raw algae, residual algae, and algae bio-char using FTIR, EDX, and SEM.
• Methylene blue dye adsorption studies for biochar evaluation.

Main Results:

• Lipids were successfully transesterified into FAMEs, with oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and phytol identified as major components.
• Methanol extract contained various compounds including sugars (stachyose, maltotriose), organic acids, and glycerol.
• FTIR and EDX analyses confirmed the elemental composition and functional groups of algae derivatives.
• SEM showed residual algae to be crystalline, limiting its direct use as an adsorbent.
• Algae bio-char demonstrated potential as an adsorbent for methylene blue dye.
• Organic and mineral-enriched biomass showed promise as agricultural fertilizer.

Conclusions:

• The developed solvent-based extraction method effectively yields multiple valuable products from algae biomass.
• Algae-derived FAMEs, sugars, and organic acids have potential industrial applications.
• Algae bio-char can be physically activated for use as an adsorbent.
• Residual algae biomass, when enriched with organic and mineral content, is suitable for agricultural fertilizer applications.