A Simplified Methodology for Solvent Screening in Selective Extraction of Lipids from Microalgae Based on Hansen...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Green Chemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Microalgae are a promising source for fatty acid esters used in biodiesel.
• Efficient lipid extraction is hindered by solvent selection challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a solvent screening methodology using Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP).
• Identify solvents for selective extraction of fatty acid esters from microalgae.
• Minimize co-extraction of non-target compounds like pigments and phospholipids.

Main Methods:

• Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) were used to screen over 5000 solvents.
• Considered solvent affinity for desired lipids versus undesired solutes.
• Validated predictions with Snyder's polarity index and DFT calculations.
• Experimental validation using liquid-liquid extraction and chromatography.

Main Results:

• Hexane was identified as an optimal solvent for selective fatty acid ester extraction.
• Experimental extraction showed low overall lipid yield but enriched fatty acid ester content.
• HSP method effectively predicted solvent performance.

Conclusions:

• HSP provides an efficient method for selecting solvents in microalgae lipid extraction.
• Hexane demonstrates potential for targeted fatty acid ester recovery for biodiesel.
• Further research is needed to address low yield and potential overestimation of microalgae lipids.