Total Protein Content Determination of Microalgal Biomass by Elemental Nitrogen Analysis and a Dedicated...

Accurately determining protein content is important in the valorization of algal biomass in food, feed, and fuel markets, where these values are used for component balance calculations. Using elemental nitrogen content to calculate protein concentration in the biomass is a well-accepted and widely practiced method and depends on developing a validated and appropriate nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor. The methodology reported here covers the quantitative assessment of the total nitrogen content of algal biomass and a description of the methodology that underpins the accurate de novo calculation of a dedicated nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor.