Methods, Devices and Systems for Algae Lysis and Content Extraction

摘要

Described herein are devices, systems and methods for lysing algae cells, for production of a lysate product such as a biofuel. The systems and methods use a passive device that lyses the cells through flow configurations, geometries, and surfaces that would induce different stresses and negative pressure on the microalgae cells. When the stress is designed to exceed the mechanical strength of the microalgae cells, the cells are lysed, causing, e.g., lipid release which can be used to produce biofuels. Through an internally-created computational framework, the concept is validated and can be optimized for the lowest energy input with the highest level of lipid release. Also provided herein are computer-implemented methods for optimizing lysis in such systems and computer-readable media containing instructions for performing the computer-implemented methods.

主权项

1. system for producing an algae lysate from an algae culture in an algae culture medium, comprising:
a. a reservoir having a fluid outlet adapted for removal of fluid from the reservoir; b. a fluid conduit attached to the fluid outlet and comprising one or more lysing structures comprising a fluid flow path and a flow-altering structure that modifies the flow path to generate sufficient force to lyse an algae cell in the algae culture in at least a portion of the flow path at a flow rate generated by either a gravitational head of water of 40 meters or less, 60 psi or less, 30 W or less, or 48,000 Joules (J) or less of energy per Liter of algae culture in algae culture medium.