Method and apparatus for iterative lysis and extraction of algae

摘要

A method and system for processing algae involves the use of an ionic liquid-containing clarified cell lysate to lyse algae cells. The resulting crude cell lysate may be clarified and subsequently used to lyse algae cells. The process may be repeated a number of times before a clarified lysate is separated into lipid and aqueous phases for further processing and/or purification of desired products.

主权项

1. A method for processing algae cells comprising:
a) mixing algae cells with a first clarified algal cell lysate to form a crude algal cell lysate, said first clarified algal cell lysate comprising an ionic liquid; b) removing solid debris from said crude algal cell lysate to form a second clarified algal cell lysate; c) forming separate lipid-containing hydrophobic and ionic liquid-containing hydrophilic phases in the second clarified algal cell lysate; and d) isolating the lipid-containing hydrophobic phase from the ionic liquid-containing hydrophilic phase; wherein the first and second clarified algal cell lysates each comprise at least 65% hydrophilic ionic liquid by weight and wherein a total amount of water in the crude algal cell lysate formed in step a) is not more than 35% by weight.