Biotech Updates

Non-destructive Algal Oil Extraction Process for Biodiesel Production

February 29, 2008
http://www.biofuelreview.com/content/view/1436/

Algae have been identified as one of the potential sources of oil that can be processed into biodiesel. Among the advantages of algae as biodiesel feedstock are its high carbon dioxide fixing (capturing) ability during growth and its not being a “plant-based bioenergy crop”. The conventional method of algal oil production usually involves the cultivation of the algae, harvesting them and extracting the oil by physical or chemical methods. Since the algae are destroyed, cultivation must be redone for the production cycle to continue. A recent article from the Biofuel Review website reports the development of a continuous algal oil extraction strategy without destroying the algae. The proprietary technology, developed by International Energy, Inc, involves growing the algae, stripping off their oils and returning the “oil-stripped” algae into the cultivation tank where they regrow. In the process of regrowth, the algae can accumulate oil again for further stripping. Details of the oil stripping technology, was not mentioned. The advantage of this ”algae recycling” process is the time and cost saved in growing a new set of algae cells. Biomass regeneration time is minimized while enhancing oil yields..