Microalgae fractionation method

1 minute read

Speed up the development of the microalgae fractionation method through licensing or direct investment. This new method is more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly than current methods.

The technology

This fractionation method is simple, energy efficient and cost-effective. It rapidly extracts lipids and proteins from microalgae without using toxic solvents.

Market need

Microalgae, which live in marine and freshwater environments, produce useful lipids and proteins. These components have commercial benefits, yet the extraction process is costly. A more cost-effective extraction method would expand the value of microalgae to new markets, such as biofuels and food.

Technology status

Proof-of-concept studies used the relevant marine algae Nannochloropsis. The method minimises equipment costs. It is more energy efficient, and achieves more than 90 per cent separation efficiency. The fractionation method is covered by a provisional patent application.