Biofuel precursors are typically extracted from algae via
mechanical pressing and/or solvent extraction. Some problems associated with
these methods include capture of only a small fraction of the biofuel, slow
processing time, and handling of hazardous and often flammable solvents.
Other industrial processes involve dewatering algae, using
such methods as membrane filtration, flocculation, and centrifugation. However,
the remaining water content can still be quite high, often near 85%, requiring
more involved methods such as homogenization. Clearly a need exists for improved
methods of extracting biofuel and water from algae.
Researchers at Arizona State University and OptiSwitch
Technology Corporation have developed an alternative approach that uses a system
of electrodes to deliver a high intensity pulsed electric field which
electroporates algal cell membranes, leading to more ready release of their
interior biofuel and water.
This system permeabilizes the algae cell membranes, leading
to a more efficacious release of the biofuel and/or water from within the cells.
Potential Applications
- Algae-based biofuel production systems for
- Biofuel extraction
- Algae dewatering
Benefits and Advantages
- Works equally well with batch and continuous flow mode
- Compatible with existing technologies (mechanical
pressing, centrifugation, distillation, solvent extraction, etc.) positioned
downstream
- Real-time feedback control for optimum
processing
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For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr.
Sommerfield's departmental webpage
Dr. Hu's
departmental webpage
