Methods Of and Systems for Isolating Carotenoids and Omega-3 Rich Oil Products from Algae – A Patent
One of the biggest problems in algae biofuels commercialization lies in the process of algae harvesting and extraction which requires large external energy inputs.
Some of the attributes of algae which makes algae harvesting and extraction difficult include:
1. Algae cells are very small in size (about 2 to about 20 nm)
2. Algae oil has large amounts of polar lipids
3. Typical algal concentrations in cultures range from about 0.1-1.0% (w/v) upon harvesting
4. Algal oil is very unstable due to the presence of double bonded long chain fatty acids.
In this patent, improved methods and systems for extraction and fractionating algal products, in particular algal oil, algal proteins, and algal carotenoids are discussed. The systems and methods described in the invention utilize step extraction and fractionation with a slightly non-polar solvent to process wet algal biomass.
More form here : http://www.google.co.in/patents/US8153137?dq=algae+omega+3
