High Pressure Homogenisation for the Cell Disruption of Algae

Extraction of biofuels and bio-products from algae is on the rise. Recent years has seen a substantial increase in demand for food, energy and valuable chemicals, which has led to the rise of R&D on renewable, novel and sustainable resources.

The ability of algae to grow in a range of aquatic environments, from freshwater to saturated saline, and their efficient utilisation of CO2, allows this group of single-celled organisms to offer a viable alternative to fossil fuel processing, as well as the production of various bio-products.

In addition, they can produce biomass very rapidly, and have the capacity to produce energy-rich oils. The single-cell nature of microalgae means that they duplicate by division, and so high-throughput technologies can be used to rapidly evolve strains.

One of the most critical steps in the bioprocessing of algae to optimise economy and yield is the cell disruption stage. The functionality of algae biochemicals must be maintained while obtaining high disruption yields, hence the need for an efficient, scalable process.

High pressure homogenisation (HPH) offers the best solution to meet this requirement. A 2015 study on green alga cell disruption is just one of the numerous studies online showcasing its effectiveness.

The widely-favoured Avestin range of high pressure homogenisers offers adjustable homogenising pressures, with available sample temperature control, ensuring the optimal process parameters can be applied for even the toughest of cells.

Avestin’s unique, dynamic homogenising valve minimises blockage risk, compared to many of the fixed geometry valves elsewhere on the market, making it an industry-favourite in bioprocessing.

More information online.