Small algae can play a major role in dealing with global energy issues. Algae are the small organisms that grow quickly & in aquatic surroundings and utilize CO2 & light to create biomass. There are two major types of algae namely, macroalgae and microalgae. Growing use of algae oil in various biofuel applications, such as gasoline, jet fuel, biodiesel, and aviation fuel, is expected to augment the growth of the global market for algae oil in the coming years.
Commercial-Scale Algae Oil Extraction:
Currently, on a commercial scale, a limited volume of algae oil is being obtained from algal feedstocks. The reason is that the algae oil extraction experiences a lack of demonstrated & well-defined industrial-scale procedures for separation & extraction of lipids & oils required for allowing the production of biofuels. The existing techniques for algae oil extraction are also one of the issues for commercialization and are majorly suitable for analytical- & small-scale methods, or for the removal/recovery of some high-value products.
In order to create algal biofuels, as a competitive bulk commodity, the techniques of extraction used must be effective & efficient. The extraction depends on recognizing the particular biological component, which is again dependent on the growth status & species of algal. Moreover, different harvest procedures operations could affect the extraction methods, as well as the fuel conversion method.
Small Scale Algae Oil Extraction:
Mechanical Disruption (Cell Rupture):
It is a mechanical technique for obtaining oil from raw materials. In this method, the raw materials are pressed under high pressure in a just one step. When utilized for the food oils extraction, typical raw materials include seeds, algae, & nuts. With this method, one can recover up to 75 % of the oil from algae.
Enzymatic Extraction:
This method degrades the cell walls with the help of enzymes with water as the solvent, which makes the fractionation of the oil much easier. The price of this extraction method is estimated to be much higher than the hexane extraction.
Osmotic Shock:
Osmotic shock is a sudden reduction in osmotic pressure, due to which the cells in a solution are ruptured. This method is sometimes utilized to release cellular components, such as oil.
Market Insights:
Algae oil is being increasingly used in various food & beverages applications as a natural source of fatty acids, antioxidants, proteins, etc., which, in turn, will augment the global algae market. Cellana Inc.; Diversified Energy Corp.; Algix, LLC; and TerraVia Holdings, Inc. are some of the key players in the global market.
