Lipid extraction from algae

Supercritical CO. Extraction Results. The extent of lipid extraction from freeze dried algae was influenced by the total COj volume passed through the system, by the operating pressure, and by the ratio of non-polar to polar lipids present in the batches. 

Mori, J., Mastunaga,T.,Takahashi, S., Hasegawa, C., and Saito, H. 2003. Inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation of extracts from marine alga. Phytother. Res., 17,549-551. 

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Lipids from Algae... 

Total lipids were solvent extracted from freeze dried algae (21,22) for the initial lipid profile, and for the analysis of remaining lipids after SC extraction. 

We studied the extraction of lipids from algae (Isochrysis galbana Parke) to verify the possibility to enrich EPA, DHA or other omega-3 fatty acids for healthy products or pharmaceutical application (35). We found that the SFs allow the extraction of lipids from microalgae with interesting fatty acid composition and good extraction yield in comparison with traditional solvents. 

Broch, A., et al., 2013. Analysis of sohd and aqueous phase products from hydrothermal carbonization of whole and lipid-extracted algae. Energies 7 (1), 62—79. 

Algae have a tough exterior to protect internal lipids. Therefore, oil extraction is of great importance to biodiesel production. In most cases, oil extraction from dried biomass can be performed in two steps mechanical rupture followed by organic solvent extraction. This process allows the solvent to significantly penetrate the biomass and to make the best physical contact with the lipid materials. As a result, more than 95% of the total oil present in algae can be successfully extracted. 

In marine algae, sterols are usually esterified, and free sterols exist only in small quantities, even in trace amounts the study of algal sterols therefore involves a saponification of the total lipid extract. Broadly speaking, the sterols of Chlorophyceae are numerous and have 27-29 carbons, that is, side-chains of 8-10 carbons. Currently, all sterols isolated from green algae have the usual tetra-cydic system of cholesterol (Kerr and Baker, 1991 Patterson, 1991). An examination of the sterol composition of about 50 species revealed the following trends ... 

Solutions in contact with polyvinyl chloride can become contaminated with trace amounts of lead, titanium, tin, zinc, iron, magnesium or cadmium from additives used in the manufacture and moulding of PVC. V-Phenyl-2-naphthylamine is a contaminant of solvents and biological materials that have been in contact with black rubber or neoprene (in which it is used as an antioxidant). Although it was only an artefact of the separation procedure it has been isolated as an apparent component of vitamin K preparations, extracts of plant lipids, algae, livers, butter, eye tissue and kidney tissue [Brown Chem Br 3 524 1967]. 

This experiment provides students with the opportunity to isolate a biomolecule from its natural source, followed by its purification and identification. In addition, students will follow a procedure that is typical of the general extraction and characterization of lipids. However, unlike most lipids, the plant pigments are highly colored and may be characterized and quantified by visible spectrophotometry. Several types of plant tissue may be used. Some recommendations are fresh leaves (tree, plant, grass, spinach), green algae, or mosses. For variety, students may be asked to bring their own samples for analysis. 

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