Pulsed electric field assisted extraction of intracellular valuables from microalgae

Microalgal biomass pretreatment for bioethanol production: a review

“…During this treatment, an effect called electroporation or electropermeabilization occurs. In fact, the electric field created induces a power differential through the cellular membrane and electroporation occurs when a certain threshold value is exceeded (between 0.5 -1.5 V) (Goettel et al, 2013;Vorobiev and Lebovka, 2015). When electroporation occurs, the permeability of cell membrane increases.…”

Selective Extraction from Food Plants and Residues by Pulsed Electric Field

“…Recently, several groups have developed PEF-assisted techniques for extraction of valuable components from microalgae. PEF treatment in a flow cell at electric field strength E of 23-43 kV cm −1 and pulse duration of 1 μs was applied for concentration of the aqueous suspension of microalgae Auxenochlorella protothecoides (36-167 g dry weight per kilogram suspension) [63]. A noticeable disintegration of cells in suspensions with biomass content of 100 g dry weight per kg suspension required energy consumption of the order of 1 MJ/kg, which was equivalent to 4.8% of the upper heating value for algae.…”

“…It was demonstrated that PEF-assisted extraction was highly selective and allowed release of the soluble intracellular matter, while extraction of lipids required application of solvents. Thus, the opportunity to use PEF treatment at the first step of extraction and solvents at the second step of extraction was demonstrated [63]. Continuous PEF treatment was studied and a continuous flow technology was proposed for extraction of the entire cytoplasmic proteins from microalgae (Nannochloropsis salina and Chlorella vulgaris) [64].…”

Green microalgae biomolecule separations and recovery

“…Pore formation occurs and can be reversible or irreversible depending on PEF intensity (Joannes et al 2015). The degree of pore formation is dependent on electric field strength, shape/type of pulse, treatment time, and number or pulses (Zbinden et al 2013;Goettel et al 2013). Above a certain PEF intensity, reversible pore formation become irreversible wall/ membrane disruption (Zderic et al 2013).…”