A dye binding method for measurement of total protein in microalgae.

Protein is a large component of the standing biomass of algae. The total protein content of algae is difficult to measure because of the problems encountered in extracting all of the protein from the cells. Here we modified an existing protein assay to measure total protein in microalgae cells that involves little or no extraction of protein from the cells. Aliquots of fresh or pretreated cells were spotted onto filter paper strips. After drying, the strips were stained in a 0.1% (w/v) solution of the protein stain Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 for 16 to 24 h and then destained. The stained protein spots were cut out from the paper, and dye was eluted in 1% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Absorbance at 600 nm was directly proportional to protein concentration. Cells that were recalcitrant to taking up the dye could be either heated at 80°C for 10 min in 1% SDS or briefly sonicated for 3 min to facilitate penetration of the dye into the cells. Total protein measured in Chlorella vulgaris using this method compared closely with that measured using the total N method. Total protein concentrations were measured successfully in 12 algal species using this dye binding method.

Effects of processing conditions on biocrude yields from fast hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae.

This study investigated the effects of algae species, reaction time, and reactor loading on the biocrude yield from fast hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of microalgae. Fast HTL reaction times were always less than 2 min and employed rapid heating and nonisothermal conditions. The highest biocrude yield obtained was 67±5 wt.% (dry basis). With all other process variables fixed, increasing the reaction time in a 600 °C sand bath by 15 s increments led to a rapid increase in biocrude yield between 15 and 45 s. At longer times, the biocrude yield decreased. Low reactor loadings generally gave higher biocrude yields than did higher loadings. The low reactor loadings may facilitate biocrude production by facilitating cell rupture and/or increasing the effective concentration of algal cells in the hot, compressed water in the reactor.

A quantitative kinetic model for the fast and isothermal hydrothermal liquefaction of Nannochloropsis sp.

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a technology for converting algal biomass into biocrude oil and high-value products. To elucidate the underlying kinetics for this process, we conducted isothermal and non-isothermal reactions over a broad range of holding times (10s-60min), temperatures (100-400°C), and average heating rates (110-350°Cmin(-1)). Biocrude reached high yields (⩾37wt%) within 2min for heat-source set-point temperatures of 350°C or higher. We developed a microalgal HTL kinetic model valid from 10s to 60min, including significantly shorter timescales (10s-10min) than any previous model. The model predicts that up to 46wt% biocrude yields are achievable at 400°C and 1min, reaffirming the utility of short holding times and "fast" HTL. We highlight potential trade-offs between maximizing biocrude quantity and facilitating aqueous phase recovery, which may improve biocrude quality.