High Pressure Homogenisation for the Cell Disruption of Algae

Algae/Other Aquatic Organisms/Seaweed, Feedstocks

November 8, 2019

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(Biofuels International) … 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, and is the most widely used method. A 2015 study on green alga cell disruption is just one of the numerous studies online showcasing its effectiveness.³

The forced passage of cells through a narrow orifice offers a direct disruption of the algal cell wall via forces such as shear stress, turbulence and cavitation, as the cells pass from orifice to chamber, thus providing a high disruption efficiency.

Pressure is the key process parameter of HPH, in that the required pressure depends on the different cell wall structures of different microorganism species. For example, Chlorella sp. generally requires 15,000-17,000psi, whilst Nannochloropsis sp. requires 28,000-30,000psi. Performing multiple passes (recirculating) often increases cell disruption levels, with 2-3 passes being most common. READ MORE

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