EUBCE 2024 - Serena LIMA - Enhancing Microalgal Biomass Processing: Cell Disruption through Moderate and Low Electric Field Treatment

Enhancing Microalgal Biomass Processing: Cell Disruption through Moderate and Low Electric Field Treatment

Short Introductive summary

Microalgal components like lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and pigments require specialized extraction methods due to the biomass’s tough cell wall. Therefore, downstream processing, including cell disruption and cell harvesting, is the primary factor determining the final production cost of these compounds. In this work, we explored the use of Electrochemical Treatment as a method for disrupting microalgal cells. This method involves applying relatively low voltages for longer durations compared to Pulsed Electric field (PEF) treatment. We subjected the microalgal biomass of Nannochloropsis gaditana to electrolysis treatment while varying three parameters: electric field intensity, duration, and biomass concentration in an aqueous suspension, using a Design of Experiment approach. Subsequent analyses were conducted to assess the Total Organic Carbon (TOC), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) omega-3, and protein content of the treated biomass. Interesting results were obtained, and we can conclude that both moderate and, particularly, low electric fields show promise as effective methods for cell disruption.

S. Lima, University of Palermo, ITALY
F. Proietto, University of Palermo, ITALY
V. Fontana, University of Palermo, ITALY
A. Cosenza, University of Palermo, ITALY
A. Galia, University of Palermo, ITALY
F. Scargiali, University of Palermo, ITALY