Abstract: Disclosed herein are photobioreactor systems for high productivity aquaculture or aquafarming for growing of algae or other organisms in an aquatic environment featuring aspects that favor improved growth rates by achieving control over the contents of the growth medium, including carbon source, nitrogen source, and essential trace elements necessary for growth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel photobioreactors, modules thereof, and methods for use in culturing and harvesting algae and cyanobacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of algal-based medium chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons. More specifically, the invention relates to a Nannochloropsis algal strain and mutants that produces high amounts of C16 fatty acids and hydrocarbons. The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of algal-based medium chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons. More specifically, the invention relates to a Nannochloropsis algal strain and mutants that produces high amounts of C16 fatty acids and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.

Abstract: A method for separating polar lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting polar lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal polar lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. These polar lipids are high value products which can be used as surfactants, detergents, and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of polar lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: A method for separating neutral lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting neutral lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal neutral lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. The neutral lipids are removed after first removing a polar lipid fraction and a protein fraction. These neutral lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels as well as food products and supplements.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel photobioreactors, modules thereof, and methods for use in culturing and harvesting algae and cyanobacteria.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, sequentially adding solvent sets to the algal biomass, and sequentially separating solid biomass fractions from liquid fractions to arrive at a liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids. The method also includes esterifying the neutral lipids, separating a water miscible fraction comprising glycerin from a water immiscible fraction comprising fuel esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids. The method also includes obtaining a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, sequentially adding solvent sets to the algal biomass, and sequentially separating solid biomass fractions from liquid fractions to arrive at a liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids. The method also includes esterifying the neutral lipids, separating a water miscible fraction comprising glycerin from a water immiscible fraction comprising fuel esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids. The method also includes obtaining a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: A method of isolating nutraceuticals products from algae is provided. A method of isolating carotenoids and omega-3 rich oil from algae includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass and adding a first ethanol fraction to the algal biomass. The method also includes separating a first substantially solid biomass fraction from a first substantially liquid fraction comprising proteins and combining the first substantially solid biomass fraction with a second ethanol fraction. The method further includes separating a second substantially solid biomass fraction from a second substantially liquid fraction comprising polar lipids and combining the second substantially solid biomass fraction with a third ethanol solvent fraction.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.