Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for extracting non-polar lipids from microalgae are achieved using a lipid extraction device having an anode and a cathode that forms a channel and defines a fluid flow path through which an aqueous slurry is passed. An electromotive force is applied across the channel at a gap distance in a range from 0.5 mm to 200 mm to cause the non-polar lipids to be released from the algae cells. The non-polar lipids can be extracted at a high throughput rate and with low concentrations of polar lipids such as phospholipids and chlorophyll.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for extracting non-polar lipids from microalgae are achieved using a lipid extraction device having an anode and a cathode that forms a channel and defines a fluid flow path through which an aqueous slurry is passed. An electromotive force is applied across the channel at a gap distance in a range from 0.5 mm to 200 mm to cause the non-polar lipids to be released from the algae cells. The non-polar lipids can be extracted at a high throughput rate and with low concentrations of polar lipids such as phospholipids and chlorophyll.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods and apparatuses, for dewatering, flocculating and harvesting microorganisms. In various implementations, at least one intracellular product from the microorganisms is recovered and processed according to methods disclosed herein. In some implementations, an electromagnetic field is applied to an aqueous suspension of microorganisms thereby causing flocculation of the microorganisms. In various implementations, the microorganisms are harvested, such as by causing the microorganisms to flocculate and sink to the bottom of a container. Alternatively, the microorganisms are caused to flocculate and float to the surface of the aqueous medium where they can be recovered by skimming. In other implementations, the microorganisms are lysed as they are passed through a second electromagnetic field to release intracellular products, among other desired components of the microorganisms.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for extracting lipids from algal cells. In the method, lipids are extracted from algal cells by exposing the algal cells in an aqueous medium to an electric field sufficient to cause release of lipids from said cells. In the system, an electric field is formed between two electrodes connected with an electrical power supply and configured such that during use an aqueous medium containing the algal cells passes between the electrodes to extract lipids therefrom.