Abstract: The development and application of a novel non-polar oil recovery process utilizing a non-dispersive solvent extraction method to coalesce and recover oil from a bio-cellular aqueous slurry is described herein. The process could apply to recovery of algal oil from a lysed or non-lysed algae slurry, recovery of Omega fatty acids from a bio-cellular aqueous feed, recovery of Beta-carotene from a bio-cellular aqueous feed and for the removal from produced water in oil production and similar type applications. The technique of the present invention utilizes a microporous hollow fiber (MHF) membrane contactor. The non-polar oil recovery process described herein can be coupled to a collecting fluid (a non-polar solvent such as heptane, a biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil) that is circulated through the hollow fiber membrane. In cases where the biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil is used the solvent recovery step (e.g. distillation) can be eliminated.

Abstract: A device, system and method for treating biological cells includes a voltage source, a half-controlled bridge connected to the voltage source, and a load connected across the half-controlled bridge. The half-controlled bridge includes a first switch, a second switch, a first diode and a second diode. The load includes an inductor connected in parallel with a cell or chamber. A controller is connected to the first and second switches and operates the first switch and the second switch to selectively generate one or more bipolar pulses, wherein each bipolar pulse comprises a positive polarity voltage pulse and a negative polarity voltage pulse with a negligible delay between the positive polarity voltage pulse and the negative polarity voltage pulse.

Abstract: The development and application of a novel non-polar oil recovery process utilizing a non-dispersive solvent extraction method to coalesce and recover oil from a bio-cellular aqueous slurry is described herein. The process could apply to recovery of algal oil from a lysed or non-lysed algae slurry, recovery of Omega fatty acids from a bio-cellular aqueous feed, recovery of Beta-carotene from a bio-cellular aqueous feed and for the removal from produced water in oil production and similar type applications. The technique of the present invention utilizes a microporous hollow fiber (MHF) membrane contactor. The non-polar oil recovery process described herein can be coupled to a collecting fluid (a non-polar solvent such as heptane, a biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil) that is circulated through the hollow fiber membrane. In cases where the biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil is used the solvent recovery step (e.g. distillation) can be eliminated.

Abstract: Methods and electroporation devices for electrical treatment of algal cell cultures for release of lipids and proteins are described herein. The method of the present invention exploits the differences in electrical time constants for the media inside the cell and outside the cell to produce a net force to cause cellular lysis and extract cellular components. The method of the present invention can be used in the treatment of flocculated as well as unflocculated algal cell cultures. The device of the present invention provides efficient cell lysing in a low-energy cost set-up.

Abstract: A high-voltage bipolar rectangular pulse generator using a high efficiency solid-state boosting front-end and an H-bridge output stage is described. The topology of the circuit generates rectangular pulses with fast rise time and allows easy step-up input voltage. In addition, the circuit is able to adjust positive or negative pulse width, dead-time between two pulses, and operating frequency. The intended application for such circuit is algae cell membrane rupture for oil extraction, although additional applications include biotechnology and plasma sciences medicine, and food industry.

Abstract: Two apparatuses capable of performing electroporation are disclosed. The first apparatus uses a Marx generator with a substantial change from its original waveform. The second apparatus does not use a Marx generator.