SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF BIOMASS PRODUCTS OR RESIDUES AND RESULTING COMPOSITION

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a system and methods for treatment of biomass products or residues to obtain valuable adhesives and composite materials. Certain embodiments require no purification of a biomass product or residue to produce an adhesive. Certain embodiments include a treatment of post extraction algae residue configured to produce an adhesive. Advantageously, such use of post extraction algae residue adds value to alternative energy produced by extracting oil from algae.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 61/777,921 filed Mar. 12, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and methods for treatment of a process product or byproduct and the resulting composition. An example of a byproduct includes “post extraction algae residue”, which is a byproduct from the process of extracting oil from algae for alternative energy production and other purposes. However, additional embodiments of the present invention may include treatment of any proteinaceous byproduct of a process or products made intentionally for this treatment. Certain embodiments of the treated byproduct can be used as an adhesive.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional fuel sources include fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are associated with many disadvantages including limited reserves, long regeneration time, emitting carbon dioxide when burned which may contribute to global warming, emitting sulfur dioxide when burned which contributes to acid rain, environmental hazards during transporting (e.g., oil spills), drilling, producing, and refining crude oil, and health hazards during removal of the fossil fuel (e.g., coal mine pollution), to name a few.

In light of the many disadvantages of fossil fuels, many alternative energy sources have been created, including, for example, solar power, wind power, hydropower, and geothermal power. There are many disadvantages associated with each of these alternative energy sources. For example, solar power requires a large upfront cost and requires back-up sources of energy for times when no solar input is available. Wind power requires large wind turbines and only generates power when sufficient wind is present. Hydropower often requires building large, expensive dams that alter the natural environment around the dam. Geothermal power requires tapping hot spots accessible within the Earth's crust, but these hot spots may be challenging to locate and often occur in unstable locations such as near volcanoes or fault lines subject to earthquakes.

Another alternative energy source is biodiesel prepared from animal fat or vegetable oil. Biodiesel is a fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl (methyl, propyl, or ethyl) esters and may be mixed with other compounds. Biodiesel can be used as fuel for biodiesel engines in automobiles, trains, or aircraft, or as heating oil for domestic and commercial boilers. Alternative energy technologies that create liquid fuels—such as biodiesel—are particularly valuable, since they allow the energy to be safely stored until needed. In contrast, gaseous fuels have higher risks associated with their use, transport, and storage.

Certain disadvantages are associated with biodiesel made from vegetable oil and animal fat.

For example, animal fat is produced as a result of certain types of meat processing and cooking. However, the quantity of animal fat currently produced for food purposes is not sufficient to generate quantities of animal fat-based biodiesel to keep up with energy consumption demands.

Also, plants and animals needed to produce vegetable oil and animal fat compete with plants and animals used for human food. For example, the land on which corn, soybeans, or other plants used to create vegetable oil is created is a finite resource and only so much corn, soybean, and other plants can be grown on such land. According to general supply and demand principals, food suppliers and biodiesel producers compete for the limited supplies of corn, soybeans, and other crops, which will drive up the cost of such resources for both food and fuel purposes. The same issues arise when creating ethanol from food crops. This also poses ethical implications since rising food prices may cause an in increase starvation rates, especially in impoverished countries.

Another alternative energy source is algae. Certain types of algae may be used to produce a variety of biofuels including, biodiesel, bioethanol, biogasoline, biomethanol, biobutanol, and others.

Advantageously, algae may be grown without competing for land currently used for growing food crops, since algae can grow on certain land unsuitable for other crops or in ocean water, sewage, or wastewater. Another benefit of fuel produced from algae is that algae are generally biodegradable. In addition, many types of algae can be cultivated in a much shorter period of time relative to crops that otherwise might be used for fuel production, and accordingly, more algae can be grown at a faster rate.

Algae may be cultivated for energy production, for example, in an open pond, vertical growth/closed loop system, a closed tank bioreactor, fermentation system or other environment. Many different types of algae, including macroalgae (e.g., seaweed) and microalgae may be a substrate from which oil for biofuel may be extracted. For example, algae known to be capable of oil production include: Ankistrodesmus TR-87, Bacilliarophy, Botryococcus braunii, Chlorella sp., Chlorella protothecoides(autotrophic/heterothrophic), Chlorophyceae, Cyclotella DI-35, Crypthecodinium cohnii, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Euglena gracilis, Hantzschia DI-160, Isochrysis galbana, Nannochloris, Nannochloropsis salina, Neochloris oleoabundans, Nitzschia TR-114, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Pleurochrysis carterae, Scenedesmus TR-84, Scenedesmus acuminatus, Scenedesmus dimorphus, Scenedesmus longispins, Schiochytrium, Stichococcus, Tetraselmis chui, Tetraselmis suecica, and Thalassiosira pseudonana.

During cultivation of the algae, conditions may be optimized for proliferation. In certain circumstances, environmental conditions, intended to induce increased oil storage, may be provided to the algae.

The algae may be harvested and processed to extract certain lipids—also termed “algae oil” for purposes of this application—for production of biofuels. Many algae oil extraction methods include an oil press step which may require putting pressure on the harvested algae such that liquid extract emerges from the mass of algae cells. Additional oil extraction methods may include ultrasonic-assisted extraction, hexane solvent method, soxhlet extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, enzymatic extraction, osmotic shock, or other methods known in the art. The liquid extract may be then processed, possibly using transesterification, to make some type of biofuel.

The various methods of extraction may be classified into disruptive or non-disruptive. Disruptive methods involve lysing cells by mechanical, thermal, enzymatic, or chemical methods. Most disruptive methods of extraction involve emulsions and require an expensive cleanup process. Non-disruptive methods are typically less complex but produce low yields of resulting material. During extraction, byproducts can form.

Such disruptive and non-disruptive extraction methods produce a byproduct from the remaining components of the harvested algae. The byproduct may be termed “algae cake”, or “post extraction algae residue”, or “PEAR” for purposes of this application.

It is known that a purification and/or enrichment process is necessary to convert PEAR or similar biowaste material into a residue that has adhesive properties. Such processes include fermenting biomass material into a residue, liquefaction oil prepared from lignin-bearing plant material, and phenolic fraction extraction.

One disadvantage of using algae to create biofuels is that certain steps in the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of algae are expensive. In order to add value to the process, some efforts have been made to identify commercial uses for PEAR. Certain known commercial uses include burning the PEAR for fuel, preparing PEAR for use as soil fertilizer, or compounding the PEAR into animal feed. However, such known uses have limited commercial value.

There is a demand for an improved commercial use for post extraction algae residue and a method of manufacturing an adhesive derived from the residue of PEAR and other similar biomaterials. The present invention satisfies these demands.

The present invention also allows for the conversion of biomass resulting from treatment of wastewater or other organic wastes into marketable products such as adhesives or composites.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of this application, the present invention is discussed in reference to creating an adhesive from post extraction algae residue, which is generally a byproduct of processing algae for creation of biofuel, but the discussion is merely exemplary. The present invention may be applicable to the use of any proteinaceous product or byproduct of any process.

One embodiment of systems and methods for creating an adhesive may include a first step—obtaining post extraction algae residue/PEAR. The PEAR may be obtained by cultivating algae in the environment, harvesting the algae from the environment, and extracting algae oil from algae, thereby generating a byproduct of post extraction algae residue. Certain embodiments of PEAR may include proteins, carbohydrates, small amounts of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and other cellular components, and possibly other impurities.

Any type of algae may be used to obtain PEAR including, for example, but not limited to: Ankistrodesmus TR-87, Bacilliarophy, Botryococcus braunii, Chlorella sp., Chlorella protothecoides(autotrophic/heterothrophic), Chlorophyceae, Cyclotella DI-35, Crypthecodinium cohnii, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Euglena gracilis, Hantzschia DI-160, Isochrysis galbana, Nannochloris, Nannochloropsis salina, Neochloris oleoabundans, Nitzschia TR-114, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Pleurochrysis carterae, Scenedesmus TR-84, Scenedesmus acuminatus, Scenedesmus dimorphus, Scenedesmus longispins, Schiochytrium, Stichococcus, Tetraselmis chui, Tetraselmis suecica, and Thalassiosira pseudonana. The algae used to create PEAR may be naturally occurring algae or genetically modified algae that are known in the art or not yet known. In preferred embodiments, the algae used to create PEAR may have one or more of the following qualities: high algae oil content, rapid proliferation, simple to harvest, easy extraction of oil, low cost nutrients, permit human/artificial control of growth and development, and minimal maintenance. Some algae may be specially adapted for an environment, such as an open pond, vertical growth/closed loop system, a closed tank bioreactor, fermentation system or other artificial environment or natural environment.

Once the PEAR is obtained, it may be ground into a small sized (“fine”) flour to improve the consistency and homogeneity of the PEAR. Grinding the PEAR also may permit faster and more complete denaturization reactions.

In certain embodiments, the ground PEAR may be wetted with water, while in other embodiments, such wetting step may be omitted.

The ground PEAR may be mixed with a solution configured to denature proteins in the post extraction algae residue—that is, a denaturant—to create an adhesive mixture, which is also termed as “mixture” for purposes of this application. The solution may be composed of, for example, an urea or alkaline solution. While the method may take place at any temperature, in certain embodiments, the mixture may be treated at a temperature condition of any temperature between 20° C. and 70° C. The treatment time may be between 0 minutes and 3 hours, or, more specifically, between 1 minute and 29 minutes or between 30 minutes and 3 hours, for certain embodiments. However, this temperature treatment step may be omitted in certain embodiments.

Generally, if the mixture is treated at a higher temperature, the optimized treatment time may be lower, and, if the mixture is treated at a lower temperature, the optimized treatment time may be higher. In certain embodiments, the PEAR-denaturant mixture may be maintained at generally room temperature (e.g., 20° C. to 25° C.) at all times. In other embodiments, the PEAR-denaturant mixture may be subjected to a temperature condition of 26° C.-70° C. for between 0 minutes and 3 hours, or more specifically, between 1 minute and 29 minutes or 30 minutes and 3 hours, for certain embodiments.

The denaturant may include an acidic solution (pH<7) or a basic (alkaline) solution (pH>7) configured to permit control over the pH of the mixture. In preferred embodiments, the solution may be alkaline and may have a pH within the range of 10-14. Use of a basic solution typically minimizes corrosion and other safety hazards. Examples of such a solution may include a strong base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, or a weak base such as ammonia, calcium hydroxide, or borax. The solution also may include urea or monosodium phosphate. An example of an alkaline solution may include a sodium hydroxide solution up to 1 mole/L or potassium hydroxide solution up to 1 mole/L.

The level of denaturation of proteins in the mixture may be adapted by increasing the temperature condition, treatment time, and/or concentration of denaturant.

In certain embodiments, the mixture of denaturant and PEAR may be treated to remove any insoluble solids and yield an adhesive with increased transparency. For example, the adhesive mixture may be filtered, centrifuged, or separated by any other removal method known in the art. A relatively fine filter or longer centrifugation may be used to obtain a more transparent mixture. Comparatively, a coarser filter or shorter centrifugation time results in a higher yield, but not as much transparency.

Certain additional components also may be combined with the adhesive mixture.

Certain embodiments of the method may also include blending the mixture with a second adhesive, which may include conventional synthetic adhesives such as epoxy-based or formaldehyde-based resins, or natural glues derived from animal blood, casein, or soybean flour. Advantageously, formaldehyde-based resin may improve the mechanical properties and durability of the adhesive mixture. Animal blood permits improved water resistance due to its thermosetting properties. Casein also permits improved water resistance. Soybeans may be an additive to increase quantity of the adhesive mixture.

A preservative also may be combined with the adhesive mixture. Certain preservatives are configured to provide mold resistance. A preservative may include copper-8-quinolinolate, copper naphthenate, chlorinated phenol, or orthophenyl phenol.

In addition, various cross-linkers may be inserted into the adhesive mixture, for example, at a 0.1%-1% concentration. A cross-linker is a component configured to link one polymer chain (e.g., protein chain, other natural polymer, or synthetic polymer) to another by, for example, covalent bond or ionic bond. A cross-linker may include a formaldehyde donor, sulfur compound, or an inorganic complexing salt. More specifically, cross-linkers configured to improve water resistance may include dialdehyde starch, dimethylol urea, sodium formaldehyde bisulfite, and hexamethylenetetramine. Cross-linkers configured to improve working properties and adhesive performance of the adhesive mixture may include carbon disulfide, thiourea, and ethylene trithiocarbonate, among the sulfur compounds, and the soluble salts of cobalt, chromium, and copper.

In certain embodiments, an aliphatic epoxy resin at 5-20% based on weight of ground PEAR may be introduced into the mixture to generate a protein-epoxy copolymer.

In certain embodiments, cross-linkers may be added to the PEAR generally right before or right after the addition of the denaturant, while in other embodiments a cross-linker is added to the mixture under a second set of reaction conditions relative to the reaction conditions under which the denaturant is combined with the PEAR.

Certain embodiments of a method according to the present invention may include inserting a defoamer into the mixture. Such a defoamer, such an oil-based defoamer may be configured to reduce or hinder foam in the mixture.

In certain embodiments, a method of the present invention may include integrating sodium silicate into the mixture to help maintain a level viscosity for longer adhesive working life and improve water resistance by forming insoluble proteinates.

In certain embodiments, no purification may be necessary to modify the biomaterial converted into residue that may be used for creating an adhesive.

In certain embodiments, no additional enrichment may be necessary to modify the biomaterial converted into residue that may be used for creating an adhesive.

In certain embodiments, some separation may be utilized to extract components from the mixture that are valuable or useful for other processes or applications.

In certain embodiments, some separation may be utilized to modify the composition to improve the properties of the product. For example, the mass fraction of the protein may be enhanced, or components with a deleterious effect on the resultant mechanical properties may be removed.

The final mixture—that is, an adhesive—may be used as a binder for a composite material, which may include one or more of the following raw materials: a wood product, rocks, sand, asphalt, gravel, recycled paper, oyster shell, corn stalk, chicken feather, rice husk, natural fiber, animal feed, pet feed, yard waste, agricultural wastes, or other filler materials. The adhesive may be applied to bind one or more composite materials, for example, by spray, curtain coater, knife, brush, indirect roller, spreader roller, or extrusion.

In certain embodiments, materials other than PEAR may be used to create a residue that may have adhesive characteristics. Such materials may include, but are not limited to algal or microbial products resulting from CO2 sequestration or the treatment of wastewater or other organic wastes. Such materials may also include biomasses that have been cultivated for this purpose.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to add value to a method for creating alternative energy.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to identify a commercial use for PEAR.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to identify a use for PEAR that does not require the expensive process of protein isolation and purification.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to include a simple process for producing an adhesive.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to produce a formaldehyde-free adhesive.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to produce an adhesive free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to produce an adhesive without using phenols.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to produce an adhesive that can be mixed with cross-linkers configured to improve the adhesive mixture.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to produce a strong adhesive.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to produce a flexible adhesive.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to produce a transparent or nearly transparent adhesive.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to produce a durable adhesive.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to produce a mold-resistant adhesive.

An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to produce a water-resistant adhesive.

The present invention and its attributes and advantages will be further understood and appreciated with reference to the detailed description below of presently contemplated embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to the limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one of the embodiments of the present invention for creating an adhesive. The FIG. 1 embodiment illustrates method 100 that includes first processing algae to produce post extraction algae residue/PEAR 102. The PEAR may be obtained by cultivating algae in an environment 102A, harvesting algae from the environment 102B, and extracting algae oil from algae, thereby generating a byproduct of post extraction algae residue 102C, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Once the PEAR is obtained, it may be ground into a fine flour to improve the consistency and homogeneity of the PEAR 103. Grinding the PEAR also may permit faster and more complete denaturization reactions.

The ground PEAR may be mixed with a solution configured to denature proteins in the post extraction algae residue—that is, a denaturant—to create a mixture 104. While the method may take place at any temperature, in certain embodiments, the mixture may be treated at a temperature condition of any temperature between 20° C. and 70° C. for a treatment time of between 30 minutes and 3 hours 106.

Generally, if the mixture is treated at a higher temperature, the treatment time may be lower, and if the mixture is treated at a lower temperature, the treatment time may be higher. In certain embodiments, the PEAR-denaturant mixture may be maintained generally at room temperature (e.g., 20° C. to 25° C.) at all times. In other embodiments, the PEAR-denaturant mixture is heated at a temperature condition of between 26° C.-70° C. In certain embodiments, the temperature condition is configured to be one target temperature selected from the range between 26° C.-70° C. for the entire treatment time. In other embodiments, the temperature condition is configured to be a smaller range (e.g., between 2° C. plus or minus a target temperature) within 26° C.-70° C. for the entire treatment time. In still other embodiments, the treatment condition is configured to be any temperature between 20° C. to 70° C. at any time during the treatment time.

The level of denaturation of proteins in the mixture may be adapted by increasing the temperature condition, treatment time, and/or concentration of denaturant.

In certain embodiments, the adhesive mixture of denaturant and PEAR may be treated to remove any insoluble solids and yield an adhesive with increased transparency. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the adhesive mixture may be filtered, centrifuged, or any other removal method known in the art 108.

Certain embodiments of the method may also include blending the mixture with other adhesives, which may include conventional synthetic adhesives such as epoxy-based or formaldehyde-based resins, or natural glues derived from animal blood, casein, or soybean flour 110, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Advantageously, formaldehyde-based resin may improve the mechanical properties and durability of the adhesive mixture. Animal blood permits improved water resistance due to its thermosetting properties. Casein also permits improved water resistance. Soybean products may be an additive to increase quantity of the adhesive mixture.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a preservative may be combined with the adhesive mixture 112. Certain preservatives are configured to provide mold resistance. A preservative may include copper-8-quinolinolate, copper naphthenate, chlorinated phenol, or orthophenyl phenol.

The adhesive mixture may be used as a binder for a composite material 114 as illustrated in FIG. 6. The composite material may include one or more of the following raw materials: a wood product, rocks, sand, asphalt, recycled paper, oyster shell, corn stalk, chicken feather, rice husk, natural fiber, animal feed, pet feed, or other filler materials.

A number of specific examples of methods and compositions and composites created from those methods are provided below. Such examples are not intended to be limiting.

Example 1

In certain embodiments, 1 gram of PEAR may be mixed with a denaturant comprising 30 mL of 0.1 M NaOH. The mixture may be treated at a temperature condition of 50° C. for a treatment time of one hour.

Example 2

In certain embodiments, 1 gram of PEAR may be mixed with a denaturant comprising 30 mL of 0.1 M NaOH. The mixture may be treated at a temperature condition of 50° C. for a treatment time of one hour. In another step, the PEAR-denaturant mixture is centrifuged to remove insoluble solids.

Example 3

In certain embodiments, 3 grams of PEAR may be mixed with a denaturant comprising 30 mL of 3 M urea. The resulting mixture may be treated at a temperature condition of 50° C. for a treatment time of two hours.

Example 4

In certain embodiments, 3 grams of PEAR may be mixed with a denaturant comprising 30 mL of 3 M urea. The resulting mixture may be treated at a temperature condition of 50° C. for a treatment time of two hours. In another step, the PEAR-denaturant mixture is filtered to remove insoluble solids. Although any suitable filter may be used for the filtering step, one example of a filter is a simple coarse paper filter.

Additional steps may be completed to configure the mixture for use as an adhesive on a substrate such as paper, label, or any other items that the user wishes to adhere together. For example, the mixture may be applied to a surface of a first substrate unit (e.g., one piece of paper or one side of a label). In certain embodiments, a second substrate unit is placed adjacent to the mixture such that the mixture is sandwiched between a first substrate unit and a second substrate unit. Optionally, the first substrate unit, second substrate unit, and mixture (together, a “multiple substrate unit”) may be clamped together or to a support component (e.g., shelf, rack, board, etc.) using clamp instruments.

Then, the multiple substrate unit may be permitted to dry. In certain embodiments, the drying process may constitute merely positioning the multiple substrate unit on a support unit (with or without clamping) and then not altering the position for a period of time. In addition, the drying process may be accelerated by positioning the multiple substrate unit in a heating element, such as a laboratory oven, industrial oven, other unit configured to emit heat. The drying process may include using a drying temperature of 105° C. for a drying time of 24 hours. Such an embodiment of the method may be configured to provide a mixture having tensile strength sufficient to permit casual handling of the multiple substrate unit without resulting in separation of the first substrate unit and the second substrate unit.

Example 5

In certain embodiments, 15 grams of PEAR may be mixed with a denaturant comprising 225 mL of 1 M NaOH. The mixture may be treated at a temperature condition of 50° C. for a treatment time of one hour.

Example 6

In certain embodiments, 15 grams of PEAR may be mixed with a denaturant comprising 225 mL of 1 M NaOH. The mixture may be treated at a temperature condition of 50° C. for a treatment time of one hour. Subsequently, the resulting mixture may be merged with 300 grams of wood product to obtain a mixture-wood product composite. The wood product may include, for example, 70% core furnish (coarse wood particles) and 30% face furnish (finer wood particles).

Certain embodiments may require pressing the mixture-wood product composite. The mixture-wood product composite may be pressed at a pressing temperature of 450° F. for a pressing time of 2 to 6 minutes or until cessation of audible boiling. The pressure applied in the pressing step may range between 1300 pounds and 2000 pounds over a 5″×5″ plate. Generally, a higher pressure within the range is configured to yield more dense and more rigid composites, while lower pressures within the range is configured to yield less dense and less rigid composites. The press may be de-pressurized slowly to manage the release of steam.

Various combinations of the steps illustrated in FIG. 1-FIG. 6 may be conducted to produce an adhesive. Alternative additional embodiments of the present invention that include a combination of steps are illustrated in FIG. 7-FIG. 10.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which purification and enrichment steps produce the extracted algae residue that may be used as an adhesive.

FIG. 8 illustrates an additional embodiment of the present invention in which purification steps are not necessary to produce the extracted algae residue that may be used as an adhesive.

FIG. 9 illustrates an additional embodiment of the present invention in which enrichment steps are not necessary to produce the extracted algae residue that may be used as an adhesive.

FIG. 10 illustrates an additional embodiment of the present invention in which neither purification nor enrichment steps are necessary to produce the extracted algae residue that may be used as an adhesive.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention include adhesives generated by any of the embodiments of methods described above.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for producing an adhesive from biomass products or residues, comprising the steps of:

a. processing the biomass product or residue; and

b. mixing the biomass product or residue with a solution configured to denature proteins in the biomass product or residue.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said processing step is comprised of:

a. cultivating the biomass product or residue in an environment;

b. harvesting the biomass product or residue from the environment; and

c. extracting oil from the biomass product or residue, thereby generating a byproduct of the biomass product or residue.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of grinding the biomass product or residue into ground post extraction algae residue before said mixing step.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of heating the adhesive at a temperature condition between 20° C. and 70° C. for a reaction time of between 30 minutes and 3 hours.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of adjusting at least one parameter selected from the group of temperature condition, reaction time, and concentration of solution to regulate a level of denaturation of proteins in the adhesive.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of removing insoluble solids from the adhesive, wherein said removing step includes at least filtering or centrifuging the adhesive.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of adding a preservative configured to provide mold resistance.

8. An adhesive prepared by from biomass product comprising the steps of:

a. processing biomass product to produce a residue; and

b. mixing the residue with a solution configured to denature proteins in the residue to create adhesive.

9. The adhesive of claim 8, wherein the processing step is comprised of:

a. cultivating the biomass product or residue in an environment;

b. harvesting the biomass product or residue from the environment; and

c. extracting oil from the biomass product or residue, thereby generating a byproduct of the biomass product or residue.

10. The adhesive of claim 8, further comprising a step of grinding the residue into ground post extraction algae residue before said mixing step.

11. The adhesive of claim 8, further comprising a step of heating the adhesive at a temperature condition between 20° C. and 70° C. for a reaction time of between 30 minutes and 3 hours.

12. The adhesive of claim 8, further comprising a step of adjusting at least one parameter selected from the group of temperature condition, reaction time, and concentration of solution to regulate the level of denaturation of proteins in the adhesive.

13. The adhesive of claim 8, further comprising a step of removing insoluble solids from the adhesive, wherein the removing step includes at least filtering or centrifuging the adhesive.

14. The adhesive of claim 8, further comprising a step of adding a second adhesive to the adhesive mixture.

15. The adhesive of claim 8, further comprising a step of adding a preservative configured to provide mold resistance.

16. A method for producing an adhesive, comprising the steps of:

a. processing biomass product to produce a residue; and

b. grinding the residue into a flour to create an adhesive.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the processing step is comprised of

a. cultivating the biomass product or residue in an environment;

b. harvesting the biomass product or residue from the environment; and

c. extracting oil from the biomass product or residue, thereby generating a byproduct of the biomass product or residue.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of mixing the residue with a solution configured to denature proteins.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

a. adding a second adhesive to the adhesive; and

b. combining the adhesive and second adhesive with a preservative configured to provide mold resistance.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

a. heating the adhesive at a temperature condition between 20° C. and 70° C. for a reaction time of between 30 minutes and 3 hours; and

b. removing insoluble solids from the adhesive, wherein the removing step includes at least filtering or centrifuging the adhesive.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising a step of adding a preservative configured to provide mold resistance.