The effects of microalgal cell disruption via FeCl3-based synergistic effect between Fenton-like and Lewis acid reaction for lipid extraction

In this study, crude oil was extracted from Nannochloropsis salina for biodiesel production using FeCl3 as a catalyst. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that microalgae cells became wrinkled or burst after reaction. An optimal extraction condition, via the response surface methodology (RSM), was evaluated with respect to FeCl3 concentration (1-3 mM), reaction time (30-90 min) and temperature (60-100 °C). At a condition of FeCl3 of 2 mM, 90 min, and 87 °C, a maximum extraction yield of 213 mg/g biomass and a FAME conversion rate of more than 80% were achieved. In light of FeCl3 being a reference coagulant, even for microalgae harvesting, its use for lipid extraction is expected to conceivably reduce the overall cost of microalgae-derived biodiesel production.