Aqueous extraction of proteins from microalgae: Effect of different cell disruption methods

The microalgal structure has been investigated to evaluate the release of proteins in aqueous media from five microalgae after conducting different cell disruption techniques: manual grinding, ultrasonication, alkaline treatment, and high-pressure treatment. After conducting cell disruption, the protein concentration in water was determined for all the microalgae and the results are discussed within the context of their cell wall structure. It was found that the aqueous media containing most protein concentration followed the order: high-pressure cell disruption > chemical treatment > ultrasonication > manual grinding. Fragile cell-walled microalgae were mostly attacked according to the following order: Haematococcus pluvialis < Nannochloropsis oculata < Chlorella vulgaris < Porphyridium cruentum ≤ Arthrospira platensis.