Selection and optimisation of a method for efficient metabolites extraction from microalgae

► Nine disruption techniques were tested on two microalgae models. ► Image analysis was used to evaluate the efficiency of disruption techniques. ► The best grinding method was the mixer mill with polypropylen grinding jars. ► The disruption method was optimised in the objective of high throughput screening. ► Pigments were good candidates to follow extraction of fragile metabolites.