A novel process for enhancing oil production in algae biorefineries through bioconversion of solid by-products

► This paper presents a novel process to convert carbohydrates from diatoms into lipids. ► The method yielded 110 mg glucose/g dry algae at 75% conversion. ► The process concept adds just a few units to a typical large scale process. ► Using this technique, overall lipid yield could be increased by 5-15%. ► The process also improves the solvent extractability of lipids from the algae.