Switchable hydrophilicity solvents for lipid extraction from microalgae for biofuel production

► We extracted lipids from microalgae using switchable hydrophilicity solvents (SHS). ► SHS extractions at room temperature yielded more intact triacylglycerols than at 80 °C. ► Extractions using SHS do not require drying of the solvents prior to use. ► Carbon dioxide is used to separate the SHS from the lipids rather than high energy distillation.