This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops a system for the biosecure production of algal oils in open raceways while utilizing genetically modified algae. Through production of transgenic algae containing specific gene regulatory sequences, this research develops algal strains… More

The cost of dewatering particles is inversely proportional to particle size. Costs dramatically increase as particle size approaches 10

Extraction and distillation of oil from algae can be as much as 40% of the total production cost of algal oil potentially rendering it uneconomical as a feedstock for biofuels. Significant contributors to these high cost and energy requirements of extraction and distillation are the very dilute… More

This SBIR Phase I project will develop a system for magnetic separation from growth media and cell disruption of algae to improve the efficiency of harvesting algae for bio-fuels production. The use of magnetic technologies has the potential to improve the energy efficiency of removing algae from… More

Extraction is a major cost driver in the production of algal oil. Reducing extraction cost is critical for the economic viability of algal biofuels. This project uses solid phase, hydrophobized silica resin to improve extraction of algal lipids. Process streams containing lipid and other hydrophobic… More

Algae are one of the most, if not the most, productive biomass crops known and have a photosynthetic efficiency almost twice that of the most productive terrestrial crop, sugarcane. However, algae are not without disadvantages relative to terrestrial crops, and do require their own novel technical… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project develops novel technologies for separation and concentration of intrinsically magnetically susceptible algae for production of biofuels and biochemicals. Phase II builds on the feasibility demonstrated in Phase I using a model alga. During… More