Patent ID: 8211307
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: C12M,C12N

Abstract:
1. A method for processing algae cells comprising the steps of: a) mixing an amount of wet algae cells with an amount of a hydrophilic ionic liquid-and thereby lysing at least 80% of said algae cells to produce a lysate, said lysate comprising at least 50% ionic liquid by weight; b) allowing the lysate to rest for a time sufficient for the formation of an ionic liquid-containing hydrophilic phase that is separate from a lipid-containing hydrophobic phase, said ionic liquid-containing hydrophilic phase comprising ionic liquid and water; and c) isolating the hydrophobic phase from the ionic liquid-containing hydrophilic phase to obtain a lipid-containing extract and an ionic liquid-containing hydrophilic extract from the algae cells.