Lysing technologies widely used in today’s market include, physical, chemical or enzymatic methods. Algal cell walls are generally a mixture of different biopolymers, which include various types of lipids, iso-propenoids, carotenoids, polyphenolic substances, amino acids/peptides/proteins and carbohydrates, all of which are cross-linked/woven into a matrix making lysis complex.
The focus of this presentation is an enzymatic lysing technology applicable across all algal groups. Enzymatic lysis is a relatively inexpensive and environmentally conscientious method for releasing cell contents where there are no toxic chemicals involved, there is minimal waste production, and low energy consumption.
AER Sustainable Energy produces, in a single step, an efficient enzyme cocktail by fermentation of a fungus, Talaromyces emersonii. Various enzyme cocktails can be produced and tailored to specific requirements in order to exhibit activities which can be applied to selected algae. This technology for cocktail production and enzymatic lysis is highly applicable to both micro and macro algae. This presentation will describe AER Sustainable Energy’s processes for release of oil and high value products from different types of algae and demonstrate the commercial advantages enshrined within.