Synergistic Effect of Abrasive and Sonication for Release of Carbohydrate and Protein from Algae

While algae have demonstrated significant potential as a raw material due to the high intracellular concentration of carbohydrates and proteins, a primary limitation as a biofuel feedstock is due to the fact that an economically feasible method of extraction has yet to be offered. Algae samples, acquired from a local waste treatment facility, were combined with abrasive materials and subjected to ultrasonication for specific time intervals. It was found that the synergistic effect of sonication in the presence of abrasive material, such as silicon beads or sand, could extract adequate protein and carbohydrate to be utilized in fermentation processes.