Potential indicators for fast detection of cell disruption for algae biorefinery

Algae biorefinery requires the use of specific parameters that allow the control and monitoring of unit operations. A current challenge in microalgal biorefineries is the real-time monitoring of cell disruption processes. The cell disruption is essential for the development of efficient processes of biomass biorefining. Herein, different parameters were evaluated as potential indicators of cell disruption based on a wet route of biomass biorefining, and the parameters were present either in the aqueous phase and the recovered biomass. It was possible to plot precise models that correlate the levels of some parameters with the degree of cell disruption. Parameters present in the aqueous phase (proteins and ultraviolet absorbance) and the recovered biomass (lipids, chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids) showed great potential for use in algae biorefineries. Ultraviolet absorbance and pigments were the most practical indicators of cell disruption since no colorimetric reaction is required to measure them.

Automated summary

Algae biorefinery requires specific parameters for control and monitoring of unit operations. Real-time monitoring of cell disruption processes is a current challenge in microalgal biorefineries. Different parameters in the aqueous phase and recovered biomass were evaluated as potential indicators of cell disruption, and precise models were developed to correlate levels of certain parameters with the degree of disruption. Parameters such as proteins, ultraviolet absorbance, lipids, chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids showed great potential for use in algae biorefineries, with ultraviolet absorbance and pigments being the most practical indicators due to their ease of measurement.