Hydrophobic organic compounds from hydrothermal liquefaction of bacterial biomass

The residual biomass of Cupriavidus necator, a biopolyester-producing bacterium, was liquefied in subcritical water at 300 degrees C. The hydrophobic organic compounds, accounting for about 45% carbon of the original biomass, were recovered with methylene dichloride for analysis. The organic compounds included hydrocarbons such as long chain alkane and benzene, and nitrogen-containing heterocycles such as pyrroles and indoles. The liquid had the similar elemental composition (C, H, O, N) and high heating value (34 MJ kg(-1) HHV) of the bio-oils derived from microalgae biomass. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.