Algal cell lysis and lipid extraction using electromagnetic radiation-excitable metallic nanoparticles

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the disclosure provides a system for algal cell lysis. The system may include at least one algal cell, a plurality of metal nanoparticles, and an electromagnetic radiation generator. The generator may be able to generate radio frequency or microwave radiation that excites the plurality of metal nanoparticles, resulting in lysis of the algal cell. The disclosure also provides a system for recovery of a lipid from an algal cell similar to the above system but also including a separator. The disclosure further provides a method of recovering a lipid from an algal cell by supplying a plurality of metal nanoparticles to at least one algal cell, exciting the plurality of metal nanoparticles with radio frequency or microwave electromagnetic radiation, lysing the algal cell to release the lipid, and separating the lipid from the lysed algal cell.

1 . A system for algal cell lysis to recover a lipid comprising:
 at least one algal cell comprising the lipid;   a plurality of metal nanoparticles;   an electromagnetic radiation generator, wherein the generator is operable to generate radio frequency or microwave radiation that excites the plurality of metal nanoparticles, resulting in lysis of the algal cell.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the algal cell comprises a lipid, and wherein lysis of the algal cell releases the lipid. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of the metal nanoparticles are located inside of the algal cell prior to lysis. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metal nanoparticles are located outside of the algal cell prior to lysis. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metal nanoparticles are located on or in a cell wall of the algal cell prior to lysis. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metal nanoparticles are located both inside and outside of the algal cell, both inside the algal cell and on or in the cell wall, both outside the algal cell and on or in the cell wall, or inside and outside of the algal cell and on or in the cell wall prior to lysis. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the metal nanoparticles are operable to experience ionic conduction when excited by the electromagnetic radiation. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the metal nanoparticles are operable to experience dipolar reorientation when excited by the electromagnetic radiation. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the metal nanoparticles comprise a ferromagnetic material. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the metal nanoparticles are not coated or modified in order to increase uptake by the algal cells. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises an agent to increase uptake of the metal nanoparticles by the algal cells. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the metal nanoparticles are coated or modified to increase uptake by the algal cells. 
     
     
         13 . A method of recovering a lipid from an algal cell comprising:
 supplying a plurality of metal nanoparticles to at least one algal cell, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles is located inside or outside the algal cell, in or on a cell wall of the algal cell, or in a combination of these locations;   exciting the plurality of metal nanoparticles with radio frequency or microwave electromagnetic radiation;   lysing the algal cell to release the lipid; and   separating the lipid from the lysed algal cell.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein supplying further comprises allowing the algal cells to take up the metal nanoparticles. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein exciting further comprises inducing ionic currents in the metal nanoparticles. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein exciting further comprises inducing dipolar reorientation of the metal nanoparticles. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein exciting further comprises inducing a ferromagnetic effect in the metal nanoparticles. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein separating comprises skimming the lipid from the lysed algal cell. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the separating comprises flocculation. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the separating comprises centrifugation.