Solventless Extraction Process
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms without using organic solvent as an extraction solvent. In particular, the present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms by lysing cells and removing water soluble compound and/or materials by washing the lysed cell mixtures with aqueous washing solutions until a substantially non-emulsified lipid is obtained.
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Citations
53 Claims
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1-34. -34. (canceled)
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35. A process for obtaining lipids from microorganisms comprising:
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(a) growing said microorganisms in a fermentation medium to produce a fermentation broth;
(b) contacting said fermentation broth with a base to dissolve at least a part of any proteins present in said fermentation broth;
(c) releasing intracellular lipids of cells of the microorganisms into the fermentation broth by lysing the cells, rupturing the cells, or permeabilizing the cells;
(d) separating substances of different densities in the fermentation broth to produce a phase separated mixture comprising a heavy layer and a light layer, wherein said heavy layer comprises an aqueous solution and said light layer comprises emulsified lipids;
(e) removing said heavy layer from said phase separated mixture;
(f) adding an aqueous washing solution to said light layer;
(g) separating substances of different densities from said mixture of step (f);
(h) removing said heavy layer from said phase separated mixture; and
(i) repeating said steps (f)-(h) until said lipid becomes substantially non-emulsified. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
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Specification