Selective extraction of proteins from freshwater or saltwater algae
First Claim
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1. A method of extracting proteins from a wet algal biomass comprised of intact algal cells, the method comprising:
- a. providing a wet algal biomass comprised of intact algal cells that comprise globulin proteins, albumin proteins, glutelin proteins, and prolamin proteins;
b. combining the wet algal biomass with a solvent set comprising an alcohol, to generate an extraction mixture, the extraction mixture comprising an algal biomass fraction and a liquid fraction, wherein the weight of the solvent set is about the same as the weight of the wet algal biomass;
c. bringing the extraction mixture to a temperature wherein the viscosity of the extraction mixture is reduced and the temperature is below the boiling point of the extraction mixture; and
d. separating the liquid fraction from the wet algal biomass fraction, wherein the liquid fraction of the extraction mixture comprises globulin proteins, albumin proteins, glutelin proteins, and prolamin proteins.
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Abstract
Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
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15 Claims
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1. A method of extracting proteins from a wet algal biomass comprised of intact algal cells, the method comprising:
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a. providing a wet algal biomass comprised of intact algal cells that comprise globulin proteins, albumin proteins, glutelin proteins, and prolamin proteins; b. combining the wet algal biomass with a solvent set comprising an alcohol, to generate an extraction mixture, the extraction mixture comprising an algal biomass fraction and a liquid fraction, wherein the weight of the solvent set is about the same as the weight of the wet algal biomass; c. bringing the extraction mixture to a temperature wherein the viscosity of the extraction mixture is reduced and the temperature is below the boiling point of the extraction mixture; and d. separating the liquid fraction from the wet algal biomass fraction, wherein the liquid fraction of the extraction mixture comprises globulin proteins, albumin proteins, glutelin proteins, and prolamin proteins. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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