The concern over the increasing depletion of our nation’s fossil fuels, high oil prices and greenhouse gas emissions, has motivated research for alternative sources of energy. One alternative energy source, biofuels, provides liquid transportation fuels from biomass derived from plant or animal sources. First generation biofuels are produced from food crops abundant in sugars or lipids such as corn and soy. Second generation biofuels are produced from woody, inedible crops such as poplar and switchgrass. The third generation of biofuels is derived from algae and is of growing interest due to its high yield of energy per unit area, use of carbon dioxide for growth, and minimal contribution as a food product. The main carbon rich components of algal biomass include lipid, carbohydrates and protein. Products such as biodiesel and jet fuel can be derived from lipids. Carbohydrates, in the form of fermentable sugars, can be used to produce bioalcohols. Protein can be used as a dietary supplement or as feed for livestock.
This work addresses algal characterization and processing techniques that are helpful in utilizing algae as a feedstock for bioproduct processing. Methods for lipid analysis are compared to select a technique for small sample sizes and ease of handling. The hydrolysis of soybean oil to convert triglycerides (lipids) to free fatty acids is evaluated. A kinetic model is developed to predict reaction behavior and serve as a platform for algal hydrolysis. Characterization techniques to determine the content of algal biopolymers; lipids, carbohydrates and protein are discussed and applied to multiple algal species. Lastly, protein extraction from alga is investigated to prepare species for successful algal hydrolysis.