Harvesting microalgae using the temperature-activated phase transition of thermoresponsive polymers

摘要: Abstract Microalga is a promising feedstock for biofuel, chemical, food, and animal feed; however, harvesting critical barrier its commercial application. This communication demonstrates new technology by utilizing the phase separation of thermoresponsive polymers charged copolymers N-isopropylacrylamide allylamine. Chlorella protothecoides cells are separated from solution when mixture algae heated above lower temperature (~ 32 °C), where polymer separates aqueous media aggregates into solid–gel phase. It was found that copolymer concentration, allylamine content (mol%) charge (based on initial pH) affect extent alga efficiency. The containing with than 2.6 mol% displayed nearly complete algal cell at concentrations 25–50 mg/mL pH 7. results indicated provide using recyclable reusable materials.