Comparison of different algal cell disruption methods

A wide range of different commercial products ranging from biofuels, biomolecules to nutraceuticals is associated with microalgae. The vital step is the disruption of the cell wall which assists in the release of intracellular products that are essential for the production of these products. The cell wall disruption process needs lots of energy and time. Various methods for rupturing the cell wall including mechanical and non-mechanical methods, have been used. Herein, a detailed review of possible cell disruption procedures of microalgae cells is provided, considering their benefits and drawbacks. This study investigated the use of ultrasonication, osmotic shock and freezing-thaw method as laboratory-scale disruption methods for microalgal cells. The cell disruption degree was investigated and the cell morphology before and after disruption was assessed with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. UV absorbance (260 nm) was used as the quantification method to compare the cell wall disruption rate. The highest disruption degree, up to 100 %, was achieved by the freezing-thaw method to achieve intra-cellular proteins.