Optimization of bio-oil extraction from Chlorella biomass via a green approach to obtain algal-based Di-ethyl phthalate.

Abstract

This study focuses on determining the optimum external operating parameters of algal cell lysis for extraction of bio-oil from Chlorella biomass. Response surface methodology has been applied to a regression analysis model for optimizing solvent ratios, i.e., ethyl acetate to ethanol (E.A.:E) ratio for maximum extraction of bio-oil and aqueous deep eutectic solvent to biomass (aDES:biomass) ratio for algal pretreatment for the enhanced yield of bio-oil. Optimized process conditions were 15min of homogenization combined with ultrasonication (hybrid method). The aDES:biomass ratio of 8.25 caused the highest cell disruption efficiency to liberate bio-oil from encapsulated cells. The solvent ethyl acetate to ethanol ratio (E.A.:E) was optimum at 0.8 for maximum extraction of bio-oil, and studies indicated a maximum bio-oil yield of 94.0% using this hybrid pretreatment process combined with ultrasonication and homogenization. The GC-MS characterization technique was used to analyze the bio-oil, which showed it consisted of 67.93% Di-ethyl phthalate (DEP) and 32.07% esters compounds (C12-C40 hydrocarbons range). The produced DEP from Chlorella biomass using this sustainable green approach is very promising. The estimated cost was around Rs 49 per gm (equivalent to Rs 664.56 for 13.58 gm), which indicates the potential for a cost-effective method to produce pure DEP from Chlorella biomass.