US4554390A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for harvesting algae
Assignee: Betatene Ltd
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Filing: 1982-10-07
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Granted: 1985-11-19
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Expires: 2002-10-07
Abstract
Abstract PCT No. PCT/AU82/00165 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 7, 1983 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 7, 1983 PCT Filed Oct. 7, 1982 PCT Pub. No. WO83/01257 PCT Pub. Date Apr. 14, 1983.A method for harvesting algae of the genus Dunaliella from suspensions thereof in brines containing sodium chloride at a concentration of about 3M or above, wherein the algal suspension is contacted with an adsorbent having a hydrophobic surface so as to adsorb the algae thereon, and the adsorbent with the algae adsorbed thereon is separated from the brine. beta -carotene and other useful cell components may be extracted from the adsorbed algae by treatment with a suitable solvent.
Inventors
- 👤 Cyril C. Curtain
- 👤 Harvey Snook
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:06
CPC Classifications
C; C07; C07C; C07C403/00; C07C403/24; C12; C12N; C12N1/00; C12N1/02; C12N1/12; C12P; C12P23/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for harvesting algae of the genus Dunaliella from a suspension thereof in brine containing sodium chloride at a concentration of about 3M or above, characterized in that the algal suspension is contacted with an adsorbent having a hydrophobic surface so as to adsorb the algae thereon, and the adsorbent with the algae adsorbed thereon is separated from the brine, characterized in that the adsorbent is a finely divided material which has a high surface area and has a hydrophobic surface or has been treated to produce a hydrophobic surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for harvesting algae of the genus Dunaliella from a suspension thereof in brine containing sodium chloride at a concentration of about 3M or above, characterized in that the algal suspension is contacted with an adsorbent having a hydrophobic surface so as to adsorb the algae thereon, and the adsorbent with the algae adsorbed thereon is separated from the brine, characterized in that the adsorbent is a finely divided material which has a high surface area and has a hydrophobic surface or has been treated to produce a hydrophobic surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the separated adsorbent with the algae adsorbed thereon is washed with a cell-free brine containing sodium chloride at a concentration of about 3M or above so as to remove bacterial cells and other extraneous materials.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the separated adsorbent is treated with water or a brine of lower salinity so as to release the adsorbed algae.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A process for the separation and recovery of the cell components of algae of the genus Dunaliella which have been harvested by the method of claim 1, characterized in that the separated adsorbent with the algae adsorbed thereon is contacted with a solvent which disrupts the cell membrane of the algae and releases the cell contents for recovery.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A process as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the solvent selected extracts β-carotene from the disrupted cells leaving cell debris and insoluble cell components still adsorbed on the adsorbent.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A process as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that solvent-soluble components other than β-carotene are separated from the β-carotene and optionally recovered following the extraction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
A process as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that after extraction of the β-carotene, the adsorbent is washed with water or a dilute saline solution containing less than 1M sodium chloride to release the cell debris and other solvent-insoluble components from the adsorbent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A process as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that glycerol and/or the cell debris is recovered from the wash liquor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the adsorbent is recycled for further use following removal of the adsorbed material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
A process as claimed in claims 4, characterized in that the solvent is a chlorinated hydrocarbon; an aromatic hydrocarbon, an aliphatic hydrocarbon or a mixture of any two or more of said solvents
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process as claimed in claims 4, characterized in that the solvent is liquid carbon dioxide.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the adsorbent is an organic polymer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the adsorbent is a polymer selected from the class consisting of poly(alkylenes), polyesters, polyamides, polyacrylates, polyacrylonitriles and fluorinated polymers.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the adsorbent is a mineral, or a natural or synthetic carbonaceous material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the adsorbent is selected from the class consisting of anthracite, graphite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, pyrolusite, rutile, ilmenite, magnetite and haematite.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the adsorbent is a material which has been rendered hydrophobic by treatment with a silane or silicone.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the adsorbent is a silanized glass or mineral.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the adsorbent is silanized magnetite or haematite.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
58 words
A process for the separation and recovery of the cell components of algae of the genus Dunaliella which have been harvested by the method of claim 2, characterized in that the separated adsorbent with the algae adsorbed thereon is contacted with a solvent which disrupts the cell membrane of the algae and releases the cell contents for recovery.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-11-18 | 1989-05-20 | 1989-11-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-11-18 | 1993-05-20 | 1993-11-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-11-18 | 1997-05-20 | 1997-11-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |