Optimization of continuous lipid extraction from Chlorella vulgaris by CO₂-expanded methanol for biodiesel production.

CO2-expanded methanol (CXM) was used to extract lipids from the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (a total lipid content of 20.7% was determined by Soxhlet extraction with methanol at 373 K for 96 h) in a continuous mode. The CXM was found to be a superior solvent to methanol, ethanol, pressurized methanol and ethanol, and CO2-expanded ethanol for lipid extraction.

Continuous extraction of lipids from Schizochytrium sp. by CO2-expanded ethanol.

CO2-expanded ethanol (CXE) was used to extract DHA-containing lipids from Schizochytrium sp. with a 35.7 wt% lipid content of dry biomass in a continuous mode.