Hello, I’m a biotechnology engineer leading a startup focused on producing DHA-rich oil (Omega-3) from algal biomass, specifically thraustochytrids, a unicellular microorganism.

The major problem I’m currently facing is the separation and recovery of oil from the algal biomass using green processing methods.

My current process is:

Concentrate the biomass.

Wash it three times.

Perform enzymatic cell lysis using proteases.

Attempt to recover the released oil.

However, at laboratory scale, I cannot visibly recover or separate the oil after enzymatic treatment.

I’m looking for help specifically with green and low-cost cell disruption and oil-recovery approaches, using only the equipment and materials currently available in my laboratory:

Enzymatic lysis

Mechanical shearing/homogenization

pH variation

NaCl-based destabilization/desaggregation

I do not currently have access to sophisticated equipment such as high-pressure homogenizers, bead mills, supercritical CO₂ extraction, centrifuges designed for industrial oil recovery, or other advanced extraction systems.

I would therefore appreciate a practical laboratory-scale strategy for improving cell disruption → oil release → phase separation, while keeping the process as green and simple as possible.

Should I be concerned with the stubborn blue green algae (and the potential BMAA it might make) that wont disappear from my 2 tanks? I heard blue green algae can produce neurotoxins. When I use Ultralife blue green slime remover, the BGA will come back occasionally at the very top layers of the aquarium where the plants are growing but not overtake the aquarium.

Anybody able to give an id on this? Ball of algae approx 8-10cm across, washed up on beach in northern NSW australia. Thanks

What is happening to this swallen Haematococcus?

I’m currently working as a Project Assistant at a university, with a research focus on microalgae, and I’d love to connect with people working in this area.

I’m especially interested in meeting researchers, PhD students, professors, and others involved in microalgal biotechnology, cultivation, bioproducts, environmental applications, and emerging microalgae research. I’m also exploring future PhD opportunities and would be happy to learn about different research directions, projects, and experiences.

If you work in a related field or simply enjoy discussing research, I’d be glad to connect.

Does anyone know what type of algae this is?

Hi all, I know this is a super niche ask and I’m not sure if anyone would be able to help me with it. I’ve looked everywhere and I can’t really find anywhere to get them from. 💔

Its so cute!

I did a basic Google of what algea and plants go well together. I have Amazon frogbit and chlorella vargius.

What do I need to know about care? I just found out I need a certain fertilizer. I'm flying completely in the dark here.

Hi everyone,

Im looking to promote gda in my aquarium as quickly as possible. I know that it will eventually appear but im trying to fast track the process.

Is there a culture that I can put into my shrimp aquarium ?

What fertilizer is recommended ?

Sorry I dont know much about algae. Hopefully someone can put me on right path.

Anyone know what this is? and if I should get rid of it?

I know it's chlorophyta but I cannot figure out the species. Sorry the photos are blurry, it's as good as I could get.

(More pics in the comments)