Breaking Micro-algae
(Senior Design Group Project)

With high productivity, reduction of CO2 in its generation, and large amount of lipid in it, micro-algae is known as an ideal resource of a biofuel. However, the lack of technology for mass production makes micro-algae makes it less economic source to use. The aim of this research is to develop a mechanism that enables utilization of micro-algae with low costs. Since lipid in micro-algae is the main source of the biofuel, this study focused on damaging the cell walls of micro-algae. In the experiments, resonant frequencies of the cell walls and the magnetic powder are applied to break the cell walls.