Supercritical fluid extraction of lipids and other materials from algae

The natural extracts and fine chemicals available on the market today are usually obtained by wet extraction processes based on volatile, flammable solvents like hexane, acetone, and halogenated hydrocarbons. Such solvents have a detrimental impact on the environment and constitute a health hazard; therefore they are subject to close continuous scrutiny and stringent regulations. Other drawbacks associated with these production processes are that they are energy intensive, create toxic disposal problems, pollute the atmosphere by the emission of volatile organic compounds, and pollute water bodies and soil through leaks and spills. Furthermore, wet extraction can never deliver extracts that are totally free of toxic solvents.