Back to results
US 12,221,604 B2Granted
Algae-based bioplastics and methods of making
AssigneeBoard of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
InventorNaohiro Kato
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Provided for are methods of producing triacylglycerol-accumulated microalgae, methods for making bioplastics from triacylglycerol-accumulated microalgae, methods for making alga-mixed plastics, and products including these bioplastics. Methods of triacylglycerol accumulation using centrifugation are also provided. Products such as plastic beads and other consumer products can be made from the bioplastics described herein.
Claims20
A method for making bioplastics comprising:
- culturing a biomass comprising one or more genus of microalgae, wherein at least one of the genera is a triacylglycerol-accumulating microalgae;
- centrifuging the microalgae during a stationary phase of culturing to induce polymer compound accumulation;
- extracting a non-triacylglycerol accumulated polymer compound from a precipitate formed during centrifugation;
- incubating and dehydrating the precipitate;
- grinding the precipitate to form a powder and mixing with water to form a mixture;
- and
- adding at least one additive to form the bioplastic, wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of:
- an oxidizer;
- a plasticizer;
- and a combination thereof.
7 more elements
A method for making bioplastics comprising:
- culturing a biomass comprising one or more genus of microalgae, wherein at least one of the genera is a triacylglycerol-accumulating microalgae;
- centrifuging the microalgae during a stationary phase of culturing to induce polymer compound accumulation;
- extracting precipitate formed during centrifugation;
- incubating and dehydrating the precipitate;
- grinding the precipitate to form a powder and mixing with water to form a mixture;
- adding at least one additive to the mixture to form the bioplastic;
- wherein the additive is selected from an oxidizer, a plasticizer, and a combination thereof;
- heating the mixture to about 120° C.;
- and
- molding the mixture into a shape.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.