Algal Cell Lysis And Lipid Extraction Using Electromagnetic Radiation-Excitable Metallic Nanoparticles

A system for recovery of a lipid from an algal cell comprising:

• at least one algal cell comprising a lipid;
• a plurality of metal nanoparticles;
• an electromagnetic radiation generator, wherein the generator is operable to generate radio frequency or microwave radiation that excites the plurality of metal nanoparticles, resulting in lysis of the algal cell and release of the lipid from the lysed algal cell;
• and
• a separator operable to separate the lipid from the lysed algal cell.

A method of recovering a lipid from an algal cell comprising:

• supplying a plurality of metal nanoparticles to at least one algal cell, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles is located inside or outside the algal cell, in or on a cell wall of the algal cell, or in a combination of these locations;
• exciting the plurality of metal nanoparticles with radio frequency or microwave electromagnetic radiation;
• lysing the algal cell to release the lipid;
• and
• separating the lipid from the lysed algal cell.