Methods of Selective Removal of Products from an Algal Biomass

A method of selectively removing products from an algal biomass comprising substantially intact algal cells, the method comprising:

• a. combining an algal biomass and a first solvent set, to generate a first extraction mixture, the first extraction mixture including a first substantially solid phase and a first liquid phase;
• b. separating at least a portion of the first liquid phase of the first extraction mixture from the first substantially solid phase;
• c. combining the first extraction substantially solid phase and a second solvent set, to generate a second extraction mixture, the second extraction mixture including a second substantially solid phase and a second liquid phase, wherein the second extraction mixture is less polar than the first extraction mixture;
• d. separating at least a portion of the second liquid phase of the second extraction mixture from the second substantially solid phase;
• e. combining the second extraction substantially solid phase and a third solvent set, to generate a third extraction mixture, the third extraction mixture including a third substantially solid phase and a third liquid phase, wherein the third extraction mixture is less polar than the second extraction mixture;
• and
• f. separating at least a portion of the third liquid phase of the third extraction mixture from the third substantially solid phase.