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.
Claims22
A bioplastic mass comprising triacylglycerol-accumulated Chlamydomonas.
(canceled)
A method for making bioplastics comprising:
- culturing one or more genus of microalgae, wherein at least one of the genera is a triacylglycerol-accumulating microalgae;
- centrifuging the microalgae during the stationary phase to induce polymer compound accumulation;
- extracting compounds from a precipitate formed during the 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.
15-21. (canceled)
23-32. (canceled)
A method of producing triacylglycerol-accumulated microalgae, comprising:
- selecting and culturing a species of microalgae capable of triacylglycerol accumulation from centrifugation;
- centrifuging the cultured microalgae during the stationary phase of growth;
- extracting precipitate formed during centrifugation;
- incubating the precipitate, resulting in triacylglycerol-accumulated microalgae.
37-42. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.