Ultrasound and acoustophoresis for collection and processing of oleaginous microorganisms

An apparatus comprising:

• a microorganism collection and separation unit comprising a first flow chamber, the first flow chamber comprising:
• a first inlet and a first outlet, the first inlet and the first outlet defining a first flow path along which is flowed an initial mixture of a host fluid and microorganisms;
• at least one first ultrasonic transducer;
• and
• a reflector surface opposite the at least one first ultrasonic transducer;
• wherein the at least one first ultrasonic transducer operates to form a standing acoustic wave substantially perpendicular to the first flow path to selectively separate the microorganisms from the host fluid so that such microorganisms are collected and remaining host fluid exits the first flow chamber via the first outlet;
• operatively connected to the first flow chamber, a lipid extraction unit comprising a second flow chamber, the second flow chamber comprising:
• a second inlet through which is flowed a second mixture of a host fluid and microorganisms collected by the microorganism collection and separation unit along a second flow path;
• a primary outlet;
• a secondary outlet;
• and
• at least one second ultrasonic transducer forming a standing acoustic wave to selectively rupture cellular walls and membranes of the microorganisms to release lipids, the lipids being collected and exiting the second flow chamber via the primary outlet and remaining host fluid exiting the second flow chamber via the secondary outlet;
• and
• operatively connected to the second flow chamber, a lipid collection and separation unit comprising a third flow chamber comprising:
• a third inlet through which is flowed a third mixture of a host fluid and lipids from the lipid extraction unit along a third flow path to a third outlet;
• and
• at least one third ultrasonic transducer forming a standing acoustic wave substantially perpendicular to the third flow path to selectively separate the lipids from the host fluid so that such lipids are collected through a lipid outlet and remaining host fluid exits the third flow chamber via the third outlet.