Micro-Algae Harvesting Improved by Sonication
Microalgae is rich in lipids, protein and micronutrient, which makes microalgae a valuable source for nutrients. Given the structural resilience of algal cell walls and the need for downstream extraction of intracellular compounds – particularly lipids and micronutrients – a non-thermal, high-efficient technology is required. With its sonicators, Hielscher offers a superior processing solution, which facilitate and enhance two essential processing steps – biomass concentration and cell disruption.
Sonicator UIP1000hdT for algae processing
One Sonicator – Two Steps in Algae Processing
- Non-destructive algae harvest
Neither interfering with the viability nor damaging the integrity of the typical multicellular spiral structure of Arthrospira platensis. Mild ultrasonic vibration and cavitation causes the gas vesicles inside of Arthrospira platensis cells to collapse, thereby allowing the otherwise buoyant cells to sediment. This facilitates the concentration of algae biomass. - Cell disruption for extraction (lipids, proteins, bioactive compounds)
In the second process step of extraction, intense sonication is used to disrupt the cellular structure of Arthrospira platensis in order to release intracellular compounds such as lipids, proteins and bioactive compounds.
Learn more about ultrasonic algae extraction!
Ultrasound-Enhanced Harvesting of Algae
In the study by Lecina et al. (2015), cultures of cyanobacteria Arthrospira fusiformis (also Arthrospira platensis) were subjected to non-disruptive sonication, revealing a significant facilitation in biomass sedimentation and recovery. By applying low-intensity ultrasound fields (≤0.5 W/mL), the researchers induced reversible flocculation without compromising cell viability or morphology – a requirement for applications demanding intact biomolecules or viable cells for further culturing.
With the “non-disruptive sonication treatment, these microalgae can be easily settled thus concentrating the biomass about 30-fold while achieving recovery yields of around 80-85%.” (Lecina et al., 2015)
Take advantage of ultrasonic extraction and use a Hielscher sonicator for botanical extraction with unmatched efficiency and sustainability!
Ultrasonic extractor UIP2000hdT with stainless steel reactor for the commercial extraction of lipids, proteins and bioactive compounds from algae.
High-Performance Sonicators for Algae Harvesting and Extraction
Hielscher sonicators are advanced, high-performance ultrasonic processors engineered for both laboratory and industrial-scale applications, making them ideally suited for algae harvesting and extraction workflows. In the harvesting phase, Hielscher systems enable precise low-intensity sonication to promote cell aggregation and sedimentation without damaging cell integrity. Subsequently, their high-intensity capabilities allow for controlled cell disruption, facilitating the efficient release of intracellular lipids, pigments, and micronutrients. With tunable amplitudes and cycle mode, continuous operation modes, and robust design, Hielscher sonicators support scalable, energy-efficient bioprocessing – making them a key tool in modern algal biorefineries.
- high efficiency
- state-of-the-art technology
- reliability & robustness
- adjustable, precise process control
- batch & inline
- for any volume
- intelligent software
- smart features (e.g., programmable, data protocoling, remote control)
- easy and safe to operate
- low maintenance
- CIP (clean-in-place)
Design, Manufacturing and Consulting – Quality Made in Germany
Hielscher ultrasonicators are well-known for their highest quality and design standards. Robustness and easy operation allow the smooth integration of our ultrasonicators into industrial facilities. Rough conditions and demanding environments are easily handled by Hielscher ultrasonicators.
Hielscher Ultrasonics is an ISO certified company and put special emphasis on high-performance ultrasonicators featuring state-of-the-art technology and user-friendliness. Of course, Hielscher ultrasonicators are CE compliant and meet the requirements of UL, CSA and RoHs.
The table below gives you an indication of the approximate processing capacity of our ultrasonicators:
| Batch Volume | Flow Rate | Recommended Devices |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 500mL | 10 to 200mL/min | UP100H |
| 10 to 2000mL | 20 to 400mL/min | UP200Ht, UP400St |
| 0.1 to 20L | 0.2 to 4L/min | UIP2000hdT |
| 10 to 100L | 2 to 10L/min | UIP4000hdT |
| 15 to 150L | 3 to 15L/min | UIP6000hdT |
| n.a. | 10 to 100L/min | UIP16000hdT |
| n.a. | larger | cluster of UIP16000hdT |
Hielscher Ultrasonics manufactures high-performance ultrasonic homogenizers for mixing applications, dispersion, emulsification and extraction on lab, pilot and industrial scale.
Literature / References
- Martí Lecina, Jordi Prat, Carlos J. Paredes, Jordi J. Cairó (2025): Non-disruptive sonication of A. fusiformis (A. platensis) cultures facilitates its harvesting. Algal Research, Volume 7, 2015. 1-4.
- Zhou, Jianjun; Min Wang, Francisco J. Barba, Zhenzhou Zhu, Nabil Grimi (2023):
A combined ultrasound + membrane ultrafiltration (USN-UF) process for enhancing saccharides separation from Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, Volume 85, 2023. - Vernès, Léa; Vian, Maryline; Maâtaoui, Mohamed; Tao, Yang; Bornard, Isabelle; Chemat, Farid (2019): Application of ultrasound for green extraction of proteins from spirulina. Mechanism, optimization, modeling, and industrial prospects. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 54, 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Sedimentation of Cells Induced?
Sedimentation of cells is primarily induced by the collapse of intracellular gas vesicles, which disrupts buoyancy regulation. This leads to increased cell density, causing cells to sink out of the photic zone, especially in planktonic organisms like cyanobacteria.
What are Gas Vacuoles in Cells?
Gas vacuoles are protein-bound, gas-filled structures found in aquatic prokaryotes, including cyanobacteria. They provide buoyancy control, allowing cells to adjust their vertical position in the water column for optimal light and nutrient access.
What are Cyanobacteria?
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic, oxygen-producing prokaryotes commonly found in freshwater and marine environments. They play key roles in nitrogen fixation and primary production and can form harmful algal blooms under eutrophic conditions.
What is Arthrospira fusiformis?
Arthrospira fusiformis is a filamentous, planktonic cyanobacterium known for its spiral morphology. It thrives in alkaline soda lakes and is a major component of the diet for flamingos. Commercially, it is cultivated as “Spirulina” for its high protein and nutrient content.
How is Sonication Impacting Algae?
Ultrasonic treatment disrupts algal cells through cavitation, leading to membrane damage, gas vesicle collapse, and impaired photosynthesis. In cyanobacteria like Microcystis aeruginosa, susceptibility to sonication increases post-cell division, likely due to structural vulnerabilities in the late light phase of the diurnal cycle.
Hielscher Ultrasonics manufactures high-performance ultrasonic homogenizers from lab to industrial size.