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DIY Algae Electroporation

There are thousands of species of algae and many have useful properties. Algae can be grown and harvested to make various products including biofuels, pharmaceuticals and feedstock. To extract the oils and lipids from algae for use in these products, the algae must be subjected to electroporation. The process involves applying an electrical current to the cell walls and membranes of the algae which creates pore space. The weakening of the cell wall makes it permeable, allowing the oils to be extracted, or even for other molecules to be inserted into the cell.

Things You'll Need

Algae sample
Solution for suspension of algae
Electroporation apparatus

Instructions

- 1
  Suspend the sample of algae in solution. The cell walls and membranes of algae are thick and impermeable. To apply an electrical current to the sample, it must have an even distribution. You cannot simply shock a sample. Suspending the sample in solution gives all the cells equal surface area exposure to the electrical current, which is conducted through the solution.
- 2
  Apply the electroporation apparatus. There are several types manufactured by scientific companies directly for this purpose and they all work in the same fundamental way. The apparatus is divided into two sections. At the top is the voltage source and a resistor, which is controlled by a switch. The second section is applied directly to the solution and is divided from the first by a capacitor -- an electrical component designed to store electric within a contained field. This section is also controlled by a switch.
- 3
  Flip switch 1 to engage the voltage source. This will allow section one to charge to the appropriate voltage. Different species of algae may require different voltage amounts. Once the first section is charged, the second switch can be engaged which applies the electrical current to the solution of algae. The current will be applied to the solution for anywhere from a few microseconds to a millisecond. This duration will weaken the cell walls, which makes them more permeable and therefore, the oils can then be extracted.

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