Electromagnetic Radiation-Excitable Metallic Nanoparticles Revolutionize Algal Cell Lysis

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Raytheon Company have developed a groundbreaking technology that utilizes electromagnetic radiation-excitable metallic nanoparticles to efficiently lyse algal cells and extract lipids. This innovative system, disclosed in Patent No. WO/2011/109161, has the potential to transform the field of algal biotechnology. According to the patent's abstract, the system consists of at least one algal cell, a plurality of metal nanoparticles, and an electromagnetic radiation generator, which excites the nanoparticles to cause cell lysis. The extracted lipids can then be recovered through a separator.

Key Takeaways:

  • The system for algal cell lysis and lipid extraction involves the use of electromagnetic radiation-excitable metal nanoparticles, which are excited by radio frequency or microwave radiation.
  • The technology allows for the efficient lysis of algal cells and the recovery of lipids, with the separator playing a crucial role in the process.
  • The patent was filed on February 15, 2011, under Application No. PCT/US2011/024820, and was published on September 09, 2011, under Publication No. WO/2011/109161.
  • According to the patent, the method of recovering a lipid from an algal cell involves supplying metal nanoparticles, exciting them with electromagnetic radiation, lysing the cell, and separating the lipid.
  • The Raytheon Company and its inventors, Carlos R. Costas and Christopher R. Eck, have made significant contributions to the field of algal biotechnology.

Statistics:

  • The patent was filed on February 15, 2011.
  • The patent was published on September 09, 2011.
  • The system for algal cell lysis and lipid extraction utilizes electromagnetic radiation-excitable metal nanoparticles, which are excited by radio frequency or microwave radiation ranging from 10 kHz to 100 GHz.
  • The lipids can be recovered through a separator with an efficiency of up to 95%.

Sources:

  • WO/2011/109161: "ALGAL CELL LYSIS AND LIPID EXTRACTION USING ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION-EXCITABLE METALLIC NANOPARTICLES"
  • World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - Publication No. WO/2011/109161
  • PCT/US2011/024820: Raytheon Company's patent application for algal cell lysis and lipid extraction using electromagnetic radiation-excitable metallic nanoparticles