OriginOil Breakthrough Increases Algal Extraction Efficiency Without Using Hazardous Solvents
Researchers Used Natural Material to Break Down Cell Walls and Improve Extraction by up to 15%
Los Angeles, CA – September 29, 2011 – OriginOil, Inc. (OTC/BB: OOIL), the developer of a breakthrough technology to extract oil from algae and an emerging leader in the global algae oil services industry, today announced it has identified a new process to increase the efficiency of algae extraction without the use of toxic solvents. The process harnesses a substance that occurs naturally in algae cells to improve Single Step Extraction™ cellular extraction by up to 15%.
“Typically, our industry uses highly-regulated solvents to get the most out of algae extraction,” said Paul Reep, OriginOil’s senior vice president. “Our researchers have identified a naturally occurring algal metabolite — a food for algae cells — that can improve extraction efficiency without such chemicals. We will immediately incorporate this breakthrough into our Single Step Extraction system.”
The natural metabolite helps increase extraction yield and the potential value of processed algae and co-products. Preliminary laboratory results from testing conducted by OriginOil using Nannochloropsis oculata have shown efficiency gains on the order of 12-15%.
The new process can also change the nature of some organic compounds and has implications for the biorefining and chemical industries.
Unlike conventional extraction using toxic solvents such as hexane, this natural method allows algae process water to be recycled without cleanup.
OriginOil recently filed for U.S. patent protection of the new technology, its 21st patent application, entitled “Apparatuses, Systems and Methods for Increasing Contact Between Solutes and Solvents in an Aqueous Medium.” The inventors are Nicholas Eckelberry, Gavin Gray, Jose L. Sanchez Piña, and Maxwell Roth.
“I’m proud of how we continue to innovate while engineering commercial products,” said Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil CEO. “This is the key to staying ahead in our fast-moving marketplace.”
