New technology for extraction of omega 3 rich components and other valuable products from microorganisms

The aim of the present project is to refine and or separate in an economical way, defined compounds from a fermented broth of selected marine microorganisms. The product will be a high-quality omega-3/DHA-rich triglyceride oil and/or purified free DHA. In patents describing production of microbial lipids the cell mass is dried, and the triglyceride fraction is extracted with hexane. The drying is probably included in order to increase yields and reproducibility, but represents extra costs. For producti on of free DHA, the glycerides have to be hydrolysed, chemically or enzymatic. In order to achieve a maximum yield, also the phospholipid fraction should be included. This implies hydrolysis before separation of the lipids from the cell mass. The challe nge is to develop an integrated process for hydrolysis and separation of the free fatty acids. The applicability of the technology for isolation and separation of other microbial products and/or lipids from other biomass will also be evaluated.