In this work, the mild disintegration of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris for the release of intracellular
products has been studied. By means of bead milling the microalgae suspensions were successfully
disintegrated at different biomass concentrations (25–145 gDW kg1) over a range of agitator speeds
(6–12 m s1). In all cases over 97% of cell disintegration was achieved resulting in a release of water
soluble proteins. A clear optimum rate of disintegration and protein release was observed at an agitator
speed of 9–10 m s1 regardless of the biomass concentration. Selective extraction of water soluble
proteins was observed as proteins released sooner than cell disintegration took place. Proteins could
be released at 85% lower energy input than for cell disintegration resulting in specific energy consumptions
well below 2.5 kWh kgDW