In this study, the performance of SCCO2 extraction and hexane
extraction was evaluated based on the yield and the fatty acid
composition of the lipids extracted from microalgae under different
conditions. The suitability of the extracted microalgal lipids
for biodiesel production was assessed and the extraction kinetics of
the two systems was compared. Preliminary studies that evaluated
the feasibility of applying each extraction system to wet miroalgal
paste were also conducted. Finally, a mass transfer model was fitted
to the SCCO2 extraction data to understand the effect of process
variables on extraction kinetics.