Circular extraction: an innovative use of switchable solvents for the biomass biorefinery

Abstract

The environmental impact of biomass processing can best be minimized by utilizing many components of the biomass and by getting maximum utility out of any solvent used. A Switchable-Hydrophilicity Solvent (SHS) has been used for a complete extraction of hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules in the solvent's opposite-hydrophilicity states, thus simplifying microalgal biomass extraction and increasing the solvent usefulness.