| Summary: | ABSTRACT Microalgae biomass presents high potential for third-generation biofuel production. It also contains other products whose recovery can contribute to the sustainability of linear biofuel production chains. These substances are currently treated as impurities that are extracted along with lipids, causing a negative influence on the biodiesel production process. Therefore, the separation of these substances has a dual benefit. On one hand, high value products are obtained, and on the other, purer oil is produced for the generation of biofuel, approaching the biorefinery concept. This study proposes the incorporation of a chlorophyll production stage in a biorefinery topology. The variables affecting the separation of these components are evaluated along with the most appropriate location of the stage in the process diagram. The best conditions for the separation of pigments from lipids are given at a biomass/solvent ratio of 1/10 g/mL, a temperature of 45°C and a time of 4 h, where the biomass/solvent ratio is the most influential variable. The highest efficiency for obtaining high-value products is achieved by incorporating the process before the biomass drying stage.
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