Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing is a method for processing cells by means of brief pulses of a strong electric field (Guderjan et al., 2007). Algal biomass is placed between two electrodes and the pulsed electric field is applied. The electric field enlarges the pores of the cell membranes and expels its contents (Guderjan et al., 2004).

8.Є.2.8 Enzymatic Treatment

Enzymatic extraction uses enzymes to degrade the cell walls, with water acting as the solvent (Mercer and Armenta, 2011). This makes the fraction of oil much easier. The combi­nation of "sono-enzymatic treatment" causes faster extraction and higher oil yields compared to individual ultrasonication and enzymatic extractions alone (Fajardo et al., 2007). The draw­backs associated with the process are lack of commercial feasibility and inapplicability for mass cultures (Halim et al., 2011).