7.2.1 Identification of Algae Lipid Profiles

The steps involved in the upstream process for algal oil-based biodiesel production include strain identification, optimization for higher lipid yield, and mass produc­tion. For quantifying the lipids available in microalgae, any one of the following chromatography techniques may be followed: high-pressure liquid chromatogra­phy (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), or chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/GC-MS). Usually, GC is employed for analyzing the algae lipid profiles after conversion to FAMEs. GC-FID (flame ionization detection) or GC-MS may be used for the identification of fatty acid profiles of algae lipids. In case of GC-FID, the retention time for the individual components of FAMEs is compared to known stan­dards (Mansour, 2005; Lin et al., 2007; Paik et al., 2009). The lipid profile of algal oils can be analyzed via GC-FID using the ASTM D6584 and EN 14105 standard methods. The methylated lipid/FAMEs of algae may contain traces of contaminants such as chlorophylls, catalyst, or water, and samples injected in GC must be free from these contaminants to prevent GC column damage.