USE OF MARINE ALGAE FOR PRODUCING POLYMERS
In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for producing polymers from alkenone-producing algae, such as algae species of the Isochrysis family.
1 . A method of producing polymers from algae, comprising:
(a) culturing an alkenone-producing alga under a growth condition sufficient to produce alkenones within the alga;
(b) optionally chemically modifying the alkenones to produce alkenone derivatives; and
(c) polymerizing the alkenones or alkenone derivatives.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the alkenone-producing alga is a species of the Isochrysis family.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the alkenone-producing alga is selected from: Isochrysis galbana, Isochrysis sp. T-Iso, and Isochrysis sp. C-Iso.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the alkenones comprise a number of carbons ranging from 35 to 40.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein step (b) comprises pyrolyzing or cracking the alkenones.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the alkenone derivatives of step (b) are acrylic acids, acrylic esters, alkenes, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, diacids, diamines, diols, or lactic acid.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the alkenone derivatives of step (b) are hydrocarbons.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the alkenones are converted into hydrocarbons by catalytic hydroprocessing.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the growth condition includes a stationary growth phase.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the growth condition includes a high temperature.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the growth condition includes sufficient light.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the growth condition includes nutrient limitation.
13 . A polymer produced by the method of claim 1 .