Importance

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Abstract

Described herein are systems, methods and apparatuses, for dewatering, flocculating and harvesting microorganisms. In various implementations, at least one intracellular product from the microorganisms is recovered and processed according to methods disclosed herein. In some implementations, an electromagnetic field is applied to an aqueous suspension of microorganisms thereby causing flocculation of the microorganisms. In various implementations, the microorganisms are harvested, such as by causing the microorganisms to flocculate and sink to the bottom of a container. Alternatively, the microorganisms are caused to flocculate and float to the surface of the aqueous medium where they can be recovered by skimming. In other implementations, the microorganisms are lysed as they are passed through a second electromagnetic field to release intracellular products, among other desired components of the microorganisms. In some implementations, the intracellular contents of the microorganisms, as well as cellular mass and debris, are recovered and utilized as useful products.

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First Claim