PEF for Algae and Spirulina

Unlock more nutrients, improve extraction, and increase efficiency - with PEF for Algae and Spirulina.

Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology applies short, high-voltage electrical pulses to induce electroporation — a process that temporarily opens pores in the membranes of plant or microbial cells.

PEF technology offers a range of benefits for cell disintegration. It enables the gentle breakdown of cells to extract valuable compounds, inactivates bacteria in heat-sensitive media, and allows efficient extraction without the use of enzymes, chemicals, or other reactants.

The benefits of PEF for Algae & Spirulina

  • Growth stimulation

    During the cultivation of Scenedesmus and Spirulina algae, PEF treatment was applied, providing gentle stimulation to support and enhance growth.

  • Increased yield of phycocyanin

    PEF treated spirulina dramatically increases the yield of phycocyanin.

  • Higher extraction rates

    With PEF, large increases in the yields of polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamins and more were observed.

  • Higher nutritional value

    Food products made with PEF-treated algae demonstrated a higher nutritional value.

Discover the ideal Elea PEF Advantage P e system for your needs.

Metal chamber with treatment cells and pipes.

Elea PEF Advantage Pipe systems treat both liquid and semi-liquid food. All Elea PEF Advantage Pipe extraction systems comply with HACCP requirements and are CIP and SIP ready.

PEF Advantage P 1 e

  • Our most compact PEF extraction solution, easy to integrate, operate and maintain.

  • The P 1 e offers full control over your processing capacity, handling up to 11 t/h, depending on the process parameters.

Generator and external chamber with pipes and treatment cells

PEF Advantage P 10-100 e

  • The PEF Advantage P 10 e & 100 e are designed to be easily and fully integrated into your existing production line with minimal disruption.

  • The PEF Advantage P 10 e can process up to 15 t/h, while the PEF Advantage P 100 e handles up to 24 t/h, both depending on the process parameters.

Industrial machinery for food processing, featuring large metal cabinets with a control panel, branded as Elea, used for processing foods using pulsed electric fields.

PEF Advantage P 1000 e

  • The PEF Advantage P 1000 e, Elea’s highest-capacity extraction system, is designed for large-scale production and offers easy installation and maintenance.

  • The PEF Advantage P 1000 e can handle capacities of up to 35 t/h, depending on the process parameters.

All Elea PEF Advantage systems share the same 24/7 production capability and are built to operate under extreme conditions.

The benefits of PEF for Algae & Spirulina in greater detail

Phycocyanin in mg/g

15,69

6,27

PEF technology greatly improves the efficiency of extracting phycocyanin from Spirulina, leading to a remarkable boost in phycocyanin yield.

Increased yield of phycocyanin

Purity in %

0,8

1,16

Higher Purity of phycocyanin

Through the application of PEF, the purity of the phycocyanin is enhanced.

PEF solutions, customer care and support

Person holding slices of raw sweet potato

Built for you

Each of our systems are customisable to your requirements. From your initial brief to final installation, we quickly get your new PEF system working perfectly for your product.

Two men discussing in a lab, one in a lab coat with 'elea' logo, the other in a suit holding a tissue.

Application support

Our experts can work with you to test the effectiveness of our PEF systems for your requirement, either in-house at our specially designed PEF pilot hall or on-site at your production line.

Two people in lab coats and hairnets inspecting industrial machinery in a factory.

Technical care & support

We offer a full 24-hour support service worldwide. Our specialist installation and training teams work closely with our clients to ensure our systems' smooth, swift, and successful commissioning.

The Elea Algae & Spirulina Team

  • A smiling person with dark hair, wearing a white shirt and dark blazer, stands with arms crossed in an indoor setting.

    Dr. Claudia Siemer

    Strategic / Research Coordination Manager

  • Smiling person with glasses and mustache against a white background.

    Johannes Pfeiffer

    Sales Manager

  • A smiling woman in a lab coat with the logo "elea" stands in a laboratory.

    Sofie Schröder

    Biotechnologist