I have a large amount of measurements of marine microalgal biomass to make and while accuracy is important, efficiency is key. Oven drying appears the simplest method however it is a bit time-consuming. On the other hand, I worry that freeze-drying will underestimate biomass due to a failure of some cells to pelletize during serial centrifugation and rinsing?
Critical advice from researchers with experience with both methods would be greatly appreciated.
Kindly
Linda
Hi Linda,
if the biomass sample is small (1.5 mL/sample) you can use Rotavapour. This is a centrifuge that vacuum-dries samples in Eppendorf centrifuges at 30 or 60°C (for example). Your samples should be dry within 6 hr.
You can also use a vacuum-oven if available in lab. That will speed up drying compared to conventional oven-drying.
Hope this helps?
It depends on your aim. If you are researching bioactive compounds it is important to check their stability at high temperatures. some bioactive compounds degrade at high temperatures. So, you have to use a freeze-dried method.
It depend on your aim. If your aim is measuring the actual biomass productivity of microalgae, then you should simply dry the biomass into oven.
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