A data-driven comparison of commercially available testing methods for algae characterization
Open accessAbstract
Algal biomass composition is often the primary driver of economic viability of research and commercial algae-based product development. As the commercial algae production field is expanding, there is a growing need for a standardized language across producers and markets in terms of biomass characterization. Similarly, to establish and design collaborative or cross-institutional algae research projects, groups need to harmonize reported compositional analysis data to ensure comparable and reproducible results. In order to provide a consistent foundation of algae quality assessment, we are working towards closely coordinated, harmonized and objective operational protocols across the algae community. We present here a demonstration of biomass composition data from different commercial analytical laboratories, specifically applied to a reference biomass material. The data highlights a lack of consistency across laboratories in methods that are available for analysis. The data presented here illustrate variability in reported biomass measurements of protein, lipids and carbohydrate content causing differences of up to 1.36, 1.43, and 3.37-fold respectively, when expressed on a dry biomass basis. When the same methods are used between the laboratories, e.g. for protein and ash measurements, the data are consistent across laboratories. However, the reported lipid content varies with the method chosen at each laboratory, and causes the calculated carbohydrate content to then absorb the remaining difference from full mass balance closure. A suggestion of a common set of analytical standard methods available commercially is provided and can help to alleviate some of the challenges the algae community faces in terms of biomass descriptive reporting. This work sets the stage for and identifies critical niches to build on an established framework for understanding and harmonizing analytical methodologies for compositional analysis of algal biomass.
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In Lane et al.'s research, laboratories employed different methods, leading to minor inconsistencies: when analyzing the same strain biomass, protein and ash values were consistent only when laboratories followed identical protocols.
“In their research, they found that laboratories employed different methods, leading to minor inconsistencies: when analyzing the same strain biomass, protein and ash values were consistent only when laboratories followed identical protocols.”
From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Lane et al., 2021
The Abstract reports that protein and ash results were consistent across laboratories using the same or similar methods on reference biomass. But “only when laboratories followed identical protocols” is too strict: Table 2 says ash results were similar despite a different combustion temperature, and Table 3 lists different ash protocols. Calling the inconsistencies minor also understates the Abstract’s reported differences in lipid and carbohydrate measurements. (LLM, conf=0.88)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredLipid determination showed significant variation depending on the protocol adopted, which also affected carbohydrate estimates.
“However, lipid determination showed significant variation depending on the protocol adopted, which also affected carbohydrate estimates.”
From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Lane et al., 2021
Lane et al. (2021) observed that the analytical methods currently in use, largely derived from conventional food protocols, were not specifically developed for microalgae.
“Lane et al. (2021), for instance, observed that the analytical methods currently in use, largely derived from conventional food protocols, were not specifically developed for microalgae.”
From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Lane et al., 2021
Most commercial methods currently employed were not originally designed for microalgae, which can affect the accuracy and comparability of results.
“Most commercial methods currently employed were not originally designed for microalgae, which can affect the accuracy and comparability of results.”
From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Lane et al., 2021
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“Lane et al. (2021), for instance, observed that the analytical methods currently in use, largely derived from conventional food protocols, were not speci fi cally developed for microalgae.”
- Authors
- Lane, M., Van Wychen, S., Politis, A., & Laurens, L. M. L.
- Affiliations
- National Laboratory of the Rockies (US)
- Corresponding author
- Laurens, Lieve M.L.
- ORCID
- Laurens, Lieve M.L.
- Venue
- Algal Research
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2021-03
- Volume
- 53
- Pages
- 102134
- ISSN
- 2211-9264 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W3109258103
- Cited by
- 19
- References
- 22
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 1
- FWCI
- 0.35
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Algal Research (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- OSTI OAI (U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- U.S. Department of Energy
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth
- Keywords
- algal biomass composition, analytical method comparison, method harmonization, protein content, lipid content, carbohydrate content, ash content, mass balance closure, reproducibility
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