Extracting Molecules

After sitting in methanol for 24 hours, it was time to separate the algae from the solution.  To do this I used a Buchner flask and funnel. The flask is attached to a simple pump that lowers the pressure inside the flask and helps to pull solution through the filter paper in the funnel.  I tipped the solution into the funnel and then added the algae so as to retrieve as much solution as possible.  The solution (with the extracted molecules) ended up in the flask while the algae was trapped in the funnel.  The solution is called the first extract.

The algae was then returned to its original flask and more methanol was added to it (300 mL for the P. angustum, 500 mL for the P. microcladioides).  It was then left for another 24 hours so that more molecules could be extracted from the algae.

After 24 hours the algae was separated from the solution in the same way as above. The solution obtained this time is called the second extract.

We have now probably finished with the algae, but rather than throwing it out, the algae is placed in a bag and stored in a freezer.  This is so that it is still available in case we need to use it again later.