The Bioseparations lab investigated extraction of algal protein from Chlorella vulgaris for food applications. Since
there were no literature values available for homogenization parameters a and k, we tested the extent of chlorella
disruption and release of algal protein with a valve-type lab homogenizer. The extent of cell disruption (R) was
determined by measuring the amount of total protein released in the lysate.
Experimental data are summarized in the table below. Assume that total soluble protein (TSP) released using P=
16,000 psi and N = 5 is the maximum extractable protein amount (R m = 2520.4 μg/mL). Determine coefficients a and
k for Chlorella vulgaris using the homogenizer design equation.