Extract the Oil

Some companies press the algae like olives, physically squeezing the oil out. Others apply compressed carbon dioxide, which vaporizes the lipids until the pressure is lowered and the oil recondenses away from the remaining cell. Other methods include solvents that remove the lipids, or sonic waves that burst the algae and cause the oil to spill out. The remaining parts of the algae cells can be used in other products, including animal feed.