Chromatography is a chemical process used to break down mixtures of substances into their constituents. The principle of chromatography consists of the interaction of an analyte, i.e. a chemical or biochemical substance, with a stationary phase. The latter captures the analyte, binds it or interacts with it. Examples include ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size exclusion or affinity chromatography. The stationary phase normally consists of defined resins packed in a column. However, cell walls of algae can also fulfill chromatographic separation purposes. Cell walls of algae, for example, consist of modified polysaccharides, proteins and, in the case of diatoms, also of silicate.

However, structurally intact cell walls are necessary to achieve stable and reproducible separation performance for chromatographic applications. PEF technology (pulsed electric field technology) is suitable for the non-destructive extraction of cell walls. It is to be used in the project. The aim of this project is the investigation and application of cell walls in chromatographic separation processes that take place after the extraction of ingredients.