Various methods, including autoclaving, bead-beating, microwaves, sonication, and a 10% NaCl solution, were tested to identify the most effective cell disruption method. The total lipids from Botryococcus sp., Chlorella vulgaris, and Scenedesmus sp. were extracted using a mixture of chloroform and methanol (1 :1). The lipid contents from the three species were 5.4-11.9, 7.9-8.1, 10.0-28.6. 6.1-8.8, and 6.8-10.9 g L(-1) when using autoclaving. bead-beating, microwaves, sonication, and a 10% NaCl solution, respectively. Botryococcus sp. showed the highest oleic acid productivity at 5.7 mg L(-1) d(-1) when the cells were disrupted using the microwave oven method. Thus, among the tested methods, the microwave oven method was identified as the most simple, easy, and effective for lipid extraction from microalgae. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.