ABSTRACT: Lipid extraction from Spirulina using a single stage extraction at 30 ÿC showed that a sample-solvent ratio of 1:10 and an extraction time of 120 min gave the highest total fatty acid (TFA) yield, whereas a ratio of 1:5 was suitable for a multistage extraction. An increase in extraction temperature resulted in higher lipid and TFA yields. Increasing the extraction temperature from 30 ÿC to 60 ÿC decreased the extraction time and increased the yield of lipid and TFA in the solvent by approximately 69% and 55%, respectively. In order to increase the extraction yield of the lipid and TFA, multistage cross-current extraction was implemented. Seven-stage extraction at 30 ÿC resulted in 85% TFA recovery, whereas only a three-stage extraction was needed to obtain the same level of TFA at 60 ÿC. Lipid extracted from Spirulina contained approximately 21% linoleic acid and 18% γ -linolenic acid.