Optimization of cell disruption methods for efficient recovery of bioactive metabolites via NMR of three freshwater microalgae (chlorophyta).

•Homogenizing, cryogrinding, sonication, HCl extraction was tested on microalgae.•Chlorella variabilis, Scenedesmus regularis, Ankistrodesmus gracilis were tested.•HCl extraction shows the highest recovery of oil compounds (up to 90%).•Homogenized extracts shows the highest intensity of bioactive metabolites by NMR.•NMR as a tool to assess compound diversity and metabolites in microalgae extracts.