A novel stirring gradient plant extraction process

Abstract

This invention relates to skincare technology, particularly to the field of IPC IPCB01D67, and more specifically, to a novel gradient stirring plant extraction process. The process includes the following steps: soaking seeds, then stirring the soaked seeds using a gradient stirring method, and finally filtering and drying to obtain the final product. This invention, by setting up a gradient stirring process, can extract extracts of fibers with different lengths; it fully extracts seed fibers without damaging them, achieving a yield of up to 50%; it employs a physical and mechanical process, without using any chemical agents, making it clean, environmentally friendly, and simple to implement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of plant extraction, particularly to the field of IPC B01D67, and further to a novel stirring gradient plant extraction production process. Background Technology

[0002] With social progress, scientific and technological development, and improved living standards, people are increasingly aware of the importance of natural, green, healthy, and safe products. Consumers are paying more attention to healthy, safe, and effective cosmetics. Therefore, plant-based ingredients are highly sought after by cosmetic companies, and many plant extracts contain active ingredients, which have become components of cosmetics.

[0003] Plant extraction refers to the separation and purification of one or more active ingredients from plant raw materials using physical, chemical, and biological methods. Currently, commonly used methods for plant extraction include solvent extraction, ultrasonic extraction, microwave extraction, and enzymatic extraction. Solvent extraction further includes water extraction and alcohol extraction. These methods have advantages and disadvantages. Traditional methods generally have the advantages of simple operation and low cost. Water extraction also offers advantages such as safety, environmental friendliness, and maximum preservation of polysaccharide structure. Alcohol extraction is easier to implement for industrial production. However, both methods have significant disadvantages such as long extraction time, large solvent requirements, low extraction rate, and high impurity content in the extract. Other more efficient extraction processes also have their own advantages. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction retains the advantages of microwave extraction while preserving the structure of active ingredients. It also features low extraction temperature and low energy consumption, making it suitable for extracting polar and thermally unstable components. However, the current capacity of existing ultrasonic instruments is insufficient for industrial production. Microwave extraction offers advantages such as short extraction time, high solvent utilization, and high extraction efficiency. However, it can significantly damage cell structures, leading to solvent residue and alterations in polysaccharide structure. Furthermore, microwave equipment is expensive, limiting its current application to laboratory research. Enzymatic extraction offers the mildest extraction conditions and extremely fast reaction rates, easily removing impurities. However, this method is costly and requires sophisticated equipment and technology, thus presenting significant limitations.

[0004] Chinese patent CN200610042345.9 discloses a method for extracting natural plant fibers using the alkali-oxygen method. The characteristics of this method are as follows: the plant fiber extraction process involves: natural plant fiber raw material, pre-soaking in acid, washing, one-bath alkali-oxygen treatment, fiber beating, washing, acid washing, washing, dehydration, shaking, oiling, dehydration, and air drying or oven drying. During the acid soaking, one-bath alkali-oxygen treatment, and fiber beating processes, the auxiliary agent Mg is used. 2+A special process involving the batch addition of strong alkaline bath hydrogen peroxide stabilizer, as well as chemical agents and auxiliaries, ensures effective stabilization and protection of cellulose, and optimizes the nucleophilic oxidation reaction of lignin by hydrogen peroxide. Chinese Patent CN200610069003.6 discloses a method for extracting hemicellulose from plant fibers. The steps are as follows: plant fibers, alkali, and water are mixed and placed in a reaction vessel equipped with a stirring device and a heating system. The temperature of the reaction vessel is raised to 35℃~85℃, and the mixture is stirred for 10s~10min at a speed of 300rpm~2000rpm. The mixture is then filtered or centrifuged using conventional methods, and the resulting filtrate or supernatant is the hemicellulose extract. Two to three times the volume of 80%~95% ethanol is added to the hemicellulose extract to precipitate the soluble hemicellulose. The mixture is then filtered conventionally, the product is collected, and dried to obtain hemicellulose.

[0005] The plant fiber extraction processes disclosed in existing patents are complex and cumbersome; the extraction process often involves acid and alkali reagents, which inevitably discharges a large amount of wastewater, causing serious environmental pollution, and the treatment costs are high. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel seed fiber extraction process that can separate fibers of different lengths by adjusting different stirring gradient speeds, thereby maximizing the extraction of seed fibers without damaging the seeds and achieving high extraction yield.

[0007] The first aspect of this invention provides a novel stirring gradient plant extraction production process, comprising the following steps: soaking seeds, then stirring the soaked seeds using a gradient stirring method, and finally filtering and drying to obtain the final product.

[0008] In some preferred embodiments, the seed material is selected from one or more of basil (Ocimum Sanctum) seeds, chia (Salvia hispanica) seeds, flax (Linumusitatissimum L.) seeds, and perilla (Fructus Perillae) seeds.

[0009] In some preferred embodiments, the seed material is basil (Ocimum Sanctum) seeds.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments, the soaking process involves a seed-to-water weight ratio of 1:(30-50) and a soaking time of 20-40 minutes.

[0011] Preferably, the weight ratio of the seeds to water is 1:40.

[0012] When seeds are soaked in water, they absorb water and swell. The moisture content of the seeds affects the effectiveness of the stirring gradient. Seeds with low moisture content cannot dissolve the fibers well, while seeds with too high moisture content will easily slip in the stirring device, reducing the stirring force and thus reducing the yield.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, the gradient stirring method is selected from one or more combinations of a first stirring gradient, a second stirring gradient, and a third stirring gradient.

[0014] In some preferred embodiments, the first stirring gradient speed is 400 rpm to 600 rpm, and the stirring time is 20 to 40 min.

[0015] Preferably, the first stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0016] A long-chain fiber extract can be obtained under a first stirring gradient, wherein the long-chain fiber refers to 70% to 80% of the fiber length ranging from 1 mm to 6 mm.

[0017] In some preferred embodiments, the second stirring gradient speed is 1400 rpm to 1800 rpm, and the stirring time is 20 to 40 min.

[0018] Preferably, the second stirring gradient speed is 1600 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min. At a stirring speed of 1600 rpm, the long-chain fiber extract can be partially converted into a short-chain fiber extract, resulting in a mixture of long-chain and short-chain fiber extracts. The applicant hypothesizes that the significantly increased stirring speed of the second gradient causes the seeds and the long-chain fiber extract obtained under the first stirring gradient to experience greater shear and friction, resulting in a more complete reaction. Cellulose components are more easily hydrolyzed into small-molecule short-chain fibers under higher stirring speeds. At lower stirring speeds, the decomposition rate of the long-chain fiber extract is low; however, due to the high stirring speed, the solution viscosity is high, so the long-chain fibers cannot be completely hydrolyzed. Further increasing the stirring speed would lead to an even lower decomposition rate of the long-chain fibers.

[0019] A mixture of long-chain fiber extract and short-chain fiber extract can be obtained under the second stirring gradient, with fiber lengths ranging from 1 mm to 6 mm.

[0020] In some preferred embodiments, the third stirring gradient speed is 400 rpm to 600 rpm, and the stirring time is 20 to 40 min.

[0021] Preferably, the third stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min. When the extraction time is 30 min, the yield of the extracted short-chain fibers can be improved. The applicant speculates that: the second gradient stirring speed is relatively high, and part of the long-chain fiber extract will be separated or hydrolyzed into short-chain fibers, resulting in a mixture of long-chain fiber extract and short-chain fiber extract; when the third stirring gradient speed is 400 rpm to 600 rpm, mechanical shearing still occurs during the stirring process. Therefore, if the extraction time is too long, the stirring shearing force of the mixer will cause the dissolved short-chain fibers to undergo structural damage and partial degradation, reducing the degree of polymerization and thus reducing the yield.

[0022] A short-chain fiber extract with a length of <1 mm can be obtained under a third stirring gradient.

[0023] In this invention, by setting a gradient stirring process, extracts of fibers with different lengths can be obtained. Fiber-rich seeds undergo partial bond breakage under a first stirring gradient with a gentle stirring process to obtain long-chain fiber extracts. Next, under a second stirring gradient with a high stirring speed, a portion of the long-chain fiber extract is separated or hydrolyzed into short-chain fibers, resulting in a mixture of long-chain and short-chain fiber extracts. Finally, under a third stirring gradient with a gentle stirring process, the mixture of long-chain and short-chain fiber extracts obtained in the second gradient is further converted into short-chain fiber extracts.

[0024] In some preferred embodiments, the filtration process includes screen filtration and microfiltration; the screen filtration refers to filtration through an 80-100 mesh screen, preferably a 100 mesh screen.

[0025] The microfiltration process is performed at a pressure of 1000 bar, with 3 cycles.

[0026] Adding a microfiltration membrane can increase the viscosity and swelling power of the extracted fibers. The applicant hypothesizes that: the finer the fibers, the larger the surface area available for water absorption, allowing more water molecules to permeate, thus increasing the viscosity; the finer the fibers, the larger their surface area, increasing their hydrophilicity, thereby leading to an increase in swelling power.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the drying process includes oven drying or vacuum freeze drying.

[0028] The drying temperature in the oven is 50℃~70℃, and the drying time is 18h~24h.

[0029] The vacuum freeze-drying temperature is -90℃ to -70℃, and the time is 18h to 24h.

[0030] In some preferred embodiments, the drying temperature in the oven is 60°C and the drying time is 24 hours.

[0031] In some preferred embodiments, the vacuum freeze-drying temperature is -80°C and the time is 24 hours.

[0032] A second aspect of the present invention provides a plant fiber extract obtained by the above-described extraction process.

[0033] Beneficial effects:

[0034] 1. This invention uses a gradient stirring method to extract fiber extracts of different lengths.

[0035] 2. This invention can improve the fiber extraction rate by adjusting the weight ratio of seeds to water during the soaking process and by adjusting the stirring speed and time.

[0036] 3. The present invention adds a microfiltration process, which effectively improves the swelling and viscosity of the extracted fibers.

[0037] 4. This invention fully extracts seed fibers without damaging them, achieving a yield of up to 50%.

[0038] 5. This invention uses physical and mechanical processes, without the use of any chemical reagents, making it clean, environmentally friendly, simple, and easy to implement. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the process for the production of novel stirred gradient plant extraction according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The novel stirring gradient plant extraction process of this invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] Example 1 provides as follows Figure 1 The present invention discloses a novel stirring gradient plant extraction process, which includes the following steps: soaking seeds, then stirring the soaked seeds using a gradient stirring method, and finally filtering and drying the seeds to obtain the product.

[0043] The seeds were basil (Ocimum Sanctum) seeds, purchased from Ningxia Xiangcao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0044] The soaking process involves immersing the seeds in water at a weight ratio of 1:40 for 30 minutes.

[0045] The gradient stirring method is selected from the first stirring gradient, the second stirring gradient, and the third stirring gradient.

[0046] The first stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0047] The second stirring gradient speed is 1600 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0048] The third stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0049] The filtration process includes screen filtration and microfiltration; the screen filtration refers to filtration through a 100-mesh screen; the microfiltration process is carried out at a pressure of 1000 bar and is repeated 3 times.

[0050] The drying process is oven drying; the oven drying temperature is 60℃ and the time is 24 hours.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] Example 2 provides as follows Figure 1 The present invention discloses a novel stirring gradient plant extraction process, which includes the following steps: soaking seeds, then stirring the soaked seeds using a gradient stirring method, and finally filtering and drying the seeds to obtain the product.

[0053] The seeds were basil (Ocimum Sanctum) seeds, purchased from Ningxia Xiangcao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0054] The soaking process involves immersing the seeds in water at a weight ratio of 1:60 for 30 minutes.

[0055] The gradient stirring method consists of a first stirring gradient, a second stirring gradient, and a third stirring gradient.

[0056] The first stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0057] The second stirring gradient speed is 1600 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0058] The third stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0059] The filtration process includes screen filtration and microfiltration; the screen filtration refers to filtration through a 100-mesh screen; the microfiltration process is carried out at a pressure of 1000 bar and is repeated 3 times.

[0060] The drying process is oven drying; the oven drying temperature is 60℃ and the time is 24 hours.

[0061] Example 3

[0062] Example 3 provides as follows Figure 1The present invention discloses a novel stirring gradient plant extraction process, which includes the following steps: soaking seeds, then stirring the soaked seeds using a gradient stirring method, and finally filtering and drying the seeds to obtain the product.

[0063] The seeds were basil (Ocimum Sanctum) seeds, purchased from Ningxia Xiangcao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0064] The soaking process involves immersing the seeds in water at a weight ratio of 1:40 for 30 minutes.

[0065] The gradient stirring method is the first stirring gradient.

[0066] The first stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0067] The filtration process includes screen filtration and microfiltration; the screen filtration refers to filtration through a 100-mesh screen; the microfiltration process is carried out at a pressure of 1000 bar and is repeated 3 times.

[0068] The drying process is oven drying; the oven drying temperature is 60℃ and the time is 24 hours.

[0069] Example 4

[0070] Example 4 provides, as follows Figure 1 The present invention discloses a novel stirring gradient plant extraction process, which includes the following steps: soaking seeds, then stirring the soaked seeds using a gradient stirring method, and finally filtering and drying the seeds to obtain the product.

[0071] The seeds were basil (Ocimum Sanctum) seeds, purchased from Ningxia Xiangcao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0072] The soaking process involves immersing the seeds in water at a weight ratio of 1:40 for 30 minutes.

[0073] The gradient stirring method refers to a first stirring gradient and a second stirring gradient.

[0074] The first stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0075] The second stirring gradient speed is 1600 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0076] The filtration process includes screen filtration and microfiltration; the screen filtration refers to filtration through a 100-mesh screen; the microfiltration process is carried out at a pressure of 1000 bar and is repeated 3 times.

[0077] The drying process is oven drying; the oven drying temperature is 60℃ and the time is 24 hours.

[0078] Example 5

[0079] Example 5 provides as follows Figure 1 The present invention discloses a novel stirring gradient plant extraction process, which includes the following steps: soaking seeds, then stirring the soaked seeds using a gradient stirring method, and finally filtering and drying the seeds to obtain the product.

[0080] The seeds were basil (Ocimum Sanctum) seeds, purchased from Ningxia Xiangcao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0081] The soaking process involves immersing the seeds in water at a weight ratio of 1:40 for 30 minutes.

[0082] The gradient stirring method refers to a first stirring gradient and a second stirring gradient.

[0083] The first stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0084] The second stirring gradient speed is 2000 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0085] The filtration process includes screen filtration and microfiltration; the screen filtration refers to filtration through a 100-mesh screen; the microfiltration process is carried out at a pressure of 1000 bar and is repeated 3 times.

[0086] The drying process is oven drying; the oven drying temperature is 60℃ and the time is 24 hours.

[0087] Example 6

[0088] Example 6 provides as follows Figure 1 The present invention discloses a novel stirring gradient plant extraction process, which includes the following steps: soaking seeds, then stirring the soaked seeds using a gradient stirring method, and finally filtering and drying the seeds to obtain the product.

[0089] The seeds were basil (Ocimum Sanctum) seeds, purchased from Ningxia Xiangcao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0090] The soaking process involves immersing the seeds in water at a weight ratio of 1:40 for 30 minutes.

[0091] The gradient stirring method consists of a first stirring gradient, a second stirring gradient, and a third stirring gradient.

[0092] The first stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0093] The second stirring gradient speed is 1600 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0094] The third stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 50 min.

[0095] The filtration process includes screen filtration and microfiltration; the screen filtration refers to filtration through a 100-mesh screen; the microfiltration process is carried out at a pressure of 1000 bar and is repeated 3 times.

[0096] The drying process is oven drying; the oven drying temperature is 60℃ and the time is 24 hours.

[0097] Example 7

[0098] Example 7 provides as follows Figure 1 The present invention discloses a novel stirring gradient plant extraction process, which includes the following steps: soaking seeds, then stirring the soaked seeds using a gradient stirring method, and finally filtering and drying the seeds to obtain the product.

[0099] The seeds were basil (Ocimum Sanctum) seeds, purchased from Ningxia Xiangcao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0100] The soaking process involves immersing the seeds in water at a weight ratio of 1:40 for 30 minutes.

[0101] The gradient stirring method consists of a first stirring gradient, a second stirring gradient, and a third stirring gradient.

[0102] The first stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0103] The second stirring gradient speed is 1600 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0104] The third stirring gradient speed is 500 rpm, and the stirring time is 30 min.

[0105] The filtration process includes sieve filtration; the sieve filtration refers to filtration through a 100-mesh sieve.

[0106] The drying process is oven drying; the oven drying temperature is 60℃ and the time is 24 hours.

[0107] Performance testing methods:

[0108] 1. Fiber Length (mm): After dispersing the extracted fibers evenly with a small amount of water, add a few drops of carmine solution and sodium sulfate solution to 3 ml of the sample. Shake to stain the fibers. Then, take 1 ml of the fiber sample and place it on a glass slide. Carefully separate the fibers with a dissecting needle to reduce fiber overlap. Observe the fibers under a microscope at 100x magnification. Prepare at least 3 sets of fiber samples for each example. Select 10 fibers from each set to measure their length and calculate the average value.

[0109] 2. Fiber yield = Fiber mass / Total raw material mass × 100%.

[0110] The fiber quality refers to the fiber quality of the seeds after extraction through different stirring gradients and filtration through a 100-mesh sieve.

[0111] 3. Determination of fiber swelling power

[0112] Take 0.10g of extracted fiber into a 10mL graduated cylinder, record the volume, add 5mL of distilled water, soak for 24 hours, and record the volume again. Calculate using the formula:

[0113] Fiber swelling power (mL·g) 1 = (Volume after soaking – Volume of dry product) / Dry mass

[0114] 4. Viscosity

[0115] The extracted fibers were dissolved in water to prepare a 1% (w / w) solution, and the viscosity was measured using a digital viscometer.

[0116] Test results:

[0117]

[0118]

Claims

1. A novel stirring gradient plant extraction process, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The seeds are soaked, then stirred using a gradient stirring method, and finally filtered and dried to obtain the final product. The gradient stirring method is selected from the first stirring gradient, the second stirring gradient, and the third stirring gradient; The first stirring gradient speed is 400 rpm to 600 rpm, and the stirring time is 20 to 40 min; the second stirring gradient speed is 1400 rpm to 1800 rpm, and the stirring time is 20 to 40 min; the third stirring gradient speed is 400 rpm to 600 rpm, and the stirring time is 20 to 40 min. The seeds are selected from one or more of the following: basil seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, and perilla seeds. The soaking process involves immersing the seeds in water at a weight ratio of 1:(30-50) for 20-40 minutes. The filtration process includes screen filtration and microfiltration; the screen filtration refers to filtration through an 80-100 mesh screen; the microfiltration process is carried out at a pressure of 1000 bar and is repeated 3 times. The drying process includes oven drying or vacuum freeze drying; The drying temperature in the oven is 50℃~70℃, and the drying time is 18h~24h; The vacuum freeze-drying temperature is -90℃ to -70℃, and the time is 18h to 24h.

2. A plant fiber extract obtained by the novel stirring gradient plant extraction process as described in claim 1.

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