Aqueous Alkanediol Extraction Solvent for Bioactive Compounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for extracting bioactive compounds from plant materials are often time-consuming, energy-intensive, and generate harmful waste, with resulting extracts potentially containing residual solvents and contaminants due to the use of petroleum-based solvents and harsh extraction conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method using a clear, stable mixture of water and a C5-C12 diol, preferably pentylene glycol, as an extraction solvent, which provides superior dissolving and extracting properties, reducing the need for evaporation steps and replacing harmful solvents with safer, sustainable alternatives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional extraction solvents (petroleum-based solvents, water, alcohols) are used, then extraction efficiency is achieved, but harmful factors increase and safety decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidresidual solvents and contaminants

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction solvent by using C5-C12 alkanediols instead of conventional petroleum-based solvents, water, or alcohols. This parameter change maintains extraction efficiency while eliminating harmful residual solvents and contaminants, directly resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs alkanediols that can be easily removed or evaporated from the extract, leaving no harmful residues. The solvent serves its extraction purpose effectively and then can be discarded or evaporated without causing contamination, similar to the concept of disposable objects that fulfill their function and are then discarded without long-term harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional extraction methods are used, then extraction is achieved, but energy consumption increases and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption and time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the extraction system by using alkanediols as solvents, which require lower extraction temperatures and shorter extraction times compared to conventional methods. This parameter change reduces both energy consumption and processing time while maintaining effective extraction capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the extraction process to be completed more rapidly by using alkanediols that facilitate faster mass transfer and extraction kinetics. The process rushes through the extraction step efficiently without requiring prolonged contact times or repeated extraction cycles, thereby reducing time and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional solvents are used, then extraction is performed, but environmental harm increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction performanceVSAvoidenvironmental waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the environmental parameters by selecting alkanediols with favorable environmental characteristics - they are biodegradable, non-toxic, and do not persist in the environment. This parameter change allows effective extraction performance while generating minimal environmental harm and waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of solvent waste into a benefit by choosing alkanediols that are environmentally benign. The solvent that would normally be considered waste is actually beneficial because it degrades naturally and does not harm the environment, thus converting the waste problem into an environmental advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach yields exceptionally stable extracts with high content of extracted components, reducing environmental impact and improving safety by minimizing residual solvents and contaminants, while allowing for direct use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations without additional purification.

Implementation Method 1

using an extraction solvent which is a clear, stable and fluid mixture comprising water and a C5-C12-diol... due to the superior dissolving and extracting properties of the chosen solvent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20240245741A1Extraction method using an aqueous alkanediol

Publication Date: 2024.07.25 MINASOLVE SAS

AI summary

The current invention relates to a method for extracting biological material for obtaining cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical components in the obtained extract using an extraction solvent, comprising the steps of contacting the biological material with the extraction solvent, immersing the biological material in the extraction solvent, macerating or percolating or infusing the mixture, filtering and/or centrifuging the extraction product obtained, thereby obtaining a liquid extract, wherein said extraction solvent comprises water and one or a plurality of alkane diols with 5 through 12 carbon atoms. The invention also relates to a cosmetic preparation and use of a composition.