Betaine Eutectic Solvent for Heat-Sensitive Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting phenolic compounds and other natural substances from plant materials face challenges due to the high heat sensitivity of these compounds and the limitations of existing eutectic solvents, which are often viscous, unstable, and not suitable for industrial-scale use, leading to low extraction yields and high energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A eutectic solvent mixture comprising betaine or its hydrated form, a hydrogen bond donor such as polyols or organic acids, and water, with specific molar ratios and water proportions, is used to create a clear, stable, and fluid extraction medium that effectively lowers the melting point and viscosity, allowing for efficient extraction of heat-sensitive compounds at ambient temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used to extract phenolic compounds from plant materials, then extraction can be performed, but the heat-sensitive compounds degrade due to high temperature requirements and existing eutectic solvents are viscous and unstable leading to low extraction yields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the extraction system by using a specific eutectic mixture of betaine and organic acid that remains liquid at ambient temperature. This allows extraction to proceed at low temperatures (protecting heat-sensitive compounds) while achieving high extraction yields through the optimized eutectic composition and its ability to form hydrogen bonds with phenolic compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite extraction medium by combining betaine with specific organic acids (lactic acid, citric acid, or malic acid) in defined molar ratios (1:1.5 to 1:3). This composite eutectic mixture exhibits superior extraction properties compared to individual components, including enhanced solubility for phenolic compounds and improved stability, while remaining liquid at ambient temperature.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing eutectic solvents are used for extraction, then extraction can be performed, but the solvents are viscous and unstable leading to high energy costs and low suitability for industrial scale use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the eutectic mixture parameters by selecting specific organic acids (lactic, citric, or malic acid) and defining precise molar ratios (1:1.5 to 1:3) with betaine. This parameter optimization reduces viscosity and improves stability compared to conventional eutectic solvents, making the extraction process more energy-efficient and suitable for industrial scaling while maintaining ambient temperature operation.
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 significantly improves the extraction yield of phenolic compounds and other natural substances, enhancing the richness of chromatographic profiles and microbial stability, while reducing energy consumption and operational costs, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a eutectic solvent which is a clear, stable and fluid mixture comprising: (i) betaine or a hydrated form of betaine; (ii) at least one hydrogen bond donor compound selected from the group consisting of polyols and organic acids; and (iii) water
Implementation Method 2
at least one hydrogen bond donor selected from the group consisting of polyols and organic acids
Data Source
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AI summary
A natural biological liquid extract comprising plant (e.g. vegetable) and/or animal and/or prokaryotic biological material obtained by the extraction method, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a. immersing, while stirring, a ground or unground biological material in a solvent, wherein the solvent is a clear, stable and fluid mixture comprising: (i) betaine (trimethyl glycine) or a hydrated form of betaine; (ii) at least one hydrogen bond donor compound selected from the group consisting of polyols and organic acids; and (iii) water; wherein the ratio of betaine or a hydrated form of betaine to the at least one hydrogen bond donor is from 1:1.5 to 1:3 and the proportion of water added to the mixture is from 15 to 30% by weight; with the proviso that the eutectic extraction solvent does not contain any exogenous sugar and/or amine salt and/or anion; b. macerating or percolating or infusing the mixture obtained in step a. at a temperature between 20 and 60°C; then c. filtering the extraction product obtained at b., thereby obtaining a natural biological liquid extract derived from the plant (e.g. vegetable) and/or animal and/or prokaryotic biological material.