Curcumin Microparticle Production via Pressurized Heated Ethanol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing curcumin and γ-oryzanol microparticles face challenges such as long treatment times, contamination from mechanical crushers, dilute solutions leading to waste and high costs, and risk of denaturation at high temperatures, which affect their stability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dissolving curcumin or γ-oryzanol in ethanol under pressurized and heated conditions, followed by crystallization using a poor solvent, enhances solubility and allows for higher concentration and uniform micronization without the need for high temperatures, reducing equipment size and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If curcumin or γ-oryzanol is dissolved in ethanol at room temperature to prepare a saturated solution, then the solubility is limited to about 0.5% by weight, but this leads to dilute solutions requiring large processing facilities and generating waste water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the ethanol solution to 78.3°C or higher, which fundamentally changes the solubility parameters of curcumin or γ-oryzanol in ethanol. This temperature parameter change enables the preparation of concentrated solutions (5% by weight or more) that would be impossible at room temperature, thereby resolving the contradiction between solution concentration and processing facility size.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical crushing methods are used to micronize curcumin, then particle size reduction is achieved, but uniform micronization is difficult and durable stability cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical crushing system with a chemical dissolution-precipitation system. Instead of using mechanical force to break down particles, the invention dissolves the raw material in heated ethanol and then precipitates it by adding a poor solvent. This substitution achieves uniform particle size distribution and durable stability that mechanical methods cannot provide.
3Productivity
If high temperatures (at least 183°C for curcumin or 137°C for γ-oryzanol) are used to melt the raw material for microparticle formation, then microparticles can be obtained, but there is a risk of denaturation or decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by operating at moderate temperatures (78.3°C to 130°C) rather than the melting points of the raw materials. By changing the temperature parameter to this intermediate range and combining it with pressurization, the invention achieves microparticle formation without denaturation or decomposition, resolving the contradiction between productivity and material stability.
4Quantity of substance
If the dissolution temperature is increased to 78.3°C or higher to improve solubility, then concentrated solutions can be prepared, but the temperature approaches the boiling point of ethanol
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by pressurizing the dissolution system. The pressurization raises the boiling point of ethanol, allowing the dissolution temperature to be maintained at 78.3°C or higher without reaching the atmospheric boiling point. This enables concentrated solutions to be prepared while controlling the temperature parameter within safe limits.
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 increases production efficiency, reduces ethanol usage, ensures stable particle formation, and prevents denaturation, resulting in higher yield and uniformity of microparticles with smaller equipment requirements.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving curcumin or γ-oryzanol in ethanol under pressurized and heated conditions, followed by crystallization using a poor solvent
Implementation Method 2
crystallization using a poor solvent
Implementation Method 3
crystallization operation by means of a poor solvent method
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention addresses the problem of providing a method for efficiently producing uniform microparticles of cureumin and/or γ-oryzanol at a higher yield. The target microparticles are produced by dissolving a starting material in a solvent to give a starting material solution and then subjecting the starting material solution to crystallization by a poor solvent method to thereby deposit the starting material. To prepare the starting material solution, curcumin and/or γ-oryzanol are used as the starting material(s) and ethanol is used as the solvent. The starting material(s) and the solvent arc stirred in a pressurized state at a temperature of 78.3-130°C inclusive to give the starting material solution. Then, the starting material solution thus obtained is subjected to crystallization by the poor solvent method and thus the target microparticles are produced.