Eutectic Extract Purification via Immiscible Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting and purifying eutectic extracts using deep eutectic solvents result in highly diluted extracts with low volatility, making it difficult to concentrate active compounds effectively, limiting their commercial value.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the in-situ formation of eutectic extracts by mixing exogenous amines with plant, animal, or prokaryotic biological materials, followed by a purification method using immiscible liquids to separate and concentrate active compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If deep eutectic solvents are used for extraction, then extract profile control is improved, but the extract becomes extremely diluted and difficult to concentrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deep eutectic solvent from the mixture after extraction is complete, separating it from the active compounds. This allows the solvent to be removed and the active compounds to be concentrated, resolving the dilution problem while maintaining the extraction profile control benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and concentration parameters by removing the solvent through evaporation or other separation methods. This transforms the diluted extract into a concentrated form, maintaining the beneficial extraction profile while eliminating the dilution issue
2Object-affected harmful factors
If deep eutectic solvents are used for extraction, then solvent toxicity is reduced, but the low volatility makes solvent removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal evaporation methods with alternative separation techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction or adsorption. This allows removal of the non-volatile deep eutectic solvent without relying on volatility, maintaining low toxicity benefits while solving the removal difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance or phase that facilitates the removal of the deep eutectic solvent. This intermediary enables separation of the solvent from active compounds without requiring the solvent to be volatile, preserving the low toxicity advantage
3Manufacturing precision
If chromatographic methods are used for purification, then active compound separation is improved, but processing time increases and yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the purification process into simpler steps that can be performed in parallel or sequence without requiring complex chromatographic systems. This maintains separation effectiveness while reducing processing time and improving yield
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by performing crude extraction first with deep eutectic solvents, then using simpler purification methods on the already-enriched extract. This reverse sequence maintains separation precision while dramatically improving productivity compared to traditional chromatographic purification of crude extracts
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
The process enhances the concentration of active compounds in eutectic extracts, increasing their activity and commercial value by up to 100%, suitable for applications in aromas, fragrances, foodstuffs, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.
Implementation Method 1
forming a mixture between (a) at least one exogenous amine; and (b) biological material which is plant and/or animal and/or prokaryotic biological material; (ii) allowing the mixture to interact to form a liquid, gel or a gel-like eutectic extract
Implementation Method 2
The biological material comprises at least one endogenous compound capable of forming a complex with the at least one exogenous amine
Implementation Method 3
a) mixing a eutectic extract or eutectic combination with a liquid that is immiscible with the eutectic extract or eutectic combination; b) allowing the mixture formed in step (a) to equilibrate into two phases; and c) separating the eutectic phase from the phase containing the liquid that is immiscible with the eutectic extract or eutectic combination
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to processes for forming eutectic extracts, processes for purifying eutectic extracts and uses of the eutectic extracts such as in food-stuffs, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and supplements, such as food supplements and sports supplements.