Euterpe oleracea Extract via Low-Temperature Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative methods to prepare Euterpe oleracea extracts with effective levels of beneficial phytochemical constituents for treating or preventing human diseases, including skin damage, and for cosmetic applications, as existing methods may not effectively preserve the stability and efficacy of these compounds.
Innovation Solution
A method involving contacting Euterpe oleracea material with a solvent at a temperature below boiling, milling, and then extracting with an extractor liquid, followed by filtering and drying using lyophilization or spray drying, to produce a stable Euterpe oleracea extract with specific phytochemical compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional extraction methods are used to prepare Euterpe oleracea extracts, then extraction efficiency is achieved, but stability and efficacy of phytochemical constituents deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by conducting extraction at temperatures below boiling point (e.g., room temperature or controlled low temperatures) rather than using conventional high-temperature extraction. This temperature parameter modification preserves the stability of phytochemical constituents like polyphenols and antioxidants while still achieving effective extraction of beneficial compounds from Euterpe oleracea seeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action through pre-treatment steps such as drying the seeds at controlled temperatures before extraction, and potentially pre-milling or size reduction. These preliminary steps prepare the material for extraction while minimizing degradation of heat-sensitive phytochemicals, ensuring both extraction efficiency and compound stability.
2Speed
If high temperature processing is applied during extraction, then extraction speed increases, but phytochemical stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional high-temperature extraction to low-temperature or ambient temperature extraction. This parameter modification maintains extraction speed within acceptable ranges while preserving the stability of temperature-sensitive phytochemical constituents such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants in Euterpe oleracea extracts.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple heating steps are used in the extraction process, then extraction completeness improves, but compound degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by eliminating or minimizing heating steps in the extraction process, using instead controlled temperature maceration or Soxhlet extraction at temperatures below boiling. This approach achieves complete extraction of phytochemicals from Euterpe oleracea seeds without causing thermal degradation of sensitive compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes thermal energy with mechanical or chemical means for achieving extraction completeness. This includes using extended maceration periods, mechanical agitation, or solvent selection strategies that enable complete extraction without relying on high-temperature heating steps.
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 method produces an Euterpe oleracea extract that is stable for 16 weeks at temperatures between 20-30°C, maintaining effective levels of vanillic acid, ferulic acid, hispidulin, rutin, and other phytochemicals, suitable for cosmetic and therapeutic applications.
Implementation Method 1
contacting Euterpe oleracea material with a first solvent at a first temperature below boiling to produce a first wet mixture
Implementation Method 2
milling the first wet mixture to obtain a second mixture
Implementation Method 3
contacting the second mixture with an extractor liquid to obtain a crude extract
Implementation Method 4
filtering the crude extract to obtain a purified extract
Implementation Method 5
drying the purified extract to produce the Euterpe oleracea extract using a drying process selected from the group consisting of lyophilization and spray drying
Implementation Method 6
drying the purified extract to produce the Euterpe oleracea extract using a drying process selected from the group consisting of lyophilization and spray drying
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are extracts and compositions of Euterpe oleracea, methods of preparation, and methods of use. The extracts and compositions can be used in various forms of skin care, including as an antioxidant, photoprotector, for soothing skin discomfort, and to reduce or prevent the effects of aging on the skin.