Encapsulating Fugitive Extracts in Porous Silica Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supercritical fluid extraction methods face challenges in retaining and stabilizing fugitive extracts, such as flavors and aromas, due to their volatility and susceptibility to oxidation, leading to degradation during post-extraction processing and storage.
Innovation Solution
A process involving supercritical fluid extraction followed by deposition of the extracts within porous silica particles, where the extraction fluid is separated, and the extracts are trapped within the pores, with optional coatings on the particle surface to enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If supercritical fluid extraction is used to extract fugitive extracts, then extraction efficiency is improved, but retention and stability of the extract deteriorate due to volatility and oxidation during post-extraction processing and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by directly depositing the extract into porous particles within the extraction vessel during the supercritical fluid extraction process itself, rather than performing separate post-extraction processing steps. This preliminary encapsulation prevents subsequent degradation during storage and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous particles as a matrix to trap and retain the fugitive extract. The porous structure provides extensive surface area and confined spaces that physically immobilize the extract, preventing volatility and oxidation while maintaining the extract's functional properties.
2Reliability
If post-extraction processing steps are performed to recover the extract, then separation from extraction fluid is achieved, but degradation of the extract occurs due to handling and storage time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extraction and separation operations into a single integrated process. The extract is deposited directly onto porous particles within the extraction vessel, and the supercritical fluid is then removed, achieving both extraction and separation simultaneously without intermediate handling steps that cause degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The extract is preliminarily captured and stabilized on the porous particles before any separation or processing steps are performed. This preliminary encapsulation ensures the extract is protected from degradation mechanisms during subsequent processing and storage operations.
3Ease of operation
If the extract is stored in liquid or concentrated form, then availability for use is improved, but susceptibility to oxidation and evaporation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The porous particles provide a solid matrix with high surface area that physically traps the extract molecules. This solid support form maintains ease of operation and availability while dramatically reducing susceptibility to oxidation and evaporation compared to liquid or concentrated forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system consisting of the extract loaded onto porous particles. This composite form combines the functional properties of the extract with the stabilizing characteristics of the porous matrix, providing both availability and protection from harmful factors.
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 method improves the retention and integrity of fugitive extracts, eliminating the need for intermediary processing steps and extending the shelf-life of the final product while maintaining the functional properties of the extracts.
Implementation Method 1
performing a supercritical fluid extraction of a plant material or an animal material using an extration fluid to provide a mixture of the extraction fluid and the extract
Implementation Method 2
the porous silica particles having pores of a size which permits diffusion of the mixture of extraction fluid and extract into the porous silica particles
Implementation Method 3
reducing the pressure or changing the pressure and temperature of the extraction fluid so that extract deposits within the pores of the porous silica particles
Implementation Method 4
contacting the mixture of the extraction fluid and the extract with a contained volume of porous silica particles... so that extract deposits within the pores
Data Source
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AI summary
A process in which the extract of an extraction process, such as a supercritical fluid extraction process, such as a fugitive extract and particularly an ingestible extract, is recovered by depositing the extract within the pores of a porous particle that is suitable for direct use as a food additive, or as a nutraceutical.