Grape Seed Extract Separation via Ultrafiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grape seed extraction processes often use harsh solvents and high temperatures, leading to the removal of valuable dietary fiber and the production of extracts with high lipid content, which are difficult to formulate into tablets and have limited bioavailability of monomeric and dimeric flavanols.
Innovation Solution
A method using only liquid water as a solvent and ultrafiltration to selectively separate grape seed extracts into fractions with low lipid content, allowing for the retention of monomeric and dimeric flavanols, fiber, and other beneficial components, suitable for different health benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If harsh solvents and high temperatures are used for extraction, then polyphenol extraction efficiency is improved, but dietary fiber is removed and lipid content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction parameters by using mild solvents (water, ethanol, or mixtures) and lower temperatures, replacing the conventional harsh solvents and high temperatures. This parameter change allows efficient polyphenol extraction while preserving dietary fiber and controlling lipid content in the final product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies selective extraction by targeting specific polyphenol fractions (monomeric and dimeric flavanols) while leaving other components (dietary fiber, lipids) intact. This is achieved through controlled extraction conditions that selectively dissolve polyphenols without affecting the physical integrity of fiber structures
2Productivity
If harsh solvents and high temperatures are used for extraction, then polyphenol extraction efficiency is improved, but lipid content increases making formulation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By changing extraction parameters to milder conditions (lower temperature, gentler solvents), the patent produces an extract with controlled lipid content that is suitable for tablet formulation. The reduced thermal stress and milder chemical environment prevent excessive lipid extraction and degradation, yielding a more manufacturable product
3Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction processes are used, then polyphenol concentration is improved, but bioavailability of monomeric and dimeric flavanols is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes extraction parameters (solvent type, temperature, time) to selectively extract monomeric and dimeric flavanols while minimizing extraction of higher molecular weight polymers. This selective parameter control enhances the proportion of bioavailable fractions in the concentrated extract
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates polyphenols into different molecular weight fractions, specifically enriching the extract in monomeric and dimeric flavanols (lower molecular weight, higher bioavailability) while reducing higher polymers. This segmentation approach concentrates the most bioavailable forms
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 enables the formulation of grape seed extracts into tablets with enhanced bioavailability and health benefits, including improved cardiovascular and cognitive health, by separating fractions with low lipid content and high polyphenol content, specifically suited for vascular and prebiotic effects.
Implementation Method 1
The concentrated extract is subjected to ultrafiltration with a first ultrafiltration membrane having a molecular weight cutoff in the range of 1-5 kD to produce a first permeate and a first retentate
Implementation Method 2
Grape seeds are extracted with water at a temperature of about 100-200° F.
Implementation Method 3
The predominant polyphenol species found in grapes are similar to those identified in green tea and cocoa, namely flavanols or flavan-3-ols
Data Source
AI summary
A novel grape seed extract is enriched in procyanidins, has total polyphenols of less than 70%, and has a low degree of polymerization (dp). Other fractions of the extract have minimal polyphenols, fiber, and protein, but contain more than 90% sugars. In some specific examples, the individual extracts are obtained by sequential ultrafiltration of a water extract of the grape seeds. A first ultrafiltration provides a first permeate (Fraction A) enriched in sugars which is useful as a flavorant, and a first retentate. The first retentate is reconstituted and subjected to a second ultrafiltration at a higher molecular weight cutoff to produce a second permeate (Fraction B) that is enriched in low molecular weight polyphenols, and a second retentate (Fraction C) that is enriched in seed fiber. The Fractions are individually suitable for different nutraceutical products, or can be combined with each other in any combination and/or with other nutraceutical agents to enhance vascular and cognitive health.