Infrared and Infrasound Extraction of Natural Compounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional extraction methods for natural compounds from raw materials are often lengthy, inefficient, and require harmful solvents, posing challenges in terms of toxicity, environmental impact, and bioactive substance content, particularly for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications.
Innovation Solution
A process combining InfraRed and InfraSound technologies to selectively extract natural compounds from raw materials with low water content, using a liquid solvent under agitation, which activates and excites the compounds without chemical transformation, allowing for high-yield, well-preserved bioactive metabolite recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional extraction methods (maceration, heated solvent extraction) are used, then extraction of natural compounds is achieved, but extraction time is long and extraction yield is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration (mechanical vibration) to the extraction mixture, which creates cavitation effects and enhances mass transfer between the solvent and raw material. This mechanical energy input disrupts the cellular structure of plant materials and increases the extraction rate, thereby reducing extraction time while improving extraction yield of bioactive compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic microwave irradiation during the extraction process, where microwave energy is applied in cycles rather than continuously. This periodic action allows for controlled heating and cooling cycles that enhance solvent penetration and compound extraction efficiency, achieving higher yields in shorter times compared to conventional continuous heating methods.
2Productivity
If traditional extraction methods use organic solvents, then extraction efficiency is improved, but toxicity and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the extraction system by introducing microwave radiation and ultrasonic vibration, which enhance the extraction efficiency without requiring toxic organic solvents. The electromagnetic and mechanical energy inputs increase solvent penetration and compound release, achieving high extraction efficiency with water or mild solvents instead of harmful organic chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical extraction mechanisms (relying on solvent-solute interactions alone) with physical fields (microwave electromagnetic radiation and ultrasonic mechanical vibration). This substitution allows extraction to be driven by energy fields rather than chemical solvent properties, eliminating the need for toxic organic solvents while maintaining or improving extraction efficiency.
3Speed
If high temperatures and pressures are used for extraction, then extraction speed is improved, but degradation of bioactive compounds occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic microwave irradiation with controlled cycles of energy application and pause, preventing continuous high-temperature exposure that would degrade thermosensitive bioactive compounds. The periodic nature allows brief heating intervals for enhanced extraction speed followed by cooling periods that preserve compound stability and prevent thermal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ultrasonic vibration to enhance extraction speed through cavitation and mechanical disruption of plant matrices, achieving rapid compound release without relying on high temperatures. This mechanical energy input increases extraction speed while maintaining lower temperatures that protect the structural integrity and biological activity of sensitive compounds.
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 achieves selective, high-yield extraction of bioactive metabolites with minimal degradation, reducing processing time and material consumption, while adhering to green chemistry principles by using non-chemical, non-hazardous, and energy-efficient techniques.
Implementation Method 1
activating by InfraRed the raw materials, said raw materials being in the form of a powder, at a temperature below their ignition point
Implementation Method 2
sonic vibration by InfraSound, under an agitation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to process of extraction of natural compounds from raw materials having a water content between 0 % and 20 %, said process comprising: a) mixing and impregnating the raw materials by dispersing said raw materials with a liquid extracting solvent, under agitation, the ratio between the raw materials and the solvent being comprised between 1:1 and 1:20 in mass/mass, wherein step a) is preceded by: a0) activating by InfraRed the raw materials, said raw materials being in the form of a powder, at a temperature below their ignition point, with an agitation; and/or wherein step a) is followed by: b) extracting the natural compounds by submitting the mix obtained at step a) to excitation by InfraRed and/or sonic vibration by InfraSound, under an agitation.