Ion-Exchange Botanical Extraction for High-Purity Caffeoylquinic Compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing botanical preparations of monocaffeoylquinic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids often contain off-tastes or undesirable properties, limiting their use, and there is a need for methods to isolate these compounds in high purity and specific ratios from botanical biomass.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the extraction of monocaffeoylquinic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids from botanical sources like yerba mate using aqueous solutions, followed by ion exchange chromatography, solvent removal, and optional decoloring and desalting to achieve high purity and controlled ratios of these compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If botanical preparations are used to extract monocaffeoylquinic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids, then the compounds can be obtained from natural sources, but off-tastes and undesirable properties are introduced that limit usability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextractability from botanical sourcesVSAvoidoff-tastes and undesirable properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies extraction by removing the harmful components (off-tastes and undesirable properties) from the botanical preparation while retaining the desired monocaffeoylquinic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids. This is achieved through selective isolation processes that separate the target compounds from the problematic botanical matrix, effectively extracting only the beneficial components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting pH levels and using solvent systems to selectively dissolve and isolate the target compounds from botanical sources. By changing the chemical parameters of the extraction medium, the method achieves selective extraction of monocaffeoylquinic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids while leaving behind the compounds responsible for off-tastes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If high purity isolation of monocaffeoylquinic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids is achieved, then the compounds can be used in edible materials with beneficial properties, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurity of isolated compoundsVSAvoidprocess steps and equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex extraction and purification process into distinct sequential steps: initial extraction from botanical material, filtration to remove solids, adjustment of extraction conditions, and final isolation. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall complex process by breaking it into manageable stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermediary substances such as solvents and pH-adjusting agents that facilitate the separation and purification of target compounds. These intermediaries enable selective dissolution, filtration, and precipitation steps that achieve high purity without requiring overly complex equipment or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If specific ratios of monocaffeoylquinic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids are maintained, then the beneficial sensory properties are preserved, but the extraction and isolation become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveratios of compoundsVSAvoidextraction and isolation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains specific ratios of monocaffeoylquinic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids by controlling extraction parameters such as pH, solvent composition, and temperature. By adjusting these parameters, the method selectively extracts the compounds in their natural proportion from the botanical source, preserving the beneficial sensory properties while managing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a multi-functional extraction system that simultaneously achieves multiple objectives: extracting target compounds, maintaining their natural ratios, removing impurities, and concentrating the extract. This universal approach simplifies the overall manufacturing process by combining several functions into an integrated extraction protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 isolation of monocaffeoylquinic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids in purities greater than 50% to 99% and specific weight ratios, reducing off-tastes and enhancing their usability in edible materials.

Implementation Method 1

contacting botanical biomass with an aqueous composition to obtain an initial extract

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtraction: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

extraction of monocaffeoylquinic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids from botanical sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

chromatographing the adjusted second initial extract on an ion exchange chromatography stationary phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 4

removing the solvent to form a concentrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3953012B1Methods for making botanical extract composition
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 CARGILL INC
  • EP3953012B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3953012B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3953012B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for making a caffeoylquinic composition from a botanical source is disclosed. The method may include chromatographing an extract of biomass on an ion exchange stationary phase and obtaining an eluent comprising a caffeoylquinic composition. The biomass may be stevia or yerba mate, for example. The caffeoylquinic composition includes one or more of monocaffeoylquinic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acid, and salts of the foregoing.