Marigold Lutein Ester Crystals Through Polar-Solvent Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing lutein esters from marigold flowers are inefficient, costly, and result in low yields with multiple steps, often using solvents like hexane and acetone that are not environmentally friendly and require additional purification steps to achieve high purity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of shredded marigold flowers or marigold meal, extracted with polar solvents like ethanol or methanol, followed by acetone extraction and concentration to obtain high-purity lutein ester crystals, reducing the number of processing steps and improving yield and purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple extraction steps using solvents like hexane and acetone are used, then lutein ester can be obtained, but the process becomes complex, costly, and results in low yield with high impurity content
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts lutein ester directly from marigold flowers using a specific solvent system (acetone, ethanol, and water in particular ratios) without requiring multiple sequential extraction steps. This single-step extraction with optimized solvent composition achieves high purity while simplifying the process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite solvent system comprising acetone, ethanol, and water in specific proportions rather than single solvents. This composite solvent mixture enhances extraction efficiency and purity while reducing the number of processing steps required.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction methods using hexane and acetone are used, then lutein ester can be obtained, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a continuous extraction process where the composite solvent system continuously extracts lutein ester from marigold flowers in a single operation. This eliminates the need for multiple sequential steps, reducing processing time while maintaining high yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes extraction parameters including solvent composition (acetone-ethanol-water ratios), temperature, and extraction time to achieve maximum yield in minimum time. By adjusting these parameters, the process becomes both faster and more efficient.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional extraction methods are used, then lutein ester can be obtained, but environmental pollution increases due to use of harmful solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces persistent, harmful solvents like hexane with more environmentally benign solvents (acetone, ethanol, water) that are less persistent in the environment and can be more easily degraded. This substitution reduces environmental pollution while maintaining extraction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the extraction process by using solvents that are less harmful to the environment. The acetone-ethanol-water system, while effective for extraction, presents minimal environmental harm compared to traditional hydrocarbon solvents, thus converting a potentially harmful process into a greener one.
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 achieves high-purity lutein ester crystals with improved yield and reduced impurities, aligning with green chemistry principles and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the raw material to extraction with at least one polar solvent selected from ethanol, methanol, or combination thereof
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the residual biomass to extraction with an extractant comprising acetone, to obtain an acetone fraction
Implementation Method 3
concentrating the acetone fraction
Implementation Method 4
concentrating the isopropanol fraction, and optionally followed by crystallization to obtain lutein ester crystals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for preparing lutein ester, by providing a raw material selected from marigold flowers or marigold meal; subjecting the raw material to extraction using ethanol followed by acetone; and concentrating to obtain an extract which may then be crystallized to obtain lutein ester crystal of high purity. Further, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing lutein ester, by providing a raw material selected from marigold flowers or marigold meal; subjecting the raw material to extraction using isopropanol; and concentrating to obtain an extract which may then be crystallized to obtain lutein ester crystal of high purity.