Selective Extraction of Nonpolar Natural Substances via Phase Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for extracting non-polar natural substances, such as brevilin A, from raw materials like Centipeda minima are inefficient, complicated, and require toxic solvents, leading to high production costs and low extraction efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The dissolution-emulsion extraction (DEE) method involves preparing a primary liquid extract from natural raw materials, mixing it with a phase separation composition containing a lipophilic solubilizer, and isolating the supernatant to obtain non-polar natural substances, which includes brevilin A, using a harmless solvent and omitting drying steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If liquid-liquid extraction method is used to extract non-polar natural substances, then extraction can be performed, but toxic solvents are required and extraction efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidtoxicity of solvents

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the extraction system by replacing traditional organic solvents with supercritical carbon dioxide. This parameter change transforms the extraction medium from a liquid state requiring toxic chemicals to a supercritical state using a harmless gas, thereby eliminating solvent toxicity while improving extraction efficiency through the unique properties of supercritical fluids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of carbon dioxide between gaseous and supercritical states to achieve extraction. By controlling pressure and temperature, CO2 transitions to a supercritical state for extraction, then returns to gaseous state for easy separation, eliminating the need for toxic solvent removal processes and improving overall extraction efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple repeated extraction processes are used to extract non-polar substances, then extraction completeness can be improved, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction completenessVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple extraction steps into a single integrated supercritical fluid extraction process. By combining extraction, separation, and concentration into one continuous process using supercritical CO2, the method achieves complete extraction in a single operation rather than requiring multiple repeated extractions, thereby simplifying the overall process while maintaining extraction completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If traditional extraction methods are used, then extraction can be performed, but process time is long and production costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction speedVSAvoidprocess time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical extraction methods involving multiple steps (extraction, filtration, evaporation, concentration) with a supercritical fluid extraction system that uses controlled pressure and temperature changes. This substitution dramatically reduces process time by achieving extraction, separation, and concentration in a single continuous operation, thereby improving extraction speed while reducing overall process time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for the efficient extraction of non-polar natural substances with high yield and rapid processing, eliminating the need for toxic solvents and drying, enabling immediate use and enhanced absorption rates due to micro-emulsification.

Implementation Method 1

mixing the primary liquid extract with a phase separation composition containing a lipophilic solubilizer and conducting a second extraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolubilization: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

mixing the primary liquid extract with a phase separation composition containing a lipophilic solubilizer and conducting a second extraction, and isolating the supernatant of the phase-separated solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase separation: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

enhanced absorption rates due to micro-emulsification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicro-emulsification: Microemulsion

Data Source

PatentUS11752450B2Selective extraction method for natural substances

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 D NATURE CO LTD

AI summary

An extraction method for nonpolar natural substances includes: a step of conducting extraction of natural raw materials to prepare a first liquid extract; a step of mixing the first liquid extract with a phase separation composition containing a lipophilic solubilizer and water, and conducting a second extraction; and a step of isolating the supernatant of the phase-separated solution to obtain non-polar natural substances.