Persimmon Leaf Extract Processing With Low-Toxicity Solvents
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing persimmon leaf extract leave residual resin and use toxic solvents like methanol, posing health risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving ethanol and ethyl acetate extraction followed by vacuum drying to produce persimmon leaf extract, eliminating the need for resin columns and using edible solvents with low toxicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional preparation methods use methanol as an extraction solvent, then extraction efficiency is improved, but toxicity increases and health safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction solvent from methanol (Class 2 solvent with toxicity) to ethanol (Class 3 solvent with low toxicity). This parameter change maintains extraction efficiency while eliminating the harmful toxicity effect, directly resolving the technical contradiction between productivity and health safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ethanol which can be easily removed through evaporation and is considered safer for consumption. The solvent is replaced rather than recovered, simplifying the process while ensuring product safety by using a solvent that degrades harmlessly
2Manufacturing precision
If adsorption resin column is used for purification, then purification effectiveness is improved, but residual resin remains and health safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adsorption resin column purification step entirely from the process. By using ethanol extraction followed by evaporation and concentration, the method achieves purification without introducing resin materials that would leave harmful residues, thus eliminating the contradiction between purification effectiveness and health safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the resin column purification mechanism with an alternative approach using ethanol's selective extraction properties and subsequent evaporation. This copying of the purification function through a different mechanism achieves the same goal without the harmful side effect of resin residue
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ethanol is used as extraction solvent, then health safety is improved, but extraction efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes ethanol extraction parameters including using 70-95% ethanol concentration, controlling extraction temperature at 40-80°C, and adjusting extraction time to 1-4 hours. These parameter changes ensure that ethanol maintains both its safety advantage and sufficient extraction efficiency for persimmon leaf compounds
4Quantity of substance
If ethyl acetate extraction is performed, then flavonoid recovery is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extraction process into distinct stages: initial ethanol extraction to remove impurities, followed by ethyl acetate extraction to specifically recover flavonoids. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized for its specific purpose, improving flavonoid recovery while keeping each individual step simple and manageable
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
Produces a safe, high-yield persimmon leaf extract that prevents hypertension, lowers blood pressure, and reduces cholesterol, while avoiding harmful residues and solvents.
Implementation Method 1
Ethanol is added to the dried crushed persimmon leaves and ethanol extraction is used to produce a persimmon leaf extraction solution
Implementation Method 2
Ethanol is added to the dried crushed persimmon leaves and ethanol extraction is used to produce a persimmon leaf extraction solution
Implementation Method 3
The persimmon leaf extraction solution is introduced into a concentrator and a first concentrated solution is produced while the ethanol is recycled
Implementation Method 4
Vacuum drying is used to dry the third concentrated solution to produce a dried persimmon leaf extract
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method for preparing persimmon leaf extract. Dried persimmon leaves are obtained and are crushed. Ethanol is added to the dried crushed persimmon leaves and ethanol extraction is used to produce a persimmon leaf extraction solution. The persimmon leaf extraction solution is introduced into a concentrator and a first concentrated solution is produced while the ethanol is recycled. The first concentrated solution is filtered to produce a filtrate. The filtrate is introduced into the concentrator to produce a second concentrated solution. The second concentrated solution is repeatedly extracted with ethyl acetate to produce a second persimmon leaf extraction solution. The second persimmon leaf extraction solution is introduced into a concentrator to produce a third concentrated solution while recycling the ethyl acetate. Vacuum drying is used to dry the third concentrated solution to produce a dried persimmon leaf extract.