One-Shot Phytocomplex Extraction Using Phospholipid Vesicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting phytocomplexes from agro-industrial waste, such as pomace, are inefficient and require multiple steps, often using toxic solvents and resulting in low yields and unstable products that do not effectively increase bioavailability or effectiveness in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical applications.
Innovation Solution
A one-shot process that simultaneously extracts phytocomplexes from vegetable biomass and incorporates them into phospholipidic vesicles formed extemporaneously in an aqueous solution containing phospholipids, allowing for the simultaneous extraction and delivery of both hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules, enhancing bioavailability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple extraction steps are used to obtain phytocomplexes from agro-industrial waste, then the purity and concentration of active substances can be improved, but the process complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple extraction steps into a single integrated process by simultaneously adding phospholipids to the extraction medium. This merging of extraction and vesicle formation steps reduces process complexity while maintaining the ability to obtain pure phytocomplexes, as the phospholipids selectively bind to active substances during the extraction itself rather than requiring separate purification and encapsulation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction medium serves multiple functions simultaneously: it extracts phytocomplexes from the waste material, acts as a solvent for phospholipid dissolution, and provides the environment for vesicle formation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processing steps while ensuring high purity of the final product through selective phospholipid-phytocomplex interaction
2Reliability
If multiple sequential steps (extraction, solvent removal, vesicle loading) are used to prepare phospholipidic vesicles, then the stability and bioavailability of phytocomplexes can be improved, but the production time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Phospholipids are dissolved in the extraction medium before the extraction process begins, pre-positioning the vesicle-forming agents in the optimal location. This preliminary action allows vesicles to form simultaneously with extraction rather than requiring separate loading steps, significantly reducing production time while ensuring stable phospholipid-phytocomplex complexes are formed from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction process continues uninterrupted while phospholipids simultaneously form vesicles around the extracted phytocomplexes. This continuous dual action eliminates idle time between extraction and vesicle formation, maintaining productive action throughout the entire process while ensuring stable encapsulated products are generated continuously
3Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction solvents are used to maximize yield of phytocomplexes, then the quantity of active substances can be improved, but the toxicity and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction medium by using phospholipid-based solutions instead of conventional organic solvents. This parameter change maintains high extraction yield through phospholipid-phytocomplex interaction while eliminating the toxicity associated with traditional solvents, as phospholipids are biocompatible and non-toxic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically wasted pomace material into a valuable source of phytocomplexes by using phospholipid extraction that specifically targets and binds active substances. This approach transforms low-value waste into high-value encapsulated products while using benign phospholipid solvents that eliminate environmental harm, turning a disposal problem into a beneficial resource
4Reliability
If phospholipids are added to extraction solution for simultaneous vesicle formation, then the bioavailability and effectiveness of phytocomplexes are improved, but the process requires precise control of phospholipid concentration and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Phospholipids in the extraction medium automatically self-assemble into vesicles around phytocomplexes as they are extracted, driven by the amphiphilic nature of phospholipids and their spontaneous interaction with hydrophobic active substances. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for precise external control, as the system self-regulates vesicle formation based on local concentration gradients and molecular interactions
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 process results in a richer, more stable phytocomplex with improved bioavailability and effectiveness, as the phospholipidic vesicles effectively convey active substances across biological membranes, increasing their accumulation and protective benefits in target tissues.
Implementation Method 1
adding phospholipids and the simultaneous formation of phospholipidic vesicles carrying said phytocomplexes
Implementation Method 2
the phospholipidic vesicles effectively convey active substances across biological membranes
Implementation Method 3
a one-shot process that simultaneously extracts phytocomplexes from vegetable biomass and incorporates them into phospholipidic vesicles formed extemporaneously in an aqueous solution containing phospholipids
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the treatment and valorisation of agro-food production waste such as pomace and to the products thus obtained. In particular, the invention refers to a process for the extraction of phytocomplexes from agro-industrial waste by the addition of phospholipids and the simultaneous formation of phospholipidic vesicles loaded with said phytocomplexes. The extraction and delivery take place one-shot and make it possible to obtain pomace phytocomplexes delivered in phospholipidic vesicles by simply adding the phospholipids directly into the extraction solution. The products thus obtained can be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical fields.