PIT Emulsion Extraction for Botanical Active Substances
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extraction methods for botanical active substances are inefficient, requiring adaptation to the polarity of the substances and resulting in low yields over long periods, making them complex and time-consuming, especially when producing different active substances in the same facility.
Innovation Solution
The use of PIT emulsions, which are heated above their phase inversion temperature to facilitate extraction of active substances from botanical materials, allowing for higher yields in shorter times and simplifying the process regardless of the substance's polarity, with the option to prepare the emulsions in-situ during extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used, then the extraction process can be carried out with standard solvents and equipment, but the extraction yield is low and the extraction time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the PIT emulsion above its phase inversion temperature during extraction. This temperature parameter change transforms the emulsion into a microemulsion state with enhanced extraction capabilities, enabling higher extraction yields in shorter times compared to conventional extraction methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses PIT emulsions composed of lipids and emulsifiers as a composite extractant system. This composite material combines the advantages of both lipid-based and water-based solvents, enabling efficient extraction of diverse active substances with different polarities simultaneously, thereby improving productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional extraction methods are used, then the process can handle different active substances, but the extractants must be adapted for each substance's polarity making the process complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using PIT emulsions that can extract active substances with different polarities (lipophilic, hydrophilic, and amphiphilic) using the same extractant system. This eliminates the need to adapt different solvents for different substances, significantly simplifying the extraction process while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the temperature parameter above the phase inversion temperature, the PIT emulsion achieves a microemulsion state that enhances its ability to interact with diverse active substances, providing universal extraction capability across different polarity types without requiring process adaptation
3Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction methods are used, then the extraction can be performed with simple equipment, but only small amounts of active substance can be extracted within short periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits phase transitions by heating the PIT emulsion above its phase inversion temperature to transform it into a microemulsion state. This phase transition dramatically enhances the extraction rate and capacity, enabling large quantities of active substances to be extracted within short periods
Solution Approach 2:
The PIT emulsion composite material combines lipid and emulsifier components that work synergistically to enhance extraction efficiency, allowing for high-volume extraction of active substances in reduced timeframes compared to conventional single-solvent systems
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 significantly increases extraction yields and simplifies the process by allowing the use of PIT emulsions as direct extractants or preparing them in-situ, independent of the substance's nature, leading to more efficient and flexible industrial-scale extraction.
Implementation Method 1
an active-substance-containing starting material (i) (a) is either brought into contact with a PIT emulsion and the mixtures are heated to a temperature above the phase inversion temperature of the PIT emulsion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a process for the preparation of active substance concentrates, which is distinguished in that an active-substance-containing starting material,(i) (a) is either brought into contact with a PIT emulsion and the mixtures are heated to a temperature above the phase inversion temperature of the PIT emulsion, where they are held for a sufficient period of time, or(b) is brought into contact with an aqueous mixture of lipids and emulsifiers, which mixture is suitable for the formation of PIT emulsions, and the mixture is heated with strong shearing to a temperature above the phase inversion temperature with in-situ formation of a PIT emulsion, where the mixture is held for a sufficient period of time,(ii) the mixtures are cooled and filtered and, if appropriate,(iii) subjected to ultrafiltration and/or(iv) a further solvent extraction.