Proanthocyanidin Extraction Using Aqueous Ethanol and Polymeric Resin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing high-titre proanthocyanidin extracts are not easily scalable due to the use of toxic solvents, extreme temperatures, and complex equipment like supercritical fluids or ultrafiltration membranes, limiting industrial feasibility.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the use of aqueous ethanol for extraction and purification of proanthocyanidins from cranberry fruits or prepurified extracts, utilizing a macroreticular aliphatic crosslinked polymeric resin with mild conditions and non-toxic solvents, followed by concentration and drying, to achieve high proanthocyanidin content without the drawbacks of prior art.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If prior art processes are used to obtain high-titre proanthocyanidin extracts, then proanthocyanidin content can reach 80-90%, but the processes are not easily realisable on an industrial scale due to toxic solvents, extreme temperatures, and complex equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction parameters by using aqueous ethanol at room temperature instead of extreme temperatures and toxic solvents. The ethanol concentration (50-80% v/v) and extraction time (10 min to 2 hours) are optimized to achieve high proanthocyanidin extraction efficiency under mild conditions, making the process industrially scalable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts proanthocyanidins from cranberry fruit or prepurified extracts using aqueous ethanol, then purifies the extract through filtration and concentration. This selective extraction approach achieves high proanthocyanidin content (over 10%, preferably over 15%) without requiring the complex multi-step processes of prior art
2Productivity
If supercritical fluids or ultrafiltration membranes are used, then extraction efficiency improves, but device complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive materials such as macroreticular polymeric resins for filtration and standard vacuum concentration equipment. These replace complex supercritical fluid systems and ultrafiltration membranes, achieving comparable extraction efficiency with much simpler, more industrially feasible equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems (supercritical fluid extraction equipment, ultrafiltration membranes) with simpler chemical extraction using aqueous ethanol followed by vacuum concentration. This substitution maintains extraction efficiency while dramatically reducing equipment complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple extraction steps with various organic solvents are used, then proanthocyanidin purity increases, but process complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines extraction and purification into a single integrated process using aqueous ethanol. The extract is filtered through macroreticular polymeric resin and concentrated under vacuum in one continuous operation, achieving high proanthocyanidin purity without requiring multiple separate extraction steps with different solvents
4Quantity of substance
If extraction is carried out for long periods at extreme temperatures, then extraction completeness improves, but energy consumption and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction parameters to room temperature and short duration (10 min to 2 hours) by using aqueous ethanol as the extraction solvent. This achieves complete proanthocyanidin extraction without the energy-intensive extreme temperature conditions required by prior art methods
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 achieves proanthocyanidin extracts with over 10% content, preferably exceeding 15% and up to 20%, under mild conditions, making high-titre extracts more industrially viable and safe.
Implementation Method 1
Treating the crushed fruit containing high amounts in proanthocyanidins or an already prepurified extract rich in proanthocyanidins with aqueous ethanol
Implementation Method 2
loading the solution on a macroreticular aliphatic crosslinked polymeric resin
Implementation Method 3
washing with water said resin
Implementation Method 4
eluting the polymeric macroreticular aliphatic crosslinked resin coming from step (h) with aqueous ethanol
Implementation Method 5
concentrating the eluted solution coming from the previous step under vacuum
Implementation Method 6
drying the concentrated product coming from step (j) under vacuum
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process of preparation of extracts containing high amounts of proanthocyanidins involving the use as starting reactants of crushed fruits, plants or already prepurified extracts rich in proanthocyanidins.