Solid-Liquid Extraction Solvent Mixture for Polyphenol Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid/liquid extraction processes using hexane fail to produce polyphenol-rich oils and result in toxic residues, posing environmental and health risks, while alternative solvents like anhydrous 2-methyloxolane do not effectively extract polyphenols.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing a solvent mixture of 2-methyloxolane and water, with a water percentage between 0.3% to 20%, for solid/liquid extraction of biological substrates to produce polyphenol-rich crude oils and defatted cakes, enhancing polyphenol and tocopherol concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hexane is used as solvent in solid/liquid extraction, then high oil extraction yield is achieved, but toxic residues are produced posing environmental and health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the solvent system by replacing pure hexane with a mixture of 2-methyloxolane and water containing 1-10% water by weight. This parameter change maintains the solvent's extraction capability while eliminating toxicity, as 2-methyloxolane is non-toxic and biodegradable unlike hexane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs 2-methyloxolane, a solvent that is non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly, replacing hexane which requires strict disposal controls. The new solvent can be disposed of or degraded naturally without posing health or environmental risks, aligning with the principle of using safe, disposable-like substances.
2Productivity
If hexane is used for solid/liquid extraction, then high oil extraction yield is achieved, but polyphenol content in the extracted oil is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the solvent's chemical properties by using 2-methyloxolane instead of hexane. This parameter change allows the extraction system to selectively recover polyphenols along with the oil, as 2-methyloxolane has different solubility characteristics that favor polyphenol extraction while maintaining high oil yield.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If anhydrous 2-methyloxolane is used as solvent, then toxicity is reduced, but polyphenol extraction efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 2-methyloxolane with water in a specific ratio (1-10% water by weight) to create a combined solvent system. This combination leverages the non-toxicity of 2-methyloxolane while water contributes to polyphenol solubility and extraction efficiency, achieving both safety and effectiveness simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite solvent system consisting of 2-methyloxolane and water rather than a single pure solvent. This composite approach combines the advantageous properties of both components: the non-toxic, biodegradable nature of 2-methyloxolane and the polyphenol-solubilizing capability of water.
4Quantity of substance
If water percentage in solvent mixture is increased, then polyphenol extraction is improved, but solvent separation and recycling become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the water content parameter within the specific range of 1-10% by weight. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient polyphenol extraction while maintaining the solvent mixture's separability. The limited water content prevents excessive emulsion formation and facilitates easier separation from the oil phase compared to higher water concentrations.
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
The process effectively extracts higher concentrations of polyphenols and tocopherols, reducing environmental toxicity and improving the safety and nutritional value of the extracted products compared to hexane-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
a) solid/liquid extraction of the biological substrate with a solvent to obtain on the one hand a liquid fraction comprising the crude oil and the solvent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for producing an oil and a defatted cake by solid/liquid extraction. The process comprises a step of solid/liquid extraction using a solvent comprising 2-methyloxolane and water.