Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Omega-3 from Plant Powder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting omega-3 fatty acids from plants using organic solvents are harmful to humans, environmentally toxic, costly, and result in low selectivity and purity, with existing supercritical fluid technology not applied to Portulaca oleracea L. or perilla for bioactive component extraction.
Innovation Solution
A method involving drying omega fatty acid-containing plants to powder and extracting using supercritical carbon dioxide at optimal temperatures (20-70°C) and pressures (150-350 bar) to produce high-purity omega-3 fatty acid extracts, which can include DHA and linolenic acid, with controlled conditions for maximum yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If organic solvents are used for extracting omega-3 fatty acids from plants, then extraction efficiency is improved, but harmful factors to human health and environment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and chemical properties of the extraction medium from conventional organic solvents to supercritical carbon dioxide by adjusting temperature and pressure parameters. This transformation maintains high extraction efficiency while eliminating the harmful effects of organic solvents, as CO2 is non-toxic and environmentally benign when used in supercritical state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs carbon dioxide as a temporary extraction medium that is subsequently removed completely from the final product. The CO2 serves its extraction function and then is discarded or recycled, leaving no harmful residues in the omega-3 fatty acid extract, thus providing a safe and clean extraction approach
2Speed
If conventional extraction methods are used, then extraction speed is improved, but purity and selectivity of omega-3 fatty acids deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in temperature and pressure parameters to control the supercritical state of CO2, which enables both rapid extraction and high selectivity. By optimizing these parameters, the method achieves fast extraction rates while maintaining high purity of omega-3 fatty acids through selective solubility in the supercritical medium
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical extraction methods with supercritical fluid extraction, which combines the advantages of both liquid and gas phases. This substitution enables rapid mass transfer (high speed) while the selective solubility characteristics of supercritical CO2 provide high purity and selectivity for omega-3 fatty acids
3Productivity
If organic solvent extraction is used, then extraction capability is improved, but production cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs carbon dioxide, which can be obtained from atmospheric air or industrial processes, as the extraction medium. The CO2 is recycled within the system by depressurizing the supercritical fluid back to gaseous state and re-compressing it, reducing the need for continuous input of expensive solvents and minimizing environmental impact while maintaining high extraction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and recycles the carbon dioxide solvent after extraction by reducing pressure to return it to gaseous state and re-compressing it for reuse. This recovery process eliminates the need for continuous solvent replacement, reducing production costs and environmental impact while maintaining consistent extraction capability
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 achieves high yields (2-3%) of high-purity omega-3 fatty acids, reducing costs and environmental impact, and allows for the extraction of omega-3 fatty acids from inexpensive and easily obtainable plants like Portulaca oleracea L., suitable for health foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Implementation Method 1
extracting an omega fatty acid from the prepared plant powder using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent at an optimal temperature and at an optimal pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing an extract containing omega fatty acids from a plant containing omega fatty acids, including the following steps: drying the plant containing omega fatty acids to prepare a powder; and extracting omega fatty acids from the prepared plant powder by using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent at an optimum temperature and pressure, a dietary supplement and a cholesterol-lowering pharmaceutical composition containing plant-derived omega fatty acids extracted by the method, and omega fatty acids-containing plant extract containing a predetermined or greater amount of omega-3 fatty acids.