Supercritical Plant Coloring Extracts With Free-Fatty-Acid Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing natural plant-based coloring materials face issues such as low extraction yields, instability, difficulty in dispersion, and presence of unpleasant compounds, particularly in cosmetics and food sectors, due to low concentrations of active molecules and sensitivity to chemical and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A process involving supercritical fluid extraction followed by coating with free fatty acids is used to obtain a coloring extract from plants of the Asteridae subclass, specifically Rubiaceae and/or Bignoniaceae, enhancing stability and ease of formulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If water extraction at atmospheric pressure is used to obtain plant coloring molecules, then the extraction process is simple and safe, but the extraction yield is low and the product concentration is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from atmospheric pressure extraction to supercritical fluid extraction at elevated pressures (73-300 atm) and temperatures (31-50°C). This fundamental parameter change enables significantly higher extraction yields and product concentrations while maintaining process safety through the use of CO2, which returns to gas phase upon pressure release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses supercritical CO2 as an intermediary extraction medium. This intermediary substance provides the benefits of both liquid (high solubility power) and gas (easy separation, no residue) states, enabling high-yield extraction without the complexity or safety concerns of traditional organic solvents.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plant-based coloring species are used, then safety concerns are reduced, but stability against chemical compounds, pH variations, and natural light is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing extraction at optimized supercritical conditions before the coloring molecules are exposed to destabilizing environmental factors. The supercritical extraction process selectively isolates stable coloring compounds while excluding unstable or degraded substances, pre-establishing product stability before formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent produces composite coloring materials that combine plant-derived coloring molecules with supercritical CO2-extracted carriers or encapsulants. This composite approach enhances the intrinsic stability of the coloring species against pH variations, chemical compounds, and light exposure while maintaining their natural safety profile.
3Device complexity
If traditional extraction methods are used, then the process is simple, but the extract contains unpleasant compounds and has difficulty in dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by using supercritical CO2 to selectively extract only the desired coloring molecules from plant material, leaving behind unpleasant compounds such as waxes, resins, and volatile oils in the plant residue. The selective solubility of supercritical CO2 enables separation of desirable coloring agents from undesirable constituents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses supercritical CO2 as an inert extraction atmosphere that does not react with or introduce unwanted compounds to the coloring molecules. This inert environment prevents oxidation and chemical degradation during extraction, yielding a cleaner extract free from unpleasant compounds while simplifying the overall process through single-step extraction.
4Productivity
If water extraction with heating is used, then extraction efficiency is improved, but degradation of coloring molecules may occur due to high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits phase transitions of CO2 between supercritical and gaseous states to achieve efficient extraction at low temperatures. By controlling pressure and temperature to maintain CO2 in the supercritical phase during extraction, then allowing it to return to gas phase for easy separation, the process achieves high extraction efficiency without subjecting heat-sensitive coloring molecules to degrading high temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal energy input with mechanical energy (pressure) to drive the extraction process. Instead of relying on high temperatures to increase extraction efficiency, supercritical fluid extraction uses elevated pressure to achieve the supercritical state of CO2, which then provides enhanced solubility and mass transfer at temperatures that preserve molecule integrity.
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 results in a stable, safe, and easily formulated coloring material with improved concentration and resistance to environmental factors, suitable for cosmetic applications.
Implementation Method 1
an extraction step using a supercritical fluid
Implementation Method 2
a coating step using an ingredient or a composition based on free fatty acids
Data Source
AI summary
Coloring raw material consisting of a coloring extract from all or one or more parts of one or more plants of the Asteridae subclass chosen from Rubiaceae and/or Bignoniaceae using a process comprising (a) a step of extraction by a supercritical fluid, then (b) a step of coating with an ingredient or a composition based on free fatty acids. Composition comprising this coloring material, used in particular in the cosmetic field. Make-up process, in particular for the skin or lips or eyelashes or nails, using such a composition.