Supercritical Fluid Extraction for Trace Odor Molecule Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing malodorous molecules responsible for underarm odor are subjective, time-consuming, and lack sensitivity and accuracy, particularly in detecting trace levels, and supercritical fluid extraction is not commonly used for volatile components analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a container with a substrate adsorbed substance, using a solvent above its critical point to create a supercritical fluid for extraction, followed by temperature and pressure reduction in a separator to collect the extract, maintaining sample integrity and enabling efficient, sensitive analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas chromatography and solid phase microextraction are used to analyze malodorous molecules, then measurement sensitivity can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming leading to low throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the extraction solvent by using supercritical fluid conditions (temperature and pressure above critical point) instead of traditional liquid or gaseous states. This parameter change enables a single method to achieve both high sensitivity for trace malodorous molecules and high throughput by eliminating complex multi-step procedures while maintaining extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the extraction solvent from supercritical fluid back to gaseous state in the separator. This phase transition automatically separates the extract from the solvent, simplifying the extraction process and enabling rapid, high-throughput analysis while maintaining high sensitivity for detecting malodorous molecules at trace levels
2Quantity of substance
If liquid extraction techniques are used to extract compounds at low levels, then extraction can be performed, but large volumes of solvents are required which compromises detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent from liquid state to supercritical fluid state, which dramatically reduces the volume required for extraction while maintaining or enhancing extraction capacity. The supercritical state provides liquid-like density for high solubility and gas-like diffusivity for rapid mass transfer, enabling sensitive detection of trace compounds without requiring large solvent volumes that would dilute the analyte
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the substrate itself as the extraction medium, eliminating the need for separate liquid solvent systems. The supercritical fluid extracts compounds directly from the substrate matrix, and the substrate can be reused or replaced, providing a streamlined approach that maintains detection sensitivity while reducing solvent consumption
3Loss of information
If human assessment panels are used to score odour intensity, then direct perception can be obtained, but a high level of subjectivity is introduced making assessment challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/human sensory system (human nose and subjective judgment) with a chemical extraction and analytical system. The supercritical fluid extraction quantitatively transfers malodorous molecules from the substrate to the extract, which can then be analyzed using objective instrumental methods, eliminating human subjectivity while preserving the information about odour intensity and character
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces supercritical fluid extraction as an intermediary between the substrate containing malodorous molecules and the final analysis. This intermediary step quantitatively transfers the odor-causing compounds in a controlled manner, creating a representative sample that can be objectively measured, thereby bridging the gap between complex odour perception and precise quantitative analysis
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 maintains sample integrity and allows for robust, reproducible extraction and quantification of malodorous molecules, overcoming the limitations of existing techniques by providing high sensitivity and accuracy in a cost-effective and efficient process.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate on which a substance has been adsorbed
Implementation Method 2
the solvent has a critical point and the predetermined pressure is above the critical point
Implementation Method 3
reducing the temperature and pressure in the separator to remove a gaseous portion of the solvent from the extract
Data Source
AI summary
A method of extracting a substance comprising the steps of: placing a substrate on which a substance has been adsorbed into a container; feeding a solvent into the container whilst restricting its exit to achieve a predetermined pressure of the solvent in the container, wherein the solvent has a critical point and the predetermined pressure is above the critical point of the solvent; releasing the solvent and an extract comprising extracted substances into a separator; reducing the temperature and pressure in the separator to remove a gaseous portion of the solvent from the extract; collecting the extract remaining from the separator.