Extraction is a technique used to obtain a target component from a solid mixture or solution. The main goal of an extraction process is to maximize the target component yield with no or minimal impact on properties of the target component whilst minimizing the extraction of undesirable components. Based on the rapid growth of the flavor and fragrance industry, the extraction of natural ingredients from plants has become essential. Over the centuries, the extraction of flavor and fragrance substances has been transformed from empiricism to true science. Alfa Chemistry is interested in the extraction of flavors and fragrances, and we are committed to exploring new green extraction technologies to meet the rapidly growing demand for new natural ingredients.
Traditional extraction technology
Traditional extraction technologies include, but are not limited to, the following two categories.
Enfleurage, the extraction of elusive floral scents with the help of a lipophilic carrier (grease), was once widely used in the perfume industry. Enfleurage was appropriate for delicate flowers such as jasmine, narcissus, jonquil, tuberose, etc. With the development of technology, this ancient technique, which originated in the 19th century, has become obsolete. The main reason is that they are quite tedious, labor-intensive, time-consuming and expensive.
Solvent extraction is one of the extraction processes used in perfumery. It involves dissolving the fragrant components of the plant in a solvent and then evaporating it to form concretes, resinoids, and absolutes. Non-polar solvents such as hexane or petroleum ether are key solvents used for the extraction of this fragrant fraction consisting mainly in low polar volatile compounds. Conventional solvent extraction techniques have been widely used but still have some drawbacks such as low selectivity, high energy cost, and possible loss of volatile compounds during removal of the solvent.
Green extraction technology
Several emerging technological improvements, such as the use of new alternative solvents, can help to overcome the limitations of traditional extraction techniques. These new alternative solvents replace those conventional petroleum-sourced solvents and open up the possibility of green extraction.
- Supercritical fluid extraction
Supercritical fluid extraction is a technology that allows extraction of a wide range of diverse compounds from a variety of plant matrices. As an alternative approach, it receives increasing attention in the flavor and fragrance industry. Supercritical fluid extraction allows the processing of plant material at low temperatures, thus limiting thermal degradation and avoiding the use of toxic solvents. Carbon dioxide is the most common supercritical solvent used in the extraction of fragrances and flavor compounds because it is safe, economical, non-toxic, non-flammable and recyclable, allowing supercritical operation at relatively low pressure and near room temperature.
Liquefied gas is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state and can be used as an extraction solvent. Since the 1940s, liquefied gas has been used to extract fragrance molecules from fragile raw materials, such as gardenia, jasmine, rose, freesia, etc. Fluorinated liquefied gases are highly selective and non-flammable and are often used preferentially to extract odor molecules from natural raw materials[1].
- Other extraction techniques
In addition to the above mentioned green extraction techniques, there are other safe and renewable extraction techniques, such as agro-based solvent extraction, bio-solvent extraction, ionic liquid extraction, etc. These extraction techniques bring new possibilities to the flavor and fragrance industry based on the principle of green and sustainable.
In the context of sustainable development and a green future, the flavor and fragrance industry has opened a new round of technological innovation. Alfa Chemistry's extraction technology integrates the principles of green chemistry, driving our R&D team to develop eco-friendly solutions.
Reference:
- M. C. J. Bier, et al. Liquefied gas extraction: A new method for the recovery of terpenoids from agroindustrial and forest wastes. J. Supercrit. Fluids. 2016, 110: 97-102.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
