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Supercritical Fluid Extraction Technology

Supercritical fluid extraction technology (SFE) is recognized as one of the most innovative and efficient methods of extracting bioactive compounds from natural resources, especially in the pharmaceutical and food industries. This method is rapidly expanding due to its significant advantages over traditional methods. In this text, we will explore the scientific principles, benefits, applications and challenges of this technology.

Scientific Principles of Supercritical Technology

Supercritical fluid refers to a state of matter that is at a temperature and pressure higher than its critical points. In this case, there are simultaneous liquid and gas characteristics. For example, carbon dioxide (CO₂) reaches supercritical state at temperatures above 31 degrees C and pressures above 73 times. In this case, CO has a density close to that of a liquid and a viscosity similar to that of a gas, which makes this fluid capable of dissolving different compounds.

advantages of Extraction with Supercritical Fluid

  • Maintain quality and purity
  • Absence of harmful solvents
  • High performance SFE
  • SELECTABILITY
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1- Maintaining quality and purity: One of the biggest challenges in traditional extraction methods is maintaining the quality and purity of active compounds, this technology uses controlled temperature and pressure، can extract sensitive compounds without degradation. This feature is particularly important for medicinal plants that have volatile and heat-sensitive compounds.

2- Absence of harmful solvents: In the process of extraction with supercritical fluid, no harmful organic solvents are used or only small amounts are required. This leads to the production of products with minimal solvent residue that are safer for human consumption.

3- High performance: SFE requires less time to extract than traditional methods such as distillation or soaking, and usually results can be obtained in less time. This speed is very important in industrial processes because it can lead to lower costs and increased productivity.
4-selectability: By changing the temperature and pressure conditions, it is possible to have high selectivity in the extraction of certain compounds. This feature helps the pharmaceutical industry to extract the compounds they want more accurately.

SFE technology is used in a variety of industries:

Cosmetic industry

It is used to extract essential oils and bioactive compounds, which are very important in the production of skin care products.

Cosmetic industry

food industry

It is used to extract natural flavors, colors, and antioxidants from plant sources without the use of harmful chemical solvents.

food industry

Pharmaceutical industry

To extract effective pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from herbal and natural materials is used. This technology allows the production of high-quality drugs.

Pharmaceutical industry

Supercritical CO2 extraction system

It can be said that most of the pleasant scents and flavors in factory food، Many of the perfumes you use and the beautiful cosmetics you have are caused by these effective ingredients.

Supercritical CO2 extraction system

Despite the significant benefits of SFE, there are several challenges:

01

Initial costs

The initial investment for SFE equipment may be high which may limit its acceptance in some companies.

02

Optimization of parameters

fine-tuning of extraction parameters such as pressure and temperature is crucial to achieving the best results. Failure to pay attention to these parameters may result in a decrease in the quality or efficiency of the product

03

Challenges and needs

The effective extraction of substances from medicinal plants faces challenges. One of the main challenges is the need to reduce extraction time and solvent consumption. Also, maintaining the quality of extracts and preventing the destruction of active compounds is also of great importance.

04

conclusion

The potential for innovation in the field of extracting valuable materials from medicinal plants is very high. Due to the diversity of medicinal plants in Iran and the growing need for natural products, investment in this field can lead to significant scientific and economic achievements.

Machine working (SFE)

In a supercritical CO2 extraction system, the process starts from the work tank, where CO2 is stored for operation. It is then compressed in a high-pressure pump and looks at the desired extraction temperature. It is then directed to one of the extraction tanks where the carrier material is located. Extractors are equipped with fast opening doors to allow easy and safe filling and unloading. Solid raw materials are usually imported to the miner using a basket. Several extraction tanks can be combined with a functional system to perform continuous extraction despite the batch performance of the miners. after leaving the miners، The loaded carbon dioxide reaches the separators where a change in pressure or temperature creates the conditions in which the extract is separated from carbon dioxide. The extract can then be collected at the end of the separators. In the last separator, CO2 usually expands to the gas state to remove all remaining compounds after separation، The gas is liquefied in a condenser and returned to the work tank. Now it can be used again.

01

Traditional methods

These methods involve soaking, boiling, and pressing, which are done manually and are still used in many communities to produce local extracts.

The future of extracting valuable substances from plants

The extraction of valuable materials from plants, especially medicinal plants, is recognized as a research and industrial area with high potential for innovation and development. This process involves various techniques and methods used to extract active compounds from plant tissues. In the following, we will examine the existing and future methods of this field.
extraction methods

The methods of extracting materials from plants are divided into two general categories:
1- Traditional methods 2- Modern methods.

02

Modern methods

With the advancement of science and technology, methods such as solvent extraction, distillation of water vapor, extraction with supercritical fluid & microwave ovens have been developed. These methods provide the ability to extract higher quality compounds and higher yields.