Manufacturing High-Quality Nutraceuticals Necessitate Supercritical Co2 Extraction

Supercritical CO2 is carbon dioxide that has been compressed and heated beyond its critical point (31.1 oC, 1081 psi). There are many advantages to using this fluid, including minimal cost and no residual solvents, but these are only a few of them. The carbon dioxide used in supercritical CO2 activities is simply diverted from other large-scale industrial processes using extraction or separation equipment. Supercritical CO2 is used in a range of green chemical processes because of its minimal environmental effect.

As a solvent for industrial processes, supercritical CO2 has become a popular choice due to its low cost, as well as its nontoxicity and lack of volatile properties.

For these reasons, supercritical CO2 is recognized as "GRAS" (Generally Recognized as Safe), which is a necessary classification for industrial applications.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Supercritical fluid extraction?

In comparison to other common solvents, carbon dioxide has the advantage of not being flammable or dangerous. The disadvantage of this solvent is that it requires a great deal more pressure than hydrocarbon solvents. As an example, a high-quality supercritical CO2 extraction machine will operate at a pressure of 3800 psi or more. Pressures as high as 15000 psi are possible using high-pressure equipment. It takes a significant amount of engineering and expensive equipment to achieve and manage such high pressures. For a fraction of the price of hydrocarbon solvents, and without the need of operating in a hazardous environment, the solvent may be used.

For extractions and separations, supercritical CO2 offers several benefits in terms of 'tunability' since it can be fine-tuned by making incremental temperature and/or pressure adjustments. This allows the solvent's behavior to be very selective when utilized. Due to the comparatively high working pressures of Supercritical CO2, several 'unwanted' extraction/separation results may occur. As an example, in botanical extractions, Supercritical CO2 eliminates a large number of unwanted fats and lipids from plant materials.

In order to determine if you should employ supercritical or subcritical methods, what are some of the most basic approaches?

To describe a state of matter in which it is below the critical point, it is called "sub-critical." Carbon dioxide may exist in a variety of forms, including gas, liquid, and solid. For extractions, liquid phase carbon dioxide is a popular choice since it can be used at lower temperatures. Liquid carbon dioxide has a lesser solubility than supercritical carbon dioxide, which has a higher solubility. The only way to know for sure whether supercritical or subcritical CO2 is better is to conduct experiments and gather data. We provide our clients process development services in exchange for a charge.

Nutraceutical ingredients

For extraction, purification, recrystallization, and fractionation, supercritical fluids are preferred. This technology is used to process hundreds of millions of pounds of coffee, tea, and hops each year. Supercritical CO2 extraction is becoming more popular in the herbal and botanical extracts, vitamins, and supplements sectors since it is linked with the highest purity and quality. 

The rising scrutiny of organic solvents and the demand for improved nutraceuticals and natural commodities have driven the study of alternate and better extraction processes. Astaxanthin from microalgae, paclitaxel from yew needles, and lycopene from tomato peels are some of the active compounds that may be concentrated using supercritical CO2. By fractionating EPA/DHA from fish oils and algae, nutraceutical companies may provide their client's optimal fat ratios. In addition to boosting product concentration and yield, a more efficient extraction process removes solvent residues, which is very important.

In comparison to traditional solvent methods, Supercritical fluid extraction is a more efficient method. High purity and concentrations of the product may be achieved using supercritical fluids. Furthermore, there are no organic solvent residues in either the extract or the waste biomass. For best product stability and quality, extraction is most effective at low working temperatures—less than 50 degrees Celsius, for example.

Creating plant-based nutraceuticals necessitates the use of a supercritical process for three reasons.

No leftover solvents, thus it's pure.

Value-added product made with minimum extraction times, better yields, and reduced maintenance/energy consumption for cost-effectiveness via mechanical innovation

Supercritical CO2 extraction is a non-toxic alternative to traditional extraction methods, resulting in cleaner and healthier end products that may be consumed by humans.

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Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Natural Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plant Materials: Recent Advances

In this blog post, you will read about recent advances in greener technology for extracting natural bioactive components from plant origin sources. Bioactive compounds of plant origin are natural compounds present in small amounts in plants. Due to its human health benefits and characteristics of being eco-friendly, researchers have shown great interest in extracting bioactive compounds. Nowadays, many extraction techniques and conventional extraction methods have developed. However, no extraction technique has been obtainable as a benchmark for extracting natural bioactive compounds from plants. 

Productivity, as well as selectivity of modern and traditional extraction methods, depends on selecting the critical input parameters. These parameters include plant-based samples, the structure of bioactive compounds, and good scientific skills. This blog intends to discuss the recent advances in supercritical fluid extraction methods, especially supercritical CO2. In addition to the supercritical fluid extraction technique, there is the use of fundamental principles for extracting bioactive compounds from natural materials like spices, herbs, aromatic and medicinal plants. 

 

Extraction is one of the most suitable methods used to separate components from plant-based materials. These days, many extraction techniques are used at the laboratory, pilot, and commercial scales by many researchers in order to extract the different target compounds present in plants. 

While talking about bioactive compounds, these are natural secondary metabolites extracted from many plants parts. These plant parts are leaves, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, and fruits by using many extraction procedures. The demand for these compounds is increasing day by day and this is because they are professed as natural and safe for applications in many industries such as food, feed, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to this, bioactive compounds have been found to possess a wide spectrum of health-promoting characteristics for animals and humans such as antibacterial, anti-inflammation, anti-aging, and anti-cancer effects.   

 

The extraction method of steam distillation, hydro-distillation, and pressing methods are used to isolate essential oils, fatty acids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids. But these extraction methods have some limitations such as: 

Ø  Time-consuming

Ø  Losing some volatile compounds 

Ø  The possibility of leaving toxic solvent residue in the extract

Ø  Low yield & low extraction efficiency 

As a result, in recent years, green chemistry was developed for extraction purposes in order to reduce energy and solvent consumption and replace conventional solvents with eco-friendly substitutes.

Modern techniques to extract and isolate bioactive compounds from plant-based materials are gaining more and more popularity in the research and development field. Let us take some examples of extraction methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and fluid extraction at presently accessible and environmentally sustainable technologies. 

In simple words, greener technology is an extraction method based on the detection and development of extraction processes, which will reduce energy consumption and enables the use of solvent substitutes.  

In closing

From this whole content journey, it can be right to say supercritical fluid extraction is an isolation technique commonly employed to extract the natural bio-active compound from plants due to the unique properties of supercritical fluids. Supercritical carbon dioxide behaves like a liquid and like a gas simultaneously. Hopefully, the information shared through this post regarding supercritical fluids will help you a lot. Thank you for reaching out!

 

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Co2 Extraction Process Co-Solvent Types

While talking about co-solvent, it can be divided into two categories. The first type is miscible solvent on another side the smaller content is considered as an entertainer. The separation of heavy oils often uses two or more two C3 ~ C3 light hydrocarbon mixtures. Moreover, the interaction between the solvents makes the mixing solvent are far better than a single solvent. The second category of co-solvent is to add subcritical organic solvent in order to obtain pure supercritical fluids. Additionally, they may form a single-phase miscible mixed fluid, and it depends upon the amount of mixing and dragged by the supercritical fluid. Through this content journey, you may easily understand supercritical fluid extraction and the CO2 extraction process. 

 

Two ways:

In supercritical gases, co-solvent can affect the solubility as well as selectivity in two ways:

First way: Solvent Density

Second Way: Interaction between trainer and interaction molecules.

In simple words, the mixing of the little amount of entrained gives little effect on the density of the solvent gas. Additionally, the defining factors affecting selectivity as solubility in the Van der Waals forces between the molecules of solute and the trainer. Or there is some definite intermolecular between the solute role and the trainer in order to form hydrogen bonds and some other chemical forces as well. In addition to this, the critical point of the mixed solvent will change accordingly after adding the trainer. 

 

On the other side, other solvents are frequently used as co-solvent for carbon-dioxide research. Under moderate pressure and room temperature conditions, they can form a homogeneous miscible state with CO2.

To clear this point, let us take an example of a polar solvent with high solubility parameters. These polar solvents include methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (CH3CH2OH), and acetone (C3H6O) and are used as co-solvent and added to carbon dioxide. Not only the δ value of the mixture fluid is improved but also the continuous turnability of the fluid solubility parameter δ can be maintained. This is because, there is a special molecular force such as Lewis’s acid-base force, hydrogen bonding force, association force. And they are formed between the polar and the polar co-solvent, the selectivity and solubility of the solute enhance.

 

Importance of co-solvent in the CO2 extraction process:

• It helps to increase the solubility of the separated components in supercritical fluids.

• It helps to improve the selectivity of the solute when a suitable entertainer that plays a definite role when the solute is added.

Wrapping up

In the end, we can say non-polar carbon dioxide can effectively extract non-polar lipophilic substances of starch derivatives and selectivity as well. Add an appropriate amount of non-polar solvent to utilize co-solvent in order to improve the extraction process of CO2. Hopefully, the information shared through this post regarding supercritical fluid extraction and the role of co-solvent in the extraction process will help you a lot. Furthermore, you can clear your doubts and ask your questions in the below comment section box. To read more blogs and articles about the supercritical extraction process, feel free to visit https://tharprocess.com/. Thank you for reaching out!

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CBD Extraction Methods - Thar Process

The popularity of cannabis plants is increasing day by day as cannabinoid are found in them and is an alternative solution to common ailments. For example, tetrahydrocannabinol (C21H30O2) is another cannabinoid, which is also found in cannabis plants. Moreover, this CBD doesn`t have a psychoactive effect and, when this CBD oil is ingested, only 1/5th part of it is absorbed. The process of CBD must be carried out carefully in order to have CBD oil effective. These days, with the development of technology, there are numerous options available and, most CO2 Extraction Companies like Thar process believe in supercritical CO2 extraction method. This is because this method of extraction is environment friendly, less-expensive, non-toxic, and green product obtain as a yield. Let`s have a look at CBD extraction through this content journey.

Different types of extraction methods:

#1. CO2 Extraction: The king of all extraction methods

Supercritical carbon dioxide is used as a solvent in the CO2 extraction method to pull phytochemicals from cannabis plants. Supercritical CO2 possesses the properties of liquid as well as gas and, the critical temperature and pressure of supercritical carbon dioxide are 31 degrees Celsius and 73 bar respectively. This state of solvent is perfect for extraction this fluid can easily move through materials like gas and dissolve materials like a liquid.  

#2. Solvent extraction:

In this extraction method, a hydrocarbon such as ethanol (CH3CH2OH) works as a solvent to remove extracts from cannabis plants trimming. And this typically looks like this:

• First of all, CH3CH2OH (Ethanol) is added to trimming and mixed for minutes and after that, allow ethanol to dissolve extracts from the plant materials. 

• After that, ethanol is strained from the materials. 

• At the end of this extraction process, all the ethanol is evaporated by heating and, only the plant extracts remain.

#3Dry ice or ice water method:

It is clear from the name of this extraction method that dry ice is used as a solvent. But there is a question about dry ice. The carbon dioxide (CO2), which is in solid form is known as dry ice. While the extraction process is carried on, this creates a powdery resin extract often referred to as bubble hash. In this method of extraction, there are many variations and, they follow these below steps:

• Dry ice is mixed with finely-chopped plant trimmings and, this step is helping in separating extracts from the plant material. 

• After that, some water is added to the mixture of trimming and ice, and the final mixture is strained through a mesh bag. 

• You will see, the extracts settle at the bottom of the strained mixture. You can get the final product in powder form by draining excess water from the top.

Wrapping up

In all extraction methods, temperature control is an important element to obtain a higher yield in CBD extraction. Moreover, the temperatures have positive as well as negative impacts as the excess temperature can damage CBD and, lower temperatures can`t proceed the process. For example, in the CO2 Extraction process, the temperature of CO2 is about 31°C and, if this temperature is varied, it can give a negative impact on the final product. Thanks! 

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CO2 Extraction of Cannabis Oil: A Guide

The process of CO2 extraction is used to make many food and other products and, these days its popularity is highly in demand as it extracts top quality cannabis oil high in cannabidiol. In the medical cannabis and therapeutic hemp industries, supercritical as well as subcritical extraction is highly used with large commercial operations. Through this content journey, we may come to know about the CO2 extraction for cannabis oil. 

 

Safer, cheaper, and greener solvent:

Cannabis oil uses on a commercial scale either through the use of hydrocarbon solvents such as hexane, butane or via other supercritical or subcritical carbon dioxide processes. The extraction based on carbon dioxide is considered more environmentally friendly. Additionally, this solvent is safer, cleaner, and less toxic than fossil-based extraction.  

What is supercritical CO2?

In simple words, a supercritical carbon dioxide is a pressurized form of CO2 having critical temperature and, critical pressure is 31 °C and 73 bar. This liquid form of carbon dioxide is known as supercritical CO2. Supercritical CO2 extraction enables directing maximum productivities of cannabidiol reliant on the type and quality of cannabis material being used.

 

Supercritical carbon dioxide: cannabis oil extraction

• First of all, the extraction chamber is filled with ground material, which is known as trim. 

• After that, a pump forces highly pressurized CO2 at optimum temperature into the extraction chamber.

• In the extraction chamber, liquid carbon dioxide acts as a solvent and interacts with cannabis. 

• The highly pressured form of carbon dioxide carries the oil particles of cannabis and, the pressure inside the separator is lower and, the CO2 and cannabis oil separate out. 

• The liquid carbon dioxide increases and is running scared back to the CO2 tank for recycling in the case of a closed-loop system.

• The cannabis oil, waxes, and resins incline in the separator where they are seized by a collection container.

• The resultant material is treated further into numerous products, such as cannabis oil, free of any solvents.

 

Cannabidiol oil yields with supercritical CO2

While talking about yield oil with supercritical carbon dioxide, it produces approx.10% true cannabis oil and, it depends on trim weight. On the other side, if you add in the resin and waxes that are essential for some application and the final product may be from 18 to 25% of the product. 

 

Costs of supercritical CO2 extraction equipment:

The equipment used for the carbon dioxide extraction process is too much expensive. And, it varies from tens of thousands of dollars for small units and thousands of dollars for cutting edge having a capacity of 60 liters.

 

Wrapping up

In the end, we can say Supercritical CO2 extraction is nothing without carbon dioxide, or also can say that supercritical carbon dioxide is the backbone for many extraction industries. Hopefully, the information shared through this informative post will help you a lot regarding the role of highly pressurized CO2 in the extraction process. Thanks!

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What is a Supercritical Fluid?

A supercritical fluid is a highly-pressurized fluid having properties of the gas as well as liquid and, this technology is used in many industrial applications. This critical fluid is like a base of clean technology and is an alternative solvent for the extraction of natural products and other chemicals. On the website of Thar Process, you will find many applications on supercritical fluids in the extraction industry. Through this blog, you may come to know about supercritical fluid and its uses in many industrial areas.

How do you create a Supercritical Fluid?

In order to create a supercritical fluid, it is essential to apply pressure and temperature above its critical points. To clear this point, let us take an example of carbon dioxide when the temperature and pressure of CO2 are 31 degrees Celsius and, above 73 bar, it turns into a mixture form of gas and liquid. This supercritical fluid uses as a solvent in many extractions processes. Moreover, operating these conditions helps in creating many unique properties to extract natural products. 

 

Subcritical and Supercritical water (H2O)?

At 374°C temperature and 220 bar pressure, water has a higher supercritical point than carbon dioxide. Additionally, it is suitable for various hydrothermal processes for oxidation in waste processes and treats hazardous waste. You will see, at the supercritical level oxidation occur and gases and organic compound mix together. Moreover, this supercritical fluid is used as an alternative to supercritical carbon dioxide. The water in the supercritical region is highly pressurized and is in liquid form. The properties of the fluid can be alternated to selectively extract natural materials by changing the temperature and pressure between 150°C and 350°C, and 15 to 200 bar. 

 

Uses of supercritical fluids:

Extraction

 The essential gain of supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) has over solvents used in extraction techniques its excessive diffusion and the capability to selectively modify the homes to selectively extract one-of-a-kind components. Once dissolved in supercritical CO2 depressurization releases the extracted factors and, the CO2 is back to a fuel This can then both be evaporated harmlessly into the air or recycled by way of condensation.

Sterilization

Supercritical fluid can be used to deactivate or ruin some bacteria, fungi, and yeasts via excessive strain disrupting or destroying the mobile partitions. And they are consequently used in sterilizing meals and scientific instruments.  

Purification

Chromatography of extracted elements the use of supercritical fluids can acquire an excessive range of purification. Its examples contain vegetable oils, plant extracts, fish oil. 

Chemical reactions

Supercritical fluids can decorate the solubility of reactants and merchandise growing response rate. Examples encompass biomass conversion, gasoline processing, quite many varieties of catalysis and polymerization.

Drying

You can use these fluids to dissolve solvents into the supercritical segment besides collapsing the 3D buildings inside pretty porous materials due to an absence of floor anxiety in supercritical fluids. This procedure is additionally used in modern-day dry-cleaning methods for clothes, to change chlorinated solvents.

In closing

The above listing is the uses of supercritical fluid and conditions to make a supercritical liquid that can be used as a solvent in the extraction process. Hopefully, the information shared through this post regarding Supercritical fluid will help you a lot. Thanks!

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Chromatography's Role in Cannabis Testing

If you want to know the role of chromatography in the cannabis industry, this blog is for you. Through this post, we are going to discuss the importance of chromatography in cannabis testing. These days, the cannabis industry is growing rapidly with the legalization of recreational marijuana. Nine states of the USA have fully legalized marijuana and, Canada is also planning to legalize it. Additionally, many states have mandated cannabis testing in order to ensure customers' safety from harmful chemicals. These regulations need growers to test for pesticides, residual solvents and also trace heavy metals from their products. Tetrahydrocannabinol is commonly associated with the psychoactive effect in cannabis when cannabidiol is a compound in marijuana having a pain-relieving effect. This blog will address the role of Chromatography in the field of cannabis testing.

• New opportunities arise for analytical instruments — especially chromatography systems with growing demand in this market. There are numerous techniques for cannabis testing, but chromatography is leading due to its fast and operative results. The most popular testing method High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is dominating half of the total cannabis testing market. On the other hand, gas chromatography (GC), along with thin layer chromatography, and SFC are other well-known methods used in this market.

 

• Most labs are familiar with high-performance liquid chromatography and, this method doesn`t require heat and provides a perfect content analysis as compared to gas chromatography in potency testing. 

 

• GC/MS is commonly used as it accurately detects traces of volatile compounds for pesticides and residual solvent screening. The list of pesticides that requires test varies from state to state due to different regulations.

• Since the approaches and measures utilized by cannabis testing labs are not limited to the marijuana industry, demand for cannabis testing is also rewarded by general analytical labs. Though lots of vendors offer a particular instrument for cannabis testing

• As we see, the market of cannabis testing is high in demand these days and is in a developing state. Due to its high demand in the cannabis testing field its gradually increasing the demand for chromatography tools. Even simpler techniques such as Total Leukocyte Count will find growth opportunities and, they help in providing easier and inexpensive substitutes of high-performance liquid chromatography. 

 

• However, there are still some doubts in the market due to unlike state-level regulations and the absence of calibration in testing approaches. 

Final words

So, this is all about how chromatography is helpful in the field of cannabis testing. Hopefully, the information shared through this post will help you a lot regarding chromatography and Supercritical Chromatography. If you want to know more interesting things about chromatography, you can ping your message in the below comment section box. Thanks:) 

 

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