Abstract:
Extracts obtained from natural materials are mostly pasty consistency or are liquid. For better market use, it is necessary to dry them in powder form, thereby reducing the storage cost, increasing the concentration and stability of the active ingredients, and the solubility and applicability of the extracts. The aim of the project is to prepare microparticles from extracts containing bioactive components (especially polyphenols and adaptogens) using the so-called supercritical anti-solvent process (SAS). The use of this micronization method prevents the degradation of the active components, their contamination with organic solvents, and the undesired production of excessive particles, which occur during conventional drying methods (spray drying, lyophilization, dry grinding, etc.). Sub-objectives of the project: – Design and assemble laboratory micronization apparatus for SAS – Evaluate the effect of operating parameters (pressure, temperature, concentration of dissolved substance, type of injection needle, etc.) on the properties of the particles formed from selected plant extracts – Develop effective procedures for the preparation of high quality input extracts for micronization using combination of highly efficient extraction and fractionation techniques – Create a project of pilot-plant device for SAS – Apply the most promising micronized extract to the cosmetic product The developed equipment enables production of high quality and stable powder extracts, which are non-toxic thanks to the green solvent used and therefore safe and harmless to consumers. In the context of the Czech economy, the implementation of the project represents a significant step in the production of natural products of new quality. It provides the production of input raw materials based on purely natural extracts for the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries, through so-called clean technology, which is generally the basis for the development of new technologies worldwide