Supercritical CO2 technology is a method for extracting, separating, purifying, and crystallizing materials that capitalizes on the unique dissolving properties of CO2 near its critical point. As a chemical separation technique, supercritical CO2 extraction and purification technology exhibit distinct advantages in separating substances with large molecular weights, high boiling points, and heat sensitivity-challenges often faced by traditional separation methods. This technology finds wide-ranging applications in extracting effective ingredients from natural plants, showcasing promising prospects.
Plant active ingredients, being a renewable natural resource, possess complex compositions and low active ingredient content. Due to variations in structures and components, the extraction methods and means for active ingredients also differ. Commonly used extraction solvents include water and organic solvents, with organic solvents like methanol, ethanol, and acetone being frequently employed. When utilizing CO2 to extract natural plant active ingredients, such as spices or pigments, for use in food raw materials and additives, the original aroma characteristics or color can be preserved. Additionally, the resulting product will have no organic solvent residue, significantly enhancing overall product quality.
Plant active ingredients serve as versatile raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry, food industry, cosmetics industry, printing and dyeing industry, among others. Supercritical CO2 extraction, separation, and purification technology play pivotal roles in medicine, food, cosmetics, and exported products.