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síbiotech HIPPOCOR - Supercritical Fluid Extraction Technology
síbiotech provides a cutting-edge technology for the extraction of natural, biologically active compounds through supercritical fluid extraction with CO2. This method effectively isolates valuable constituents such as Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9, and beta-sitosterol from sources like sea buckthorn seeds. The process involves using CO2 under conditions surpassing its critical pressure and temperature limits, allowing it to function as an effective solvent, extracting both fat-soluble oils and waxes without chemical modification. This environmentally friendly approach offers notable advantages by precluding the use of organic solvents, ensuring extracts free from harmful residues, and maintaining microbiological stability. The technology further enhances the integrity of the extract by preventing oxygen exposure, preserving its biologically active nature.
síbiotech specialises in extracting natural biologically active compounds using an innovative and environmentally friendly technology – supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (CO2). Biologically active compounds are obtained from various natural raw materials, including berries, fruits, microalgae, and medicinal plants, as well as by-products of their processing, such as sea buckthorn seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, cranberries, chokeberries, and more.
The obtained extracts do not contain CO2 residues. CO2 is separated from the extract by transformation back into a gaseous state. These extracts are high quality, microbiologically stable, and have a long shelf life. Compared to conventional technologies, the technology is environmentally friendly and avoids using organic solvents.
From raw materials, both fat-soluble and polar compounds are extracted through supercritical fluid extraction, employing carbon dioxide and a for polar fractions co-solvent, ethanol. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and ethanol are recognised as safe and harmless solvents (GRAS). In the supercritical fluid extraction process, carbon dioxide is subjected to pressure (74 bar) and temperature (31°C) above its critical limits. Under these conditions, CO2 changes its physicochemical properties, entering a supercritical state and acquiring efficient solvent characteristics.
Circulating through the raw material at a specific quantity and speed, CO2 extracts fat-soluble compounds such as oils, fats, and waxes. During the extraction, CO2 saturated with the compounds in the raw material is directed to separators, where the pressure is reduced, causing CO2 to return to a gaseous state. This process yields specific fractions of biologically active compounds. The liberated CO2 from the separators is recycled and used for subsequent extraction cycles.
- It is considered a "solvent-free" technology
- Safe, gentle, and sustainable
- High concentrations of fat-soluble bioactive compounds
- Extracted bioactive compounds are in their natural chemical form, not chemically modified (triglycerides, phospholipids)
- No degradation of bioactive compounds during extraction (low temperature)
- No contact with oxygen during the process, preventing oxidation of fatty acids (polyunsaturated fatty acids oxidise quickly)
- Microbiologically stable extracts (high pressure during extraction)
- Extracts do not contain proteins, fibers, inorganic salts, or allergens
- Extracts are free from harmful impurities, such as heavy metals, ash, etc.
- Using the secondary solvent ethanol (up to 5%), it is possible to obtain polar bioactive compounds.