Extracting products of high added value from vegetal species of the mediterranean basin using non-organic solvents

Objective

The extraction of products derived from vegetal species used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries are heavily dependent on the use of organic solvents such as hexane and dichloromethane. The use of these solvents at high temperature entails some limitation in the purity and quality of the extracted products and is not without consequence for human health and the environment. The alternative technology proposed would obtain high quality natural products using non - toxic solvents and is based on the capacity of supercritical fluids, and mainly CO2 to dissolve natural products in a very selective form based on precise combination of pressure and temperature. The development of this technology coupled with the careful choice of the raw materials used (organically grow plants) would result in the production of extracts with minimal alterations in the colours, scent and flavour and free form toxic residues to the benefit of consumers and the mentioned industries.

Fields of science

• engineering and technology › materials engineering › colors

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-1. - Key action Food, Nutrition and Health

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

EAW - Exploratory awards

Coordinator

CHERUBINI FABIO

Address

Galleria Vittorio Veneto 28
50047 Mezzana
Italy

Participants (1)

INGEGNEIRA COOPERATION Y DESARROLLO GLOBE-AL S.L.

Spain

Address

Calle General Narvaez 1 6d
18002 Granada