| SCFE process has inbuilt features, which improve the quality of extracts |
- Superior Product :
- Undegraded extracts with delicacy and freshness close to natural
- High concentration of desired active components
- Preserving the synergistic bio-activity of molecules in the extract
- No residual solvent
- Free of biological (microbial) contaminants
- Longer shelf life
- Superior Process :
- Simultaneous fractionation of extract possible to get spice oil and oleoresin in a single step
- Flexible operating conditions for multiple product extraction
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is used as solvent that is: Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) for food products
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Thus the concentrated extracts obtained from SCFE truly
preserve and represent the desired goodness present in natural
raw materials. This aspect also vastly increases the application
potential of natural molecules in processed foods, medicines
(Nutraceuticals), convenience products etc.
Over the last few decades, Supercritical Fluid Extraction
(SCFE) Technology has emerged as a superior alternative to
the conventional techniques (solvent extraction or steam distillation
etc). However, there is still a very large potential for the
use of SCFE to achieve better value addition and to generate
preference for quality natural products, as compared to the
traditionally processed natural products that may undergo
degradation during conventional processing steps, due to incorporation
of heat, oxidation, hydrolysis etc.
Further, We have carried out a detailed feasibility study
for SCFE based on existing price of spice oil and oleoresins
(prices that of extracts from hexane extraction and steam
distillation). SCFE shows a good profitability even without
considering premium that may be obtained due to its better
quality products. This justifies the investment and on long
term perspective makes SCFE a preferred route. |