Nutraceuticals development technologies: CO2 extraction and microencapsulat

Nutraceuticals market is growing, demanding new natural and healthier products.

The following presentation is focussed on two groups of technologies related to the production of these high value products; supercritical fluids, and microencapsulation technologies.

CO2 in supercritical state is a harmless fluid that under certain conditions of pressure and temperature has unique features to be used in extraction, purification and decontamination processes. When operating conditions exceed the critical point, CO2 becomes a powerful solvent for separating substances in an effective, fast and completely clean way, without generating anywaste. This separation of active ingredients takes place at very mild temperatures that preserve the nutrients intact and the organoleptic quality of the product.

On the other hand, microcapsules are small particles that contain an active agent or core material surrounded by a coating or a shell. Final purpose of microencapsulation is to design and produce particles in order to control mass transfer mechanisms and release kinetics. Microencapsulation technologies can be the way for the generation of new nutraceuticals with advanced properties: Protection of sensitive nutraceuticals; prolonged release; isolation of specific components from other components Odour and flavour masking; Selective release under specific conditions. For these purpose, there are different technologies, depending on the active, sector, etc… The selection of the wall material and the right technology is the Key aspect to obtain a competitive product.