How to extract Lycopene by supercritical fluid extraction?

To extract lycopene using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), you can follow these general steps:

Preparing the Sample: Start by selecting a source rich in lycopene, such as tomatoes or tomato-based products. The sample should be cleaned, cut, and properly prepared for extraction. It is often beneficial to reduce the sample size to increase the surface area available for extraction.

Set Extraction Parameters: Determine the optimal parameters for the extraction process, including temperature, pressure, and CO2 flow rate. These parameters can vary depending on the specific equipment and the desired extraction efficiency. Typically, lycopene is extracted at temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Celsius and pressures between 100 and 400 bar.

Load the Extraction Vessel: Place the prepared sample into the extraction vessel of the supercritical fluid extraction equipment. Ensure that the vessel is properly sealed and capable of withstanding the high pressures involved in the extraction process.

Purge the System: Before starting the extraction, it is essential to purge the system with supercritical CO2 to remove any residual air or moisture. This helps maintain the purity of the extracted lycopene.

Perform Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Initiate the extraction process by introducing supercritical CO2 into the extraction vessel. The supercritical CO2 will act as a solvent to extract lycopene from the sample. The CO2 will interact with the lycopene, dissolving it and carrying it out of the sample matrix.

Collect the Extract: As the supercritical CO2 passes through the sample, it carries the dissolved lycopene with it. The mixture of CO2 and lycopene is then directed to a collection vessel or a separation unit.

Separate Lycopene from CO2: In the separation unit, the CO2 is separated from the extracted lycopene. This can be achieved through a change in pressure or temperature, causing the CO2 to revert to a gaseous state while leaving the lycopene behind. Various separation techniques, such as fractionation or condensation, may be employed depending on the equipment and desired level of purity.

Purify and Store Lycopene Extract: Further purification steps, such as filtration or chromatography, can be applied to the extracted lycopene to remove impurities and obtain a higher purity extract. Once purified, the lycopene extract can be stored in suitable containers under appropriate conditions to maintain its stability and quality.

It's important to note that specific extraction conditions and parameters may vary depending on the equipment used, the source of lycopene, and the desired purity and yield. Optimization and validation of the extraction process should be conducted to achieve the best results for your specific application.