Purity and Potency Through Supercritical Fluid Extraction
Flavones are a class of polyphenolic compounds synthesized by plants, belonging to the broader flavonoid family. They are integral to plant biology, contributing to pigmentation and providing defense against environmental stressors. From a biochemical perspective, their molecular structure and antioxidant capacity make them a subject of high scientific interest.
The primary challenge in utilizing these compounds lies in their extraction. Isolating flavones from the raw plant matrix without compromising their delicate structure is critical to preserving their bioactivity. At PureStars Bio, our entire methodology is engineered around this principle.
The Extraction Imperative: Preserving Molecular Integrity
Conventional extraction methods often rely on hydro-alcoholic or petrochemical solvents. These processes can introduce two significant risks: the potential for residual solvents in the final product and the degradation of thermally sensitive molecules like flavones due to the high heat required.
To circumvent these issues, PureStars Bio exclusively employs Supercritical Fluid Extraction using carbon dioxide (), a technology chosen for its precision, cleanliness, and gentle nature.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction
This technology leverages the unique properties of carbon dioxide when it is brought to its supercritical state—a point where it exhibits the properties of both a liquid and a gas. This supercritical fluid acts as a highly selective and tunable solvent.
The extraction of flavones follows a precise, multi-stage process within a closed-loop system:
Creating the Supercritical Solvent: Pure, food-grade carbon dioxide is pressurized and gently heated until it surpasses its critical point (, bar). In this supercritical state, it has the density of a liquid but the viscosity and diffusivity of a gas, allowing it to efficiently penetrate the solid plant material.
Selective & Gentle Isolation: The supercritical is passed through a vessel containing the milled raw botanical. By precisely controlling the temperature and pressure, we can fine-tune the solvent properties of the to target and dissolve specific flavones, leaving behind larger, unwanted molecules like lipids and waxes. This entire phase occurs at low temperatures, protecting the flavones from thermal damage.
Pristine Separation & Recovery: The mixture of supercritical and dissolved flavone extract is then routed to a separator vessel. In this vessel, the pressure is lowered, causing the to lose its solvent power and return to its gaseous state. As it does, it releases the dissolved compounds, leaving behind a pure, solvent-free flavone concentrate.
Solvent Recycling: The gaseous is then re-condensed, re-pressurized, and cycled back to the beginning of the process. This makes the methodology environmentally responsible and highly sustainable.
This process ensures that the final ingredient is a true representation of the botanical’s potential, yielding key outcomes:
Absolute Purity: The final extract is completely free from any residual chemical solvents.
Structural Preservation: The low-temperature, oxygen-free environment prevents oxidation and thermal degradation of the flavone molecules.
Standardized Potency: The high degree of control allows for the production of extracts with consistent, verifiable concentrations of active compounds.
Applications in Formulation
The high purity and standardized nature of PureStars Bio flavone extracts make them suitable for integration into sophisticated product formulations where quality and consistency are critical.
- Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements
- Functional Foods & Beverages
- Cosmeceuticals