Ultrapurification of natural products through molecular distillation

• Grant number: 00/07610-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: November 01, 2001
• End date: December 31, 2006
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: César Benedito Batistella
• Grantee: César Benedito Batistella
• Company: Natural Products & Technologies Ltda. - ME
• City: Rafard

Abstract

This project proposes an alternative method for the refining of special plant oils by means of a molecular distillation technique which, in addition to permitting a higher degree of refinement of the oils, prevents heat sensitive components, such as polyunsaturated fats, from decomposing during the refining process due to the reduced time they remain in the oil. This technique dispenses with the use of solvents and offers great operational flexibility, allowing for the possibility of carrying out the refining of several oils in the same physical arrangement. As a result, the project will obtain oils and their derivatives, such as fatty acids, mono and diglycerides of high quality to be applied in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries using plants such as murumuru palm, echium plantagineum, myris and pentaclethra macroloba, since natural products have become increasingly acceptable to national and international consumers. As a consequence, raw materials previously exported with a low value and reduced technology can be commercialized with greater added value and better technological content. (AU)