Microwave Green Extraction of Natural Products
Available in two different and interchangeable configurations, for fragrances and for flavors, the ETHOS™ X takes advantage of the unique microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity technique for high-quality essential oils extraction.
Solvent-free approach to high quality extraction
The analytical procedure for flavors and fragrances extraction from plants or spices comprises two steps: extraction by steam distillation or hydro-distillation, and analysis by GC or GC-MS. While the analysis step requires just few minutes, extraction takes several hours, using a standard procedure based on the Clevenger (1928 year!).
To address these limitations, Milestone has developed the new ETHOS™ X for the solvent-less extraction of natural products. ETHOS X utilizes a unique microwave selective heating mechanism. The internal water within the sample absorbs microwaves and heats up, distending the sample’s cells and rupturing the glands and oleiferous receptacles. This process evaporates the in-situ water within the plant material to quickly extract the desired oils.
To address these limitations, Milestone has developed the new ETHOS™ X for the solvent-less extraction of natural products. ETHOS X utilizes a unique microwave selective heating mechanism. The internal water within the sample absorbs microwaves and heats up, distending the sample’s cells and rupturing the glands and oleiferous receptacles. This process evaporates the in-situ water within the plant material to quickly extract the desired oils.
Choose your preferred setup
TWO DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS
Fragrances Extraction
The ETHOS X performs solvent-free microwave extraction of fragrances in plant material, such as essential oils, at atmospheric pressure. To run a sample, the operator places the material into the reactor without any added solvents or water, and then selects the pre-stored methods to start the run. Within minutes, the system’s accelerated heating and water-cooling process enables the first drops of essential oils and water to condense in the fragrances glassware vessel, restoring the sample’s in-situ water, while the essential oils are collected into the fragrances glassware available in glass and in stainless steel. Once the essential oils have been extracted, they can be analyzed directly by GC-MS without any preliminary clean-up or solvent exchange steps. The system’s fast process also avoids thermal degradation, as the sample and the essential oils are exposed to heat for only a few minutes.
Flavors Extraction
The microwave hydro-diffusion and gravity technology (MHG) is an original “upside down” microwave alembic, combining microwave heating and gravity at atmospheric pressure. This technology allows flavour to diffuse outside the plant material, dropping by gravity out of the microwave reactor. A cooling system outside the microwave oven continuously condenses the extract. While traditional processes are carried out in 3 hours or more, solvent-free microwave hydro-diffusion requires less than 30 minutes. Once the essential oils have been extracted, they can be analyzed directly by GC-MS without any preliminary clean-up or solvent exchange steps. The ETHOS X in the flavors configuration allows for the microwave extraction of natural flavoring substances and non-volatile compounds such as pigments, flavonoids, and carotenoids.
The ETHOS X is a versatile system that offers configurations for either fragrance or flavors extraction. Both configurations are available with different reactor volumes from 2 to 12 liters. These can be used interchangeably depending on throughput needs.
