Comparatively Speaking: Solubility vs. Extraction

By: Anthony J. O'Lenick Jr., Siltech LLC

Posted: April 24, 2012

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US Patent 20110201836 describes a new type of extraction based on silicone polymers having different solubilities, which allows for the customization of a menstruum to extract not only more active ingredient, but also narrower ranges of materials than has heretofore been possible. Different silicone polymers can be used to alter the ratio of silicone-soluble to oil-soluble to water-soluble to fluoro-soluble portions in the molecule; and in so doing, creating a series of polymeric materials of differing partition coefficients. Thus, many different fractions can be extracted from the same starting plant material.

The resulting extracts each can then be evaluated for their effects on reducing the signs of biological and/or or photo-aging, e.g., appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, anti-microbial and other desired benefits. Based on a "range-finding" series of silicone polymer extraction vehicles, further refinements can be made to the polymers to maximize the concentration of and/or further isolate compounds of interest. Indeed, many compounds extracted using this process may have previously been unavailable.

Yet another advantage of this process is in terms of environmental stewardship; because extraction of the desired actives is more efficient, smaller quantities of plant materials are required to be harvested.

References
1. US Patent application 2011-0201836