Nature's essence.
Extracted safely and sustainably.
A New Era in
Phytochemical Extraction
Phytochemicals
The Unsung Heroes in Everyday Life
Nature's essence
Imagine savoring the unique bitterness in your favorite IPA, experiencing the comfort cannabinoids can bring, or finding solace in the calming effects of a freshly brewed cup of chamomile tea. What's the common thread?
Phytochemicals—these remarkable plant compounds are not just architects behind the sensory and medicinal experiences we often take for granted; they're also nutritional keystones. Consumed in their natural forms, they offer essential health benefits that fortify our daily lives.
As scientific understanding unfolds the myriad of benefits phytochemicals provide, the demand to extract and concentrate these potent compounds skyrockets. Enter extraction technology, the game-changing enabler that seamlessly incorporates phytochemicals into the products we love and depend upon every day.
Transforming Consumer Products
From your pantry to your medicine cabinet and beyond, phytochemicals are the invisible giants not merely driving innovation but also deeply ingraining themselves in our everyday existence across a multitude of consumer product categories.
Today's functional beverages offer more than just hydration. Infused with plant-derived compounds like anthocyanins from berries and EGCG from green tea, these drinks provide antioxidants and other phytonutrients to support wellness in delicious formats.
Hemp-derived cannabinoids, ginseng-derived ginsenosides, and beta sitosterol from nuts and seeds are just some of the phytochemicals available in supplement form. While not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any conditions, quality supplements can provide targeted nutritional support.
The calming scents of lavender and eucalyptus in diffusers and lotions come from terpenes, phytochemicals that provide soothing aromatic benefits.
The medical field is exploring naturally-occurring compounds like cannabinoids and curcuminoids for their potential therapeutic effects. As research continues, pharmaceutical applications of phytochemicals may offer new possibilities.
Familiar ingredients like retinol and natural oils play key roles in many cosmeceutical products. Additionally, compounds like hops show potential for supporting skin health when applied topically. The possibilities are growing.
Carotenoids, flavonoids, cannabinoids and other phytonutrients are increasingly popular in pet diets. Emerging research suggests these compounds from vegetable ingredients may support skin, coat, feather, and overall health in pets.
Extraction Today
Choices and Compromises
Methods, mediums, and trade-offs
Traditional methods like maceration and Soxhlet extraction have been the cornerstone in phytochemical extraction. Mediums such as ethanol, hydrocarbons, and CO2 have long been reliable choices. However, the growing demand for phytochemicals is pushing advancements in solvent extraction and pressurized gas methods, elevating the field.
Choosing an extraction method and medium is a multi-layered decision. It starts with the specific biomass and what you aim to extract, but doesn't stop there. The complexities continue into areas of safety, efficiency, cost, scalability, and sustainability.
For a real-world example, let’s look at cannabinoid extraction from hemp and cannabis. The choice between solvent extraction and pressurized gas methods has profound impacts. From yield and efficiency to the final cannabinoid profile, each method and medium introduces its own sets of trade-offs. Even the polarity of your chosen solvent can be a double-edged sword. A polar solvent might offer high extraction efficiency but could also dissolve undesired compounds, affecting the product quality.
As the industry faces skyrocketing consumer interest, the call for technologies that balance these diverse factors becomes increasingly urgent. We're at the cusp of a new era in phytochemical extraction—one where minimizing these trade-offs is not just ideal, but essential.
Canna Choices: Ethanol, CO2, or Hydrocarbons?
When it comes to extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from hemp and cannabis, Ethanol, CO2, and Hydrocarbons are the go-to mediums—all of which come with their own sets of trade-offs in terms of safety, efficiency, quality, cost, flexibility, and sustainability.
Ethanol extraction provides faster processing speeds and higher throughput capabilities at lower upfront equipment costs. However, ethanol comes with more safety considerations, higher operating costs, and less flexibility in final products. The main tradeoff is lower startup costs for less safety, higher ongoing costs, and reduced spectrum.
Butane enables incredibly versatile end products with full spectrum potential at low startup costs. The compromises are increased risks of explosions and residuals if not properly controlled, as well as potential permitting and facility limitations. Butane is flexible and efficient but requires expertise and proper precautions.
CO2 extraction produces higher purity, full spectrum extracts with excellent cannabinoid and terpene retention. The tradeoff is substantially higher upfront investments and slower, lower-throughput processing. CO2 prioritizes quality and safety over efficiency and flexibility.
Though engineering prowess has elevated extraction techniques, even bringing forth modern methods like Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) and Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction (UAE), advancements in mediums that harmonize sustainability, cost-effectiveness, safety, and quality have been slower to evolve.
Here at Osmotech, we're committed to bridging that gap.
The Osmotech Edge
Unlocking Efficient, Sustainable Extraction
Extraction medium innovation
Osmotech is pioneering a new extraction medium that aims to transform the economics and environmental impact of producing high-value, in-demand botanical compounds from fresh, wet or dried biomass. This proprietary medium aims to unlock a spectrum of potential advantages compared to traditional extraction methods.
Avoid expensive high-pressure equipment and flammable chemical handling. Radically cut energy consumption and operating expenses.
Retain live compounds and delicate aromas by extracting right after harvest. Recover more discarded compounds than existing processes.
Slash carbon emissions and safely manage waste. Non-toxic process fluid and fertilizer byproducts support green operations.
Avoid flammable solvents and high pressures. Non-volatile process fluid minimizes risks to employees and equipment.
Our proprietary extraction medium can enable mobile, on-site extraction of high-value compounds from fresh, wet biomass at harvest time. Skip the costs of drying and transport - go straight from the field to final products.
Curious about the future of phytochemical technology? Let's connect.