Recent Applications of Pressurized Fluid Extraction: Curcuminoids Extraction with Pressurized Liquids

Abstract

Pressurized liquid extract ion is a versatile technique that allows the extraction of natural bioactive co mpounds such as curcuminoids, compounds that have medicinal properties and responsible for the yellow colo r of turmeric. Generally, used as an analytical tool pressurized liquid ext raction uses elevated temperatures (313-473 K) and moderate to high (3.5-20 M Pa) pressures to facilitate and enhance the extraction process. Various features such as the use of smaller amounts of solvents, reduced extraction time and no exposure of the compounds to oxygen and light, give this technique advantages over traditional processes of solvent extraction. This review describes the fundamentals and parameters influencing the process of pressurized liquid extract ion, exp loring the latest developments and trends in the extraction of bioactive co mpounds such as curcuminoids. It also discusses the possibility of using near roo m temperature (313 K) and pressures in the range of 10-30 MPa as opposing to the use of high temperatures, in the ext raction of p ig ments from plant material rich in starch.