Abstract: A process for treating a composition comprising one or more undesired compounds and one or more desired compounds so as to reduce the concentration of the one or more undesired compounds is described. The process comprises the steps of (1) contacting the composition with a solid adsorbent, (2) eluting the solid adsorbent on which the composition is retained with an extraction solvent comprising a (hydro)fluorocarbon, and (3) collecting a solvent eluate containing a composition having a reduced concentration of the undesired compounds from the solid adsorbent. The process is particularly suited to reducing the terpene content of an essential oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a smoke extract, which method comprises the steps of i) preparing a char from wood or cellulose preferably by pyrolysis, ii) extracting one or more fractions of the char with an extraction solvent in its supercritical state and/or an extraction solvent in its liquid state, said solvent in its supercritical state being selected from the group consisting of CO2, propane, methane, ethylene, ammonia, methanol, water and mixtures of one or more of these solvents, said solvent in its liquid state being selected from the group consisting of CO2, propane and mixtures of these components, iii) collecting at least some of the extracted char to thereby obtain a smoke extract.

Abstract: A process for preparing an orange oil comprising the steps of mixing a raw material oil containing valencene with a high-boiling solvent having a boiling point exceeding 240° C. under normal pressure, to give a mixture, and fractionally distilling the mixture obtained, optionally comprising the step of subjecting to an alkali treatment the raw material oil before fractional distillation or a distillate fraction obtained after fractional distillation; and an orange oil obtained by the process as defined above.

Abstract: A method for fractionating a soybean protein into highly pure 7S globulin and 11S globulin efficiently in an industrial scale is provided, said method comprising warming a solution containing a soybean protein under a weakly acidic condition followed by fractionating at pH 5.6 to 6.6 into a soluble fraction and an insoluble fraction. If necessary, a treatment with a phytase may also be employed in the production method to fractionate into a 7S globulin and a 11S globulin.

Abstract: Anthocyanins, other flavonoids and related polyphenolic compounds are extracted from fruits or highly pigmented garden vegetables and their by-products using subcritical water with or without a secondary cosolvent. This method has the advantages of being relatively inexpensive, minimizes or totally avoids the use of objectionable solvents, and provides a facile means for supplying an ample source of concentrated phytochemicals for use in food formulation, dietary supplements and phyto-pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: Methods for producing biological solutions such as immunoglobulins and in particular anti-D immunoglobulin substantially free of abnormal prion protein resulting therefrom. Specifically provided are methods for aggregation of prions and depth filtration of the biological solution to capture and remove abnormal and if desired, normal prion protein. The prion protein may then be eluted from the depth filter and filter washes and concentrated sufficient for detection at limits currently required by available assays.

Abstract: Common allergenic foods are made hypoallergenic by treatment with super critical fluid or critical liquid gas such as super critical carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen. The treatment of foods with liquid nitrogen or super critical carbon dioxide also enhances the functionality of fat, so that the total fat in the food can be reduced while retaining the good taste of the food. Compositions and methods for the oral delivery of a medicament or vitamin are also provided.

Abstract: A colorant of a plant belonging to the family Brassicaceae which has no or significantly reduced smell originating in the Brassicaceae plant, a colorant formulation containing this colorant, and a process for producing the odorless or almost odorless colorant of the Brassicaceae plant. This colorant can be prepared by treating an adsorption-treated Brassicaceae plant colorant extract by at least one method selected from among adsorption, ion exchange, acid treatment, and membrane separation to thereby give an aroma component concentration of 100 ppm or less in case where the color value E10%1 cm is 80.

Abstract: A method for producing a preparation containing a bioactive substance, characterized in that it comprises forming a solid material containing the bioactive substance and a polymer, and contacting the solid material with a high pressure gas. The method allows the production of a preparation which is suppressed in excessive initial release of the bioactive substance immediately after the administration thereof, is capable of releasing a predetermined amount of the bioactive substance over a long period of time, and is extremely reduced in the deterioration of the bioactive substance and in the amount of a residual organic solvent.

Abstract: A microwave extraction method involves the steps of placing biological material in an enclosure without any solvent whatsoever and exposing the solvent-free biological material to microwave radiation to free at least some of the natural product, and then separating any residual biological material from the extracted natural product. Additionally, the microwave extraction method involves the steps of applying reduced pressure in the enclosure during the microwave radiation stage and heating the enclosure during at least most of the microwave radiation stage to compensate for the temperature drop resulting from water evaporation from the biological material.

Abstract: A low temperature process for extracting principal components from plants or plant materials and plant extracts produced by such a low temperature process, are provided. The inventive low temperature process improves the yield and quality of volatile and non-volatile components extracted from plants or plant materials.

Abstract: A Carthamus yellow colorant which has no or significantly smell originating in safflower, and a colorant formulation containing this colorant. Namely, a Carthamus yellow colorant which has a concentration of aroma components (acetic acid, isovaleric acid, phenylethyl alcohol, phenol, 4-vinyl phenol) contained therein of 100 ppm or less in case where the color value E10%1 cm is 160.

Abstract: Plant for the separation of undesirable substances from alimentary liquids, in particular from wine, which comprises a unit (3) with hydrophobic membranes (4) having holes (5) for trapping gas (G), supplied with wine to be treated (V) by means of first circulation means (6) and with an extraction fluid (L) having an alcoholic content substantially similar to that of the wine to be treated (V), by means of second circulation means (7). The two fluids pass along the two sides (4?,4?) of the membranes (4), allowing the removal of the undesirable volatile substances which pass through the latter. The extraction fluid (L) is made to circulate by the second means (7) inside a purification circuit (8) which comprises a unit (9) for separation of the volatile substances, consisting preferably of an ion-exchange column.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of an oyster enzymatic hydrolysate for preparing a composition eliminating free radicals. The invention is characterized in that said hydrolysate is obtainable by hydrolysis of oyster flesh by a protease. The invention is applicable in therapy, dietetics and cosmetology.

Abstract: A Fomes japonicus extract is prepared by extracting Fomes japonicus with a mixture of honey and vinegar, heating the resulting extract to a temperature of not less than 95° C. and then filtering the heated extract. The Fomes japonicus extract can be diluted with water to give a drink such as a health beverage. Moreover, the addition of royal jelly to the extract permits the preparation of a royal jelly-supplemented drink additionally having nutritive and restorative effects.

Abstract: In the process for the continuous recovery of free tartaric acid from raw materials containing potassium hydrogentartrate, the same are mixed with water and the potassium hydrogentartrate is dissolved. The process is improved in that the suspension is decanted, the clarified liquid is refiltered, the filtrate is cooled to crystallization temperature under a vacuum, the potassium hydrogentartrate crystals formed are dissolved, the solution is subject to a cation exchange, and the tartaric acid solution obtained is evaporated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solvent for use in extracting oil from an oil bearing material, such as soybeans, with the solvent resulting in the selective extraction of a triglyceride rich oil, which contains 95% or greater triglycerides and non-polar constituents, with the solvent comprised of a hydrocarbon, preferably hexane, and a fluorocarbon, so that the solvent has a viscosity less than 2.6 centipoise and a polarity of less than 0.1. The present invention also relates to a method of using the solvent to extract the triglyceride rich oil, with the method including preferably extracting the oil at a temperature ranging between 35° C. and 55° C., and then preferably cooling resulting miscella to a temperature ranging between 15° C. and 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for industrially efficiently preparing an oil and fat composition containing oleanolic acid, maslinic acid, physiologically acceptable salts thereof and derivatives thereof, wherein the method comprises the step of extracting olive plants and/or a by-product obtained in an olive oil-manufacturing process with an organic solvent or a water-containing organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solvent for use in extracting oil from an oil bearing material, such as soybeans, with the solvent resulting in the selective extraction of a triglyceride rich oil, which contains 95% or greater triglycerides and non-polar constituents, with the solvent comprised of a hydrocarbon, preferably hexane, and a fluorocarbon, so that the solvent has a viscosity less than 2.6 centipoise and a polarity of less than 0.1. The present invention also relates to a method of using the solvent to extract the triglyceride rich oil, with the method including preferably extracting the oil at a temperature ranging between 35° C. and 55° C., and then preferably cooling resulting miscella to a temperature ranging between 15° C. and 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the extraction of a proteinase inhibitor from plant tissue. The extraction of the proteinase inhibitor begins with the addition of an alcohol-free, aqueous solution of an organic acid and a salt to plant tissue. The extraction solution and plant tissue are comminuted to reduce the average particle size of the plant tissue to improve extraction efficiencies. A weight ratio of between about 1:1 and about 1:10 extraction solution to plant tissue is used. In extracting proteinase inhibitor II from potato tubers, the extraction solution utilizes formic acid and sodium chloride, and the average particle size is reduced to between about 100 and 1500 microns. The process has been demonstrated to be cost-effective and provide high yields of the target proteinase inhibitor on commercial scales.

Abstract: A method for extracting a color-enhancing pigment includes separating grapefruit into in-line pulp and juice and then separating the juice into clarified juice and retentate. The retentate or the in-line pulp is then homogenized to form a slurry, and the pigment is recovered from the slurry. The extraction method of the present invention is accomplished without the use of enzymes or harsh organic solvents, but rather is aqueous-based. The system includes an extractor and a finisher to separate citrus fruit into in-line pulp and juice. An ultrafiltration unit is used to separate the juice into clarified juice and retentate. Homogenization is accomplished with applied pressure, and pigment recovery, by washing and centrifugation.

Abstract: Provided is a compressed anti-solvent technique for manufacture of insulin-containing powders for pulmonary delivery. The insulin is processed in a cosolvent system including two or more mutually soluble organic solvents. Also provided are powders manufacturable by the manufacture method, including powders of substantially pure insulin and powders including a biocompatible polymer for pulmonary sustained insulin release applications. Also provided are packaged products including insulin-containing powder in a container that is receivable by and operable with a dry powder inhaler to produce an aerosol including dispersed insulin-containing particles when the inhaler is actuated.

Abstract: One method for purifying a chitosan starting material includes contacting it with at least one treatment agent selected from a protein-complexing agent, a metal-chelating agent, and a metal-complexing agent under pH conditions effective for forming a water insoluble chitosan precipitate and at least one water soluble material selected from a water soluble protein complex, a water soluble metal chelate, and a water soluble metal complex. Another variant involves solubilizing the chitosan starting material in an aqueous solution to produce an intermediate chitosan material. The intermediate chitosan material is contacted with a deproteinization agent and/or a demetallization agent under pH conditions effective for forming a water insoluble chitosan precipitate and at least one water soluble material that includes the pre-existing impurity. In both methods, the water insoluble chitosan precipitate and the water soluble material are separated resulting in a purified chitosan material.

Abstract: The method for abstracting high levels of &bgr;-glucan from a grain product such as oat or barley grain to produce a &bgr;-glucan product containing at least about 18% by weight &bgr;-glucan is provided. The &bgr;-glucan product can be produced as an agglomerated food additive having at least about 18% by weight &bgr;-glucan. Methods are provided for enriching a food product with the &bgr;-glucan agglomerated food additive to produce an enriched resulting food product.

Abstract: A method for the reduction of acrylamide in food products, food products having reduced levels of acrylamide, and an article of commerce. In one aspect, the method comprises reducing the level of asparagine in a food material before heating. In one embodiment, the method comprises extracting at least a portion of the asparagine from the food material before heating. In yet another aspect, an article of commerce communicates to the consumer that a food product has reduced or low levels of acrylamide or asparagine.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an installation for setting in adsorbed state, on a porous support, compounds contained in a product comprising a first step which consists in extracting the compounds by contacting the product with at least a solvent at supercritical pressure to obtain a mixture of extracts and solvent. The method is characterized in that it comprises a second step which consists in eliminating the water contained in the mixture of extracts and solvent, adjusting the temperature and pressure conditions so as to obtain, a first phase consisting of solvent in gaseous state and a second phase consisting of a mixture of liquids formed of solvent and extracts of the products; causing said two phases to trickle through a porous support adapted to adsorb the extracts; vaporizing the solvent contained in the second phase.

Abstract: Methods for producing biological solutions such as immunoglobulins and in particular anti-D immunoglobulin substantially free of abnormal prion protein resulting therefrom. Specifically provided are methods for aggregation of prions and depth filtration of the biological solution to capture and remove abnormal and if desired, normal prion protein. The prion protein may then be eluted from the depth filter and filter washes and concentrated sufficient for detection at limits currently required by available assays.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for fractinating essential oils or essential oil fractions, characterised in that it comprises a step which consists in contacting said essential oils with an extracting agent containing at least a fluorinated solvent so as to obtain a fluorinated phase and a non-fluorinated phase and a step which consists in separating the essential oils contained in said fluorinated phase and in said non-fluorinated phase.

Abstract: An apparatus (10′) for extracting biomass includes an extractor (11), evaporator (12), compressor (13) and condenser (14) connected in series by pipework (17) to define a closed loop extraction circuit. A transfer line (18) selectively supplies hot solvent vapor from the outlet side of the compressor (13) to the interior of the extractor (11), where the solvent vapor heats the biomass. This causes stripping of solvent from the biomass. The transfer line (18) includes control elements (19,20) for controlling the flow of solvent vapor.

Abstract: A method of enriching fruit products and coffee with beneficial agents present in processing waste products such as fruit skins and kernels and coffee cherries. The waste products are dried and extracted with an appropriate organic solvent and/or water. The extract is dried, purified if desired, and blended into the food product corresponding to the waste product, such as a fruit processing waste product extract could be combined with fruit juices, canned or frozen fruit, etc., and coffee cherry extract could be combined with ground or freeze-dried coffee. The extracts contain highly beneficial antioxidants and potentially other beneficial agents.

Abstract: A method of raising the concentration of a liquid mixture utilizes osmotic distillation to transfer a volatile liquid component from the mixture in contact with one side of a nonporous, preferably high free volume, gas permeable membrane to a strip solution in contact with the other side of the membrane. Due to its nonporous nature the gas permeable membrane resists penetration and wetting by oily components that may be present in the feed mixture. Similarly, occlusion of the membrane by solids is resisted. Preferably, an amorphous copolymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole is useful for the gas permeable membrane. Osmotic distillation utilizing such high free volume, nonporous gas permeable membranes can concentrate difficult liquid mixtures such as pulpy fruit juices and especially, limonene-containing juices, for example, orange juice. The process can be operated at high flux for long durations between membrane cleanings.

Abstract: The temperature sensitive differential of solubilities of various isoflavone fractions is used to initially separate the fractions, preferably by heating an aqueous soy molasses or soy whey feed stream. The temperature of the feed stream is selected according to the temperature at which a desired isoflavone fraction or fractions become soluble. Then, the heated feed stream is passed through an ultrafiltration membrane in order to concentrate the isoflavones. The feed stream is put through a resin adsorption process. The isoflavone fractions are treated with either reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration (or both) to complete a solvent removal and to achieve a higher isoflavone concentration in the end product. Then, the feed stream is dried, preferably by spray drying, to produce dry particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for removing solutes from a solution using a nano-filtration means to provide a treated solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for extraction, purification and concentration of polyphenol substances from whole grapes, grape seeds and grape pomace without the need for membrane filtration. Aspects of several embodiments of the novel processes include hot water extraction, a dual pH treatment of the hot water extracts, and the uses of a copolymer of trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate as an adsorbent resin to maximize the concentration and purification of the beneficial polyphenolic substances.

Abstract: The method for abstracting high levels of &bgr;-glucan from a grain product such as oat or barley grain to produce a &bgr;-glucan product containing at least about 18% by weight &bgr;-glucan is provided. The &bgr;-glucan product can be produced as an agglomerated food additive having at least about 18% by weight &bgr;-glucan. Methods are provided for enriching a food product with the &bgr;-glucan agglomerated food additive to produce an enriched resulting food product.

Abstract: A process for removing residual amounts of a first solvent from a granular material. The process includes the selection of a second solvent which has an ambient pressure boiling point lower than that of the first solvent in mixing the second solvent with the granular material and first solvent. Most of the liquid solvent mixture is removed from the granular material using a simple solid/liquid extraction process. The remaining solvent mixture, which primarily is the second solvent, is removed from the granular material using a thermal and/or vacuum process.

Abstract: A soak or leaching tank installation which is intended to extract soluble constituents from insoluble materials, and more particularly, a horizontal flow soak tank for removing soluble components, such as sugars or oligosaccharides, from edible beans which are in a stage of being processed. A method is desired which utilizes a recirculating water system in conjunction with the soak apparatus or horizontal flow tank in order to leach solubles, such as sugars in the form of oligosaccharides and other potentially soluble components from insoluble materials.

Abstract: Lipid compositions enriched in unsaturated fatty acid-containing triacylglycerols are made from menhaden oil (MO) and partially hydrogenated menhaden oil (PHMO) to provide a lipid composition containing enriched monounsaturated fatty acid esters (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acid esters (PUFAs).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for brewing tea is set forth which utilizes heated water from a boiler 7 of an espresso machine 10. A porta-filter 20 having a brewing chamber 40 therein is attachable to a group head 12 of the espresso machine 10. A drain 38 from the brewing chamber 40 leads to an outlet tube 100. An outlet valve 120 restricts outflow from the brewing chamber to a rate less than inflow of heated water from the boiler 7. This facilitates infusion of the heated water with soluble flavor particles from a brewable substance such as tea leaves T before the heated water is discharged from the brewing chamber 40. The brewing chamber 40 is provided at an enhanced pressure relative to atmospheric pressure to enhance the brewing process within the brewing chamber 40.

Abstract: A new natural mixture of primary fatty acids of high molecular weight ranging from 24 to 38 carbon atoms, especially those ranging between 26 and 36 carbon atoms and more especially those of straight chain of 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 carbon atoms. This mixture has a relative composition of each fatty acid that is highly reproducible batch to batch and it is extracted from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum, L.) wax. This mixture of fatty acids has specific pharmacological properties that supports its use as an active component of pharmaceutical formulations used as hypocholesterolemic and against hypercholesterolaemia type II, as antiplatelet, anti-thrombotic and anti-ischemic. This mixture of primary fatty acids is also effective in the inhibition of the development of gastric ulcers induced by different agents.

Abstract: A product and method for producing a fruit product from a fruit, the fruit including soluble fruit components. The method for producing a fruit product, the fruit product including soluble fruit components, extracts a desired amount of the soluble fruit components from the fruit and infuses the extracted fruit with an infusion liquid having an amount of sugar and an amount of soluble fruit components, the amount of soluble fruit components formulated to diffuse a predetermined amount of the soluble fruit components remaining in the extracted fruit into the infusion liquid.

Abstract: Confectionery products, which include high protein content modified oilseed material, are described. The modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis) and has a relatively high average molecular weight, e.g., at least about 40 wt. % of the material has an apparent molecular weight greater than 300,000 daltons.

Abstract: The process for preparing the novel inulin products includes extracting inulin with water from subdivided plant materials, holding the inulin rich extraction water in a settling tank while maintaining the temperature from about 0° C. to 7° C. which causes higher molecular weight polysaccharides to separate from water soluble lower molecular weight polysaccharides, and separating the higher molecular weight inulin fructose fractions from the more water soluble lower molecular weight inulin fractions.

Abstract: A process using a hydrophobic membrane separation process for making an enhanced flavor fluid, particularly a low-alcohol brew, having improved flavor is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for concentrating aqueous epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) solutions by feeding an aqueous EGCG solution to at least one membrane module under pressure to provide a permeate purge and a retentate return so that in the latter the concentration of EGCG is increased. The permeate purge and the retentate return are then collected.

Abstract: The invention has an object of providing a method of the preparation of a sugar-like flavorous component which imparts a mellow feeling to beverages and flavorous compositions and retains a live flavor even if it is diluted thousands times. The method of the preparation of a sugar-like flavorous component includes steps of adding 1.5 to 3 parts by weight of ion exchange water and 0.02 to 0.05 parts by weight of ethanol to 1 part by weight of molasses in a feed tank, mixing and dissolving these components thoroughly with stirring, and introducing the resulting solution into a spinning cone column (SCC) to treat the solution in the following condition: the temperature in a column: 40 to 60° C., strip rate: 0.5 to 7% and the degree of pressure reduction: 70 to 100 kPa.

Abstract: Green coffee is introduced into a container where it is subjected to continuous mixing in temperature continuous mixing in temperature ranging between environment and values close to 120° C. and water vapor is introduced into said container until the single beans of coffee have become porous and permeable; micotoxins are removed by extraction with a solvent in an acid environment obtained with a given acid or with a buffer solution with a given acid pH.

Abstract: Provided are products including trihydroxystilbenes and glycosylated derivatives thereof. Also provided are compositions containing these products with an aqueous solvent, particularly and alcohol-water mixture, and reverse phase chromatographic methods for isolating and purifying the compositions from plant materials. The products have biological activity, including anti-tumor activity.

Abstract: A process for producing a food material having a high concentration of eriocitrin, which comprises extracting a juice, a peel and a squeezed juice refuse of a citrus fruit with a polar solvent, applying the extract to a synthetic adsorption resin, and separating and recovering the food material having the high concentration of eriocitrin using an organic solvent such as hydrous alcohol. A food material having a high concentration eriocitrin as an antioxidant ingredient can industrially be produced quite efficiently without entraining an ingredient of a bitter taste, and drink and food having a high antioxidant effect can be produced.

Abstract: Lipid compositions enriched in unsaturated fatty acid-containing triacylglycerols are made from chicken fat. The method involves solvent fractionation of chicken fat to provide a lipid composition containing enriched monounsaturated fatty acid esters (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acid esters (PUFAs).