Journal of CO2 Utilization, (3-4), p. 30-36
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2013.09.001
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Application of supercritical carbon dioxide in particle modification showed promising results due to less toxic solvent used and its relatively easy alteration on particle characteristic. Unfortunately, the use of this technology in herbal drugs or extracts is still limited. This research studied a new approach of herbal drugs processing technology. The micronization of Manilkara kauki L. Dubard's leaf extract (DLBS2347) using supercritical anti-solvent (SAS) was conducted with carbon dioxide as anti-solvent. Experiment results showed that type of solvents, pressure, temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) mol fraction influenced its morphology and active compound concentration. Polar solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide, methanol and ethanol produced sticky particle due to hygroscopic nature of simple carbohydrate that present in the product. Acetone precipitation of DLBS2347 has the highest active compound concentration. Lower pressure, temperature and CO2 mol fraction resulted small particle size (<1 μm) of DLBS2347. In addition, precipitation of active compound is mainly affected by pressure that correlated to extract impurities. Taken together, optimum condition for micronizing DLBS2347 using SAS with acetone solution was at 40 °C, 15 MPa and 0.95 mol fraction CO2.