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

Pressurized liquid extraction is a versatile technique that allows the extraction of natural bioactive compounds such as curcuminoids, compounds that have medicinal properties and responsible for the yellow color of turmeric. Generally, used as an analytical tool pressurized liquid extraction uses elevated temperatures (313 – 473 K) and moderate to high (3.5 – 20 MPa) 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 extraction, exploring the latest developments and trends in the extraction of bioactive compounds such as curcuminoids. It also discusses the possibility of using near room temperature (313 K) and pressures in the range of 10 – 30 MPa as opposing to the use of high temperatures, in the extraction of pigments from plant material rich in starch.