Liquid-Liquid Extraction in Processing of Bioproducts

Different approaches that could be used for process intensification in liquid-liquid extraction and their wide applications in bio-based and chemical processes are described. An approach for process intensification in liquid-liquid extraction could be the use of new materials in the solvent system instead of the conventional organic solvents. These new materials include ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, polymers, modifiers, and supramolecular structures etc. that increase the extraction capability of the solvent system. The most known approach for process intensification is the development of novel extractors such as micromixers, microchannels, membrane extractors etc. that bring more effective and efficient extraction of products than the traditional extractors. Another approach is the use of external force such as ultrasound, microwave, centrifugal and electric field as a means of process intensification by increasing the extraction efficiency and selectivity in solvent extraction processes. Integration and hybrid separation methods also bring process intensification by means of combined operations, reduced energy consumption and capital investment. These methods include extractive fermentation, reactive extraction, extractive distillation, membrane extraction etc. All the above mentioned process intensification strategies are applied in liquid-liquid extraction of bio-based products, such as fermentation-based products, biofuels and platform chemicals, and significant improvements in extraction performance can be achieved.