Ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) technology utilizes the mechanical and thermal effects of ultrasonic waves to accelerate the release of target compounds from solid samples. Due to its high efficiency and environmental protection characteristics, UAE is widely used in food and environmental protection fields.

How UAE works

Ultrasonic waves are sound waves with frequencies higher than 20kHz. In the process of ultrasonic extraction, the cavitation effect in the liquid medium is the core driving force. Cavitation effect refers to the rapid growth and rupture of tiny bubbles formed when ultrasonic waves propagate in the liquid, resulting in strong local high temperature and high pressure. This effect can destroy the cell wall structure, so that the internal material is quickly released, thus improving the extraction efficiency.

Advantages of UAE

1. Efficient and fast

The concentrated action of ultrasonic energy makes the extraction time significantly shorter, usually only a few minutes to complete the extraction.

2. Environmental protection and energy saving

UAE operates at lower temperatures and with fewer solvents, reducing energy consumption and solvent use, in line with the principles of green chemistry.

3. Mild conditions

It is suitable for the extraction of heat-sensitive compounds and avoids the destruction of these components by traditional heating methods.

4. Simple equipment

Compared with other new extraction technologies, UAE equipment has simple structure, convenient operation and easy industrial application.

Application field

1. Food industry: Used to extract natural pigments, flavors, such as carotene, anthocyanins and vanillin.

2. Environmental protection industry: for the enrichment and separation of pollutants in water samples, as well as the extraction of harmful substances in soil samples.

Despite the obvious advantages of UAE technology, there are still challenges in uniform sample handling and large-scale continuous production. In the future, with the optimization of power ultrasound technology and control systems, UAE is expected to achieve breakthroughs in more industrial areas. In addition, combined with other advanced separation technologies, such as membrane separation and chromatographic analysis, the application potential of ultrasonic assisted extraction will be further enhanced.