The invention is a new process for the extraction of polyamines from a complex natural matrix, in particular complex food matrix.
| Patent title | Method of extracting polyamines from a natural matrix |
|---|---|
| Thematic area | Bioeconomy, Agriculture and Environment |
| Ownership | ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA' DI BOLOGNA |
| Inventors | Francesca Truzzi, Giovanni Dinelli, Eros D'Amen |
| Protection | Italy, with the possibility to extend internationally |
| Licensing status | Available for development agreements, option, license and other exploitation agreements |
| Keywords | Polyamines, extraction, complex natural matrix, spermidine, spermine, wheat germ |
| Filed on | 25 March 2021 |
Linear low molecular weight polyamines are in almost all living organisms, and are known to be potent growth factors for eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Among these, in particular, spermidine is considered an "agent of longevity" in mammals, thanks to various mechanisms of action that scientists are currently studying.
The methods of extracting polyamines from wheat germ provide for extraction with water in acidic conditions, which lead to low efficiency, given that most of the components of wheat germ are soluble in these situations. So, the extraction liquid contains only a very small percentage by weight of polyamines, and is very difficult to dry to obtain a solid product.
This new process allows the extraction of polyamines from a complex natural matrix, such as wheat germ, thanks to various treatment, extraction and filtration steps.
The liquid obtained, rich in polyamines, is further processed in order to precipitate and crystallize the polyamines from the hydro-alcoholic solution. By the end, within 24-48 hours, the polyamines can be collected by simple filtration. A more concentrated product is therefore obtained, compared to those currently available, and suitable for food consumption.
The main application consists in a high-concentrated extract of polyamines from natural raw material, to be used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic fields.
The main advantages:
• The process is simple, easily scalable, with food grade reagents;
• The product has a high content of active ingredient;
• The process also doesn't recover any contaminants present in the wheat germ (pesticides etc ...).