What Is Anthocyanin?
Anthocyanin, also known as anthocyan, is a type of water-soluble natural pigment widely found in plants. Its color varies with pH levels: red at pH = 7, purple between pH 7 and 8, and blue when pH > 11. Known for its health-promoting properties, anthocyanin is widely recognized for its ability to scavenge free radicals, provide antioxidant effects, slow aging, protect vision, reduce allergies, and prevent cardiovascular diseases. These properties have led to its increasing use in the health food and cosmetics industries.
Anthocyanin Extraction Methods
Anthocyanin extraction represents a crucial field in the plant extraction industry. Various methods exist for its extraction and purification. However, due to stringent regulations on solvent residues in raw materials used in health food and cosmetic industries, the most widely adopted method involves water extraction combined with macroporous adsorption resin technology. This process entails water extraction of plant materials under atmospheric or high pressure, followed by necessary filtration pretreatment. The clear extract is then subjected to adsorption and enrichment using non-polar macroporous adsorption resins and desorbed with ethanol.
Resin-Based Extraction Process
Sources of anthocyanin-rich plant materials include:
- Berries: Bilberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, black goji berry, mulberry, and chokeberry.
- Vegetables: Purple sweet potato, purple cabbage, black radish.
- Grains: Black rice, black beans.
- Flowers: Roselle.
Anthocyanin compounds differ in molecular structure and the composition of extracted solutions depending on their source. To achieve optimal separation and purification, selecting the appropriate type of adsorption resin is crucial.
Custom Resin Solutions
- Berry and Flower Sources:
- Seplite® XDA-6 Macroporous Adsorption Resin: Features high adsorption capacity, strong selectivity for anthocyanins, and efficient adsorption/desorption performance.
- Vegetable Sources:
- Seplite® LX-68M and Seplite® LX-32 Resins: Deliver enhanced adsorption capacity, significantly improved anthocyanin content, and solubility in end products, facilitating downstream application development.
About Bluesail Technology
Bluesail Technology is a leading domestic enterprise specializing in resin R&D, production, and comprehensive separation and purification solutions. With nearly 20 years of experience in the plant extraction industry, it boasts:
- A robust resin portfolio tailored to diverse raw materials.
- Integration of advanced process and system equipment for customized production line designs for anthocyanin extraction and purification.
- Technical expertise to ensure scientific, advanced, and cost-effective solutions for clients.
Bluesail’s extensive research, industrial practice, and collaboration with domestic plant extraction technologies enable it to provide fully optimized production lines, maximizing efficiency and economic returns for its customers.