Extraction & Biotechnologies Department

• Green alcohols and esters: low-carbon-footprint alternatives to conventional organic solvents.
• Terpene-based solvents: renewable solvents derived from biomass and industrial co-products.
• Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES): highly biocompatible systems with tailored extraction properties.

These innovative solvent systems reduce the environmental impact of extraction processes while improving operator safety and supporting the transition toward greener industrial practices. They are fully compatible with the stringent regulatory requirements of the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and food industries.

We develop advanced pressurized extraction technologies based on supercritical CO₂ (SFE-CO₂) and subcritical water to support sustainable and efficient biomass valorization. These green processes provide a high-performance alternative to conventional solvents, enabling the selective recovery of high-value compounds while preserving extract quality and purity.

Key advantages:

• High selectivity for targeted compound recovery.
• Preservation of sensitive bioactive molecules through mild processing conditions.
• Reduced environmental impact and absence of solvent residues.
• Applicability to diverse biomasses, from medicinal plants to complex industrial side streams.

Our expertise includes:

• Ultrasound and microwave-assisted extraction for accelerated extraction kinetics and improved yields.
• Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) for selective, low-temperature extraction through membrane electroporation.
• Preservation of sensitive bioactive compounds through optimized and non-destructive processing conditions.

These sustainable technologies deliver higher extraction performance, optimized yields, and lower operating costs while maintaining the quality and integrity of target compounds.

Our expertise includes:

• Advanced chromatographic purification using Prep-HPLC, MPLC, and CPC technologies.
• Preservation of bioactivity through optimized purification protocols.
• Seamless scale-up from lab to pilot production.
• Tailor-made process development for complex bio-based matrices.
• Production of high-value natural ingredients meeting stringent quality requirements.

Our approach enables:

• Rapid identification of promising bioactive compounds.
• Efficient purification strategies to maximize yield and product quality.
• Comprehensive characterization ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Valorization of biomass and co-products through a circular bioeconomy approach.

These integrated capabilities support the development of innovative ingredients for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and food sectors.

Key advantages:

• Gentle processing of thermolabile compounds.
• High-purity fractions with minimal degradation.
• Selective removal of undesired compounds and contaminants.
• Scalable solutions from laboratory development to pilot production.

Molecular distillation is particularly suited for the production of high-value ingredients for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical and food additives.

Key advantages:

• Selective concentration and purification of valuable compounds.
• Reduced energy consumption compared with conventional separation techniques.
• Preservation of sensitive bioactive molecules through mild operating conditions.
• Scalable and sustainable processes for industrial applications.

Our expertise includes:

• Microbial strain selection and process optimization for efficient bioconversion.
• Production of enzymes, organic acids, bioactive compounds, and specialty metabolites.
• Biomass pretreatment strategies to enhance substrate accessibility and conversion yields.
• Development of sustainable and scalable processes with a reduced environmental footprint.

These bioprocesses enable the transformation of renewable resources into innovative, high-value ingredients for industrial applications. Thanks to our expertise, we convert your waste streams into levers for economic and sustainable growth.

Our expertise includes:

• Controlled synthesis and hydrolysis of functional ingredients.
• Targeted molecular modification to enhance bioavailability and functionality.
• Selective enrichment of high-value bioactive compounds.
• Robust and reproducible processes ensuring consistent industrial-scale production.

Based on the valorization of renewable feedstocks and industrial side streams, our approach contributes to circular bioeconomy objectives while supporting innovation in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and fine chemical sectors.

Our expertise includes:

• Development of microbial strains and tailored bioprocesses to meet industrial requirements.
• Production of high-value functional molecules and intermediates.
• Process scale-up and optimization, ensuring a seamless transition from laboratory to pilot scale.

Our approach enables:

• Reliable characterization of biological activities and functional performance.
• Scientific validation of ingredient efficacy through standardized methodologies.
• Support for product development, positioning, and claim substantiation.
• Alignment with sustainability, circular economy, and green chemistry objectives.

These integrated capabilities provide robust scientific evidence to accelerate the development of innovative, high-value products for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and food industries.

Our capabilities include:

• Separation and identification of bioactive compounds using HPLC, UHPLC, and HPTLC-densitometry.
• Structural characterization and quantification through GC-MS and LC-MS/MS for comprehensive metabolite profiling.
• Quality control and standardization of extracts and bioactive ingredients.

These analytical capabilities provide robust scientific data to ensure the quality, efficacy, and sustainable development of natural products. This rigorous technical support ensures the compliance and efficacy of your extracts with a view toward circular economy and sustainability.

We provide advanced analytical expertise for the characterization and valorization of natural products, supporting innovation from early-stage R&D to industrial development. Using state-of-the-art chromatographic and mass spectrometry platforms, we generate detailed chemical profiles that ensure product quality, performance, and regulatory compliance.

Our capabilities include:

• Separation and identification of bioactive compounds using HPLC, UHPLC, HPTLC-densitometry, and complementary chromatographic techniques.
• Structural characterization and quantification through GC-MS and LC-MS/MS for comprehensive phytochemical and metabolomic profiling.
• Quality control and standardization of extracts, ingredients, and formulations.

This analytical expertise provides robust scientific data to support process optimization, product development, and the sustainable valorization of bio-based resources.