Method of extraction and purification of polyunsaturated fatty acids from natural sources

US4792418A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• CENTER LABORATORIES, INC. · TW

Inventors

• David Rubin · San Diego, US
• Elyiahu J. Rubin · San Diego, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 19, 1985
• Grant date: Dec 20, 1988
• Expiry date: Dec 19, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C09F5/02
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

To extract and purify of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, without cis-trans conversion, from naturally occurring oils, such as marine animal oil and various vegetable oils a mixture of free fatty acids is first extracted from the oil. The resulting mixture of pure fatty acids is then subjected to separation by means of urea complexing to remove saturated fatty acids and most mono-unsaturated fatty acids. Remaining solvent and urea are then removed from the filtrate which is then subjected to low temperature fractional crystallization in the presence of an organic solvent such as acetone. Substantially pure polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, can be separately precipitated by reducing the temperature of the filtrate in two steps. Alternatively, the volume of the filtrate is reduced in two steps and cooled to form precipitates, which are removed. The final product is a mixture of substantially pure DHA and EPA.