Process for concentrating omega-3 fatty acids

摘要

The present disclosure relates generally to processes for concentrating omega-3 fatty acids from a fatty acid oil mixture with an aqueous silver salt, such as an aqueous AgNO3 solution.

主权项

1. A process for concentrating at least one omega-3fatty acid from a fatty acid oil mixture, while reducing the concentration of at least one omega-6 fatty acid in the fatty acid oil mixture, the process comprising:
(a) combining the fatty acid oil mixture and an aqueous silver salt solution to form an aqueous phase and an organic phase, wherein in the aqueous phase, the aqueous silver salt solution forms a complex with the at least one omega-3 fatty acid; (b) separating the aqueous phase from the organic phase; (c) extracting the aqueous phase with a displacement liquid, or increasing the temperature of the aqueous phase to at least 30° C., or a combination of extracting with a displacement liquid and increasing the temperature, resulting in formation of at least one extract; (d) combining the aqueous phase with water, or extracting the aqueous phase with supercritical CO2, or a combination of combining the aqueous phase with water and extracting the aqueous phase with supercritical CO2, to dissociate the complex, wherein an aqueous phase comprising the silver salt and at least one solution comprising a fatty acid concentrate forms; and (e) separating the at least one solution comprising the fatty acid concentrate from the aqueous phase comprising the silver salt, wherein the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the fatty acid concentrate is greater than about 40, greater than about 80, greater than about 100, greater than about 150, or greater than about 200.