Evaluation of extraction performance in a compact reactor geometry for enhanced Omega-3 fatty acid recovery

While mini-fluidic production systems is a rapidly expanding field in Europe for fine chemical andpharmaceutical operations due to its potential technological advantages, it's adoption in Canada has been fairlylimited to date. This work represents the initial stages of novel technology adoption with significant potentialto offer competitive advantages to small-scale Canadian production operations. The proposed research projectexplores practical solvent extraction performance of high-purity omega-3 EPA/DHA from two potentialfish-oil based feed streams using continuous mini-fluidics based processing platforms. The effects oftemperature, feed composition and residence time on both the initial extraction and subsequent recovery will beexplored and evaluated based on fatty acid content and composition in both the aqueous and organic phasesleaving the reactor. The changes in processing parameters in relation to material properties of the feed andsubsequent decomplexation requirements will also be investigated to determine potential scaling strategiesmoving forward. The technology is being developed in collaboration with DSM Nutrition Products as part oftheir commitment to improving processing technologies for pharmaceutical, food and dietary supplementproduction.