Supercritical CO₂ | Microwave | Hydrodistillation | Ultrasound | Enzyme-Assisted
EAE is a green extraction method that uses biodegradable enzymes (such as cellulases, hemicellulases, pectinases, and proteases) to degrade cell walls and plant matrices, facilitating the release of essential oils, phenolics, and other bioactive compounds.
How It Works:
- Plant material is pre-treated with a solution containing specific enzymes.
- These enzymes break down structural components like:
- Cellulose (via cellulase)
- Pectin (via pectinase)
- Hemicellulose and proteins
- This loosens plant tissue, increasing permeability and oil release.
- The extract is then collected using a solvent or water, and often combined with ultrasonic or microwave assistance for improved efficiency.
Benefits of EAE:
- Improved oil yield and purity
- Operates at mild temperatures (30–55°C), protecting volatile oils
- Reduces solvent use and processing time
- Environmentally friendly and biodegradable enzymes
- Enhances extraction of bound or encapsulated compounds
Best Uses in Perfumery and Medicinal Plant Processing:
- Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood): to help extract embedded resin and oil
- Citrus peels: to extract limonene-rich oils
- Herbs like lemongrass, chamomile, ylang-ylang
- Roots like vetiver and ginger
Common Enzymes Used:
| Enzyme | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cellulase | Cellulose in cell walls | Fungi (e.g., Trichoderma) |
| Pectinase | Pectin in middle lamella | Fungi (Aspergillus) |
| Hemicellulase | Hemicellulose | Plants/fungi |
| Protease | Protein matrix | Bacillus, papaya (papain) |
Considerations:
- Enzyme concentration, pH, and temperature must be optimized.
- Reaction time usually ranges from 30 minutes to several hours.
- Needs careful enzyme deactivation or separation post-extraction.