| abstract |
A method for extracting one or more desired components from an aqueous phase comprising a mixture comprising one or more further components, comprises separating the aqueous mixture (3) from a water-immiscible hydrophobic phase (2) by means of a hydrophilic membrane (1) and allowing the desired components to move out off the aqueous phase through the membrane and into the hydrophobic phase. The further components have a lower water solubility than the desired component(s), whereby the further components are substantially incapable of passing through the membrane. The method may be used for the isolation of materials from reaction mixtures for purification purposes or for the preparation of extracts of natural substances. Extracts can be produced by the method. Extracts may be produced in the form of carrier-based flavours, for instance absorbed on paper or maltodextrins, or encapsulated into maltodextrins, including into glass forms; which can then be formed into powders or tablets and used as such. |