April 2021 Meeting

Speaker

Topic: Supercritical Fluid Extraction Technologies: The Past, Present, and Future

Abstract: Extraction technologies are fundamental to the cosmetic and food ingredient supply chains. Applied to ingredients ranging from botanical extracts to vegetable oils, modern extraction technologies allow for precise conversion of natural materials into valuable chemicals. Mechanical methods, such as cold-pressing, date back to the early 1800s, while chemical methods, such as solvent and supercritical fluid extraction, came to industry in the early and late 1900s, respectively. In this talk, we’ll cover the basics of extraction and dive into the details of supercritical fluid technologies, paying close attention to its recent popularity for use in cannabis, hemp, and upcycled materials.

Henok currently manages the R&D processing team at TerViva, an oil seed startup in Oakland CA. Henok is an expert on the nutritional benefits of seed oil, proteins and other bioactives, and on different processing techniques. Henok received his masters degree from Ghent University, Belgium and PhD from the University of Nebraska, where he focused his thesis on supercritical fluid extraction technologies

 

 

 

Trained as a mechanical engineer at UCLA, Aaron conducted research at UCLA’s Pasarow Mass Spectroscopy Laboratory. His current research focuses on using supercritical fluid technology to transform waste from the coffee industry into valuable products for skincare and food. Having previously worked on engineering systems at Tesla. Aaron is focused on using technology to mitigate climate change and food waste