Innovative Techniques for Sustainable Research with the Carousel 6

The research of Filipa A. Vicente, from the National Institute of Chemistry in Slovenia, revolves around the extraction of valuable compounds from waste materials, using innovative techniques to promote sustainable processes and avoid reliance on linear economies. The use of the Radleys Carousel 6 Plus Reaction Station has been instrumental in their work, offering improved efficiency and reproducibility in their experiments.

Carousel 6 being used for sustainable research to extract astaxanthin from crustascean waste. The liquid in the flasks is bright orange.

Filipa’s team use the Carousel 6 for solid-liquid extraction processes, such as in the extraction of astaxanthin from crustacean waste. They have optimised the ratio of the biomass to the solvent and identify the most promising extraction time. By screening different solvents, they sought to extract the highest amount of target compounds while minimising the extraction of contaminants. The round bottom flask design of the Carousel 6 proves to be more efficient than traditional beakers, and the magnetic stirring mechanism enables effective mixing of viscous solvents. This improved efficiency and reproducibility have driven the team to acquire two Carousel 6 systems.

Carousel 6 being used in sustainalbe research to extract beta carotene from yeast waste. The liquid in the flasks is a dark brown.

Another of Filipa A. Vicente’s notable studies involved the extraction of beta carotene from R. Glutinis yeast. In this research, the team aimed to optimise extraction efficiency through three different protocols: microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and solid-liquid extraction. While the former methods showed improved yields, they were challenging to implement on a larger scale. By contrast, solid-liquid extraction using the Carousel 6 proved to be a simpler and more scalable technique. Precise temperature control offered by the Carousel 6 further enhanced the extraction process.

Temperature control played a crucial role in both the astaxanthin and beta carotene extraction processes. The team typically worked at room temperature (25°C) for astaxanthin extraction, while beta carotene extraction experiments ranged from room temperature up to 50°C. Maintaining precise temperature control was key to achieving optimal extraction yields.

Filipa A. Vicente and her research group.

Filipa expresses a strong commitment to sustainability and a circular economy approach. The team’s work is focused on transforming waste materials into valuable resources, making use of greener solvents, and developing sustainable technologies. Their aim is to minimise waste production and create new materials that can be continuously recycled at the end of their life cycle. They use the Radleys Carousel 6 to support their efforts in creating sustainable solutions.

Another researcher at the National Institute of Chemistry in Slovenia, Giorgio Tofani is conducting research on bio-based polymers. The Carousel 6 Plus Reaction Station has been instrumental in Giorgio’s research, allowing him to work with multiple flasks simultaneously and optimise the formulation of bio-based plastics derived from renewable resources. The system’s versatility and efficient design accelerate the experimentation process. The Carousel 6‘s ability to handle varying reagent quantities while maintaining consistent temperature, pressure, and stirring conditions is particularly advantageous. As the team progresses towards developing polymers with higher viscosity, the Carousel 6‘s capability to handle viscous systems will become increasingly important.

Through the use of the Radleys Carousel 6, Filipa A. Vicente and Giorgio Tofani have achieved improved efficiency, reproducibility, and temperature control in their experimental processes. Their commitment to sustainability and the circular economy drives their work, transforming waste materials into valuable resources and advocating for greener solvents and more sustainable technologies. The promising results of their research showcase the potential for sustainable advancements in various industries.