Lab extraction with microwave technology
Microwave-assisted extraction for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and fragrances
As consumers increasingly demand natural, clean-label cosmetics and wellness-driven fragrances, manufacturers are researching new greener solutions, including solvent-free extraction processes that preserve the full biological integrity of plant-based active ingredients.
High-efficiency extraction solutions
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) combined with ultrasonic technology, delivers superior yields, reduced processing times and novel compounds without organic solvents. This integrated dual-technology approach offers an energy-efficient solution for cosmetics, pharmaceutical compounds and fragrance ingredients.
Key advantages of microwave extraction
Novel bioactive compounds
Microwaves combined with ultrasounds offer novel bioactive compounds that are not accessible through conventional extraction methods
Solvent-free extraction
Extractions can be achieved without solvents to address the growing needs of the cosmetics and fragrance sectors, along with consumer demand for safer and more natural solutions
Higher yield
Microwaves and ultrasounds ensure maximum extraction efficiency, delivering high yields of target compounds compared to conventional methods
Faster extraction
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) can be performed in minutes compared to conventional methods that take hours
High repeatability
Consistent and reliable results across batches, ensuring process stability and compliance with pharmaceutical and cosmetic quality standards.
Flexibility
Microwave-assisted extraction can be used with a wide range of raw materials and process configurations, from flowers and roots to seeds and residual biomass
Sustainable extraction
Microwave-assisted extraction is fully electric, enabling solvent-free processes where applicable, reducing energy consumption and eliminating harmful emissions
Lower installation and energy costs
Microwaves and ultrasounds requires electricity and a water closed-loop circuit. No steam, no gas, no complex infrastructure!
High-value natural and bioactive extracts
From peppermint to green tea, passing through aloe vera, rosemary, lavender and chamomile, microwave-assisted extraction—whether combined with ultrasound or not—enhances your processes and stands as a key technology for developing the formulas of the future.
Flowers extraction
Microwave-assisted extraction is fast with a low-temperature processing (below 80°C). The aromatic and bioactive profile are preserved.
- Preservation of aromatic molecules and fragrance compounds
- Protection of thermosensitive actives
- Reduced solvent consumption
- High-quality extracts for perfumery & herbal use
Vanilla bean extraction
Using microwave-assisted extraction, vanillin and other key compounds can be efficiently recovered, enabling faster processes with less solvent and high-quality extracts.
- High vanillin yield with preserved aromatic complexity
- Extraction in minutes
- Reduced ethanol consumption for greener,cleaner extracts
- Prenium quality extracts for flavouring, cosmetics and perfurmery
Citrus fruits extraction
From lemon, orange, bergamot, and grapefruit, SAIREM extraction technology efficiently recovers key bioactive compounds, reducing processing time and solvent consumption
- High recovery of flabonoids, terpenes and essential oils
- Preservation of heat-sensitive vitamin C and antioxidant compounds
- Selective extraction of limonene, linalool and bergapten
Botanical extraction
From green tea and mint to rosemary, eucalyptus and moringa, microwave-assisted extraction (alone or combined with ultrasound) reduces solvent use and processing time
- Higher yield of polyphenols, flavonoids, bioactive compounds
- Compatible with water or oil-based extraction media
- Preservation of heat-sensitive active compounds such as antioxidants and essential oils
- Premium extracts for cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and fine fragrances
Microwave extraction equipment
SAIREM’s microwave extraction equipment is the essential tool to perform high yield chemistry without overheating the compounds
InnoXtract extraction systems reduce the processing time, offer high-yield extraction of bioactive compounds from plants, citrus fruits, botanical materials and beyond.
Our extraction systems InnoXtract are basedon Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), with or without ultrasound. They reduce processing time significantly while preserving the quality and integrity of sensitive extracts.
Our range includes continuous tunnel systems and batch reactors. Our solutions adapt to your production scale — from R&D to full industrial output.
The MicroChem is a plug-and-play microwave reactor designed for laboratory and research applications.
Built on solid-state technology, it ensures precise microwave power delivery and enables frequency tuning to adapt to different materials and reaction conditions. This level of control allows researchers to work with accuracy and repeatability across a wide range of experiments.
Combined with optimized microwave field distribution, the system provides efficient and homogeneous energy transfer within the sample, whether working with liquids, solids, or gas-solid reactions.
Here’s a questions-and-answers section about our extraction solutions, with microwave technology.
The microwave energy heats the solvent and plant matrix simultaneously, causing rapid cell rupture and accelerated release of aromatic compounds into the extraction medium.
When properly controlled, microwave-assisted extraction does not degrade sensitive compounds. On the contrary, the speed of the process, combined with precise temperature control, limits thermal exposure and preserves the organoleptic and physicochemical properties of sensitive aroma molecules. The jacketed reactor of the NutriXtract Batch further ensures precise temperature management, protecting heat-sensitive extracts throughout the process.
With microwave-assisted extraction, you get a richer, more complete aromatic extract in 30 seconds instead of hours — unlocking compounds like thymol and carvacrol that maceration simply cannot reach — while using less solvent, cutting production time dramatically, and keeping full control over the flavour profile you want to deliver.
The combination of microwave and ultrasound delivers superior extraction performance that neither technology can achieve alone. Microwave energy breaks down cell walls while ultrasound cavitation mechanically amplifies the release of active molecules. The result is higher extraction yields, a broader spectrum of bioactive compounds and better preservation of heat-sensitive molecules — all achieved in a shorter processing time and with reduced solvent consumption.
Microwave extraction mechanism
The simplest form of liquid–solid extraction is the complete dissolution of particles or their components in a solvent. Selective extraction of specific compounds from a solid matrix is more complex. In both cases, the process is governed by diffusion but the underlying mechanisms differ significantly.
Microwaves can significantly influence the rate-limiting step of diffusion by creating a temperature difference between the solid particles and the surrounding solvent. This leads to faster and more efficient extraction. The effect comes from the different microwave absorption properties of the materials.
It is also suggested that microwaves may generate temperature gradients within inhomogeneous solid particles, which can enhance internal diffusion. Such conditions are difficult to achieve with conventional extraction methods.
Full control of the process
We design and use high-performance microwave generators, based on solid-state or magnetron technologies. This allows precise control of the microwave power and ensures consistent, repeatable results. Power can be adjusted accurately, making it possible to follow the desired thermal profile throughout the process.
Complete dissolution
In complete dissolution, the interface between the solid particle and the liquid gradually moves inward. The resistance to mass transfer into the solvent is relatively low and can be further reduced by increasing the solvent flow rate, which becomes the main factor limiting the process.
Selective extraction
In selective extraction, the situation is different. The target compounds must diffuse through the solid matrix before reaching the solvent. This creates a higher resistance to mass transfer. In this case, increasing the solvent flow has limited impact. The rate-limiting step becomes the internal diffusion of compounds within the solid particle.
Do you need help improving your research process?
Our experts are here to assist you in finding the best solution!