Effect of Solvent on Nanoparticle Production of β-Carotene by a Supercritical Antisolvent Process

Production of micro-to nano-sized particles of beta-carotene was investigated by means of solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS). beta-Carotene was dissolved in dichloromethane (DCM), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), n-hexane, or ethyl acetate, and supercritical CO2 served as an antisolvent. The effects of the organic solvents, operating pressure, and temperature were examined. The morphologies of the particles produced by the SEDS were observed by field emission-scanning electron microscopy and particle sizes were determined by image analysis. Irregularly shaped microparticles were produced in the system with DCM and DMF solution. Plate-like microparticles were generated by using n-hexane solution and irregular nanoparticles by ethyl acetate solution. The optimum operating conditions were found to be ethyl acetate as solvent in a defined pressure and temperature range.