OGIRC

Dr. Paul Charpentier

University of Western Ontario
Dept. Chemical & Biochemical Engineering

 

Our research team is working on ginseng extraction, chromatography, and value-added products. We are both extracting the ginsenocides and polysacharides from ginseng using various strategies with green-environmentally friendly solvents. Supercritical fluids and agricultural solvents are being explored to prepare desired extracts that are undergoing bioassay, in vitro and in vivo studies. Various bio-surfactants such as soybean lecithin fractions are being examined for helping to extract the desired components. In addition, supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is being examined, which is a new powerful technique for both analytical and preparatory fractionation and analysis of pharmaceuticals and natural health products. Gel permeation chromatography is being examined on the analysis of the separated polysaccharide fractions. The most well known commercial product of ginseng is "Cold FX", which is primarily a polysaccharide fraction used for treating colds by stimulating the immune system. We are exploring the structure-property relationships between the ginseng components and their bioactivity for a new generation of value-added products. In addition we are developing a new process using supercritical fluids for both separating the desired components from ginseng and product formation. These components can either be sprayed onto patches, stabilized in water-based solutions, or crystallized into desired structures for powder formulation.

Dr. Paul Charpentier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Platform Technology Group: Advanced Processing, Phytochemistry
Research Keywords: Extraction, chromatography, value-added products
Phone: 519 661-3466
E-mail: pcharpentier@eng.uwo.ca
Personal web page: N/A
Research Projects: "Green" extraction methodology - supercritical fluids, bio-surfactants
Trainees: Raziye Samimihaghgozar (GS); Chike Azike (GS, co-supervised by Ed Lui); Farida Akhter (GS); Mehrnaz Salarian (GS)