Supercritical Fluid Extraction: Applications to Biological System

Supercritical fluid extraction is the most successful and well-organized way to extract precious component. Supercritical Fluid Extraction is a separation technique in which one component (the extractant) is separated from another component (the matrix) using supercritical fluids. In supercritical fluid extraction technique carbon dioxide is commonly used as supercritical fluid. Carbon dioxide is non toxic, eco friendly, inexpensive and its critical temperature is also low, all these things make it the best extracting solvent. Supercritical fluids are highly compressed gases, which have combined properties of gases and liquids in an intriguing manner. Supercritical fluids can show the way to reactions, which are not easy or even impractical to achieve in conventional solvents. Supercritical fluid extraction is a rapid process compared to conventional extraction methods. It can be completed in 10 to 60 minutes. After extraction supercritical fluid can be easily separated from analyte by simply releasing pressure, leaving almost no trace and provides a pure extract. Supercritical fluid extraction is one of the best analytical tools which have many biological applications. In this review paper information about Supercritical fluid and Supercritical fluid extraction with its biological applications is provided.