Short communication: Concentration of conjugated linoleic acid from milk fat with a continuous supercritical fluid processing system

A continuous pilot-scale supercritical carbon dioxide system was utilized f or the concentration of conjugated linoleic acids (cis-9, trans-11 C18:2) f rom anhydrous milk fat, which was separated into five fractions (S1 to S5) in the pressure and temperature range of 2.4 to 24.1 MPa (350 to 3500 psi) and 40 to 60 degrees C, respectively. The highest concentration of CLA atta ined showed an increase of about 89% and occurred in the raffinate fraction (S1) when the solvent to feed ratio was 65. This was followed by a gradual decrease in the concentration of this fatty acid from S2 to S5. This study shows the feasibility of selectively enhancing the CLA concentration in on e of the fractions of milk fat with a benign solvent in a one-step process. Other unique attributes of the CLA-rich fraction are also listed.