Indigo Extract
Indigo Extract
- Mechotech: Advanced Solutions Indigo Extract Extract Indigo Extract Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) leaves are traditionally used for their natural dye properties and antioxidant benefits. This extract is obtained using standardized extraction methods to ensure quality, color consistency, and bioactive retention for nutraceuticals, herbal supplements, and natural coloring applications. Extraction Process Fresh Indigo leaves are harvested, cleaned, and dried. Leaves are powdered and extracted.
Mechotech designs and manufactures the Indigo Extract as a turnkey solution with SS 316L construction, integrated solvent recovery, and full documentation support. Our plant engineering team ensures optimal process parameters for maximum yield and quality compliance with FSSAI, WHO-GMP, and pharmaceutical-grade specifications.
Manufacturing Process
Raw Material Authentication & Preparation
Dried Indigo Extract plant material is authenticated by HPTLC or macroscopic identification and tested for moisture content (target below 10%). Material is cleaned, milled to 0.5–2 mm particle size to maximise solvent contact surface area before extraction.
Solvent Extraction
Milled Indigo Extract material is extracted with food-grade ethanol (60–95% depending on target compound polarity) or water in closed, jacketed extractors at 40–70°C for 2–6 hours. Multiple extraction cycles with fresh solvent maximise bioactive compound recovery.
Filtration
The Indigo Extract extract (miscella) is filtered through a plate-and-frame filter press followed by cartridge polish filters (1–5 micron) to remove plant particulates and achieve pharmaceutical-grade miscella clarity before concentration.
Evaporation & Concentration
The filtered miscella is concentrated in a falling-film evaporator at 50–65°C under vacuum (50–80 mbar) to remove the bulk of the solvent. Greater than 95% solvent recovery is achieved through the condenser return system, reducing operating cost significantly.
Standardisation
The concentrated Indigo Extract extract is analysed by HPLC for the key bioactive marker compounds. Batches are blended or adjusted to meet the declared extract specification and homogenised before drying.
Drying & Quality Control
The standardised extract is spray-dried or vacuum-dried to free-flowing powder form. Each batch undergoes full QC testing: HPLC assay, residual solvent (GC headspace), heavy metals (ICP-MS), microbial limits, and moisture before release.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical standardised herbal extracts and phytomedicines
- Nutraceutical capsule and tablet formulations
- Ayurvedic and traditional medicine preparations
- Cosmetic and personal care active ingredient supply
- Functional food and dietary supplement manufacturing
- Research and clinical study standardised extract supply
- Export to pharmaceutical ingredient buyers in regulated markets
- Herbal tinctures, syrups, and liquid extract products
Key Features
GMP-Compliant SS 316L Construction
All product-contact surfaces are fabricated in electropolished SS 316L stainless steel, meeting WHO-GMP and Schedule M requirements for botanical extract manufacturing. Designed for clean-in-place (CIP) operation between batches.
Closed-Loop Solvent Recovery (>95%)
Integrated condenser-distillation solvent recovery system achieves greater than 95% solvent return per batch, significantly reducing variable operating cost and ensuring compliance with CPCB solvent discharge regulations.
Scalable Batch Capacity
Plants are designed in standard capacities from 100 kg/batch pilot scale to 2,000+ kg/batch commercial configurations for Indigo Extract. Modular design allows capacity expansion without replacing core equipment.
Integrated Quality Control
In-line sampling ports at each processing stage enable in-process quality monitoring. Plant design accommodates HPLC, GC, and physical testing equipment for batch release documentation required by pharmaceutical and food buyers.
Explosion-Proof Design (Solvent Zones)
All electrical equipment, motors, instruments, and fittings in solvent-handling areas are certified explosion-proof per ATEX/PESO standards, ensuring safe operation with flammable ethanol, hexane, and acetone solvents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indigo Extract and why is it commercially extracted?
What extraction method does Mechotech use for Indigo Extract?
What production capacities are available for the Indigo Extract?
What quality certifications apply to the Indigo Extract?
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