Phasex Corporation: Supercritical Fluid Innovators

When Val Krukonis, president, founded Phasex Corporation, Law­rence, MA, in January 1981, the intent was to apply supercritical fluids to extraction and purification problems. Since that time, Phasex has pioneered applications of supercritical fluids in the pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, polymers and nutraceuticals industries.

Looking back on the company’s beginnings, Mr. Krukonis said, “At that time several R&D companies were developing supercritical fluid based processes for hazardous waste remediation, but Phasex recognized that supercritical fluids offered po­tential advantages to other sectors such as pharmaceuticals, specialty and fine chemicals, and later nutra­ceuticals. The company capitalized on the ability to concentrate active compounds ex­tracted from botanical substrates with no residual solvents in either the extract or spent biomass.”

In terms of nutraceuticals, Mr. Krukonis said supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is driven by the need for improved product performance, elimination of hazardous solvents and methods to achieve difficult separations. “These factors coupled with the wealth of opportunities in the nutraceuticals market, motivate Phasex’s involvement in this growing industry,” Mr. Krukonis said, adding, “The ability to produce products with enhanced properties using green solvents provides a perfect match for meeting the needs of the nutraceuticals market.” As a toll processor of botanical substrates, the tolling work is directed toward products such as concentrated carotenoid fractions (astaxanthin, lutein, lycopene), fractions enhanced in fatty acid esters and concentrated plant sterols.

In its efforts to meet the increasing demand for supercritical fluid services, Phasex has expanded by adding another laboratory system to its R&D facilities over the past two years. In addition, the proliferation of SFE has also resulted in the expansion of Phasex’s production plant. According to the company, the plant expansion is 60% complete with vessels, recycle compressor and associated piping and controls already installed. Upon completion the total plant capacity will be increased to 400,000 kg/yr from its current 100,000 kg/yr.

Mr. Krukonis said Phasex continues to expand its presence in the nutraceuticals market, offering R&D and tolling services for new product development or improvement of existing products. “As new botanical sources emerge, Phasex intends to remain active in screening and feasibility studies,” he offered.

Commenting on the future of the company Mr. Krukonis said, “It is possible that regulations concerning the use of hazardous solvents may extend to the nutraceuticals industry in the future. Phasex is preparing itself for these possible restrictions by incorporating GMP documentation into its production operations. It is likely that SFE could become a preferred extraction method, and Phasex will be ready to meet the demanding needs of its present and future customers.”—T.W.


Phasex Corporation
360 Merrimack Street
Lawrence, MA 01843
Telephone: 978-794-8686
Fax: 978-794-9580
Website: www.phasex4scf.com