Ultrasound

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is used to enhance the efficiency of the extraction process, because it decreases the needed temperature and favors the solubilization of target compounds in the solvent. Ultrasonic waves cause expansion and compression on matter. Expansion can create bubbles in a liquid and produce negative pressure, and the collapse of the bubbles can lead to cavitation. Cavitation near cell walls causes breaking of the cells. As a result, an improved penetration of the solvent inside the cells is possible, increasing mass transfer. Ultrasound can also modify the structure of a solid matrix, accelerating the desorption of compounds adhered to its surface.