Natural colorant extraction from sangorache, mortiño, guarango, and turmeric
Research project evaluating three extraction methods—organic solvents, pressing, and drying—to obtain natural colorants from native plant species. The work targets sustainable alternatives to artificial dyes for food and industrial applications, optimizing yield through solvent type, ratio, time, temperature, and agitation parameters.
Overview
This research focuses on obtaining natural colorants from four native plant species: sangorache, mortiño, guarango, and turmeric. The project addresses growing demand for sustainable alternatives to artificial dyes, which have raised health concerns. By evaluating three distinct extraction methods—organic solvent extraction, pressing, and drying—the research aims to identify the most efficient approach for converting these native plants into usable natural pigments. The outcome supports agroindustrial value-added processing of regional botanical resources while offering a more environmentally friendly and health-conscious colorant option for food, cosmetic, and industrial applications.
Technical specifications
Raw material preparation:
- Plant materials are washed and dried with hot air based on the characteristics of each species
- Dried materials are processed into fine powder as the starting material for extraction
Extraction methods under evaluation:
- Organic solvent extraction using ethanol, methanol, and water as solvents
- Pressing for mechanical extraction of pigments
- Drying as a standalone extraction approach
Key variables studied:
- Solvent-to-material ratio
- Extraction time
- Temperature
- Agitation speed
Analytical characterization:
- Spectrophotometry to determine colorant concentration and quantify extraction yield
Technology readiness level
The project is at an early experimental research stage. The hypothesis establishes that solvent type, pressing, and drying methods will influence both the quality and yield of natural colorants obtained from these native species. Future validation will systematically compare extraction parameters to optimize the process. The research aims to develop a purification protocol ensuring the colorants are suitable for consumption, bridging laboratory-scale extraction with potential agroindustrial production of natural dye alternatives.
About AGH University of Science and Technology
A major public technical university in Kraków, Poland, with a strong applied‑research profile and a compact urban campus. Industry engages through co‑located research‑and‑service labs—including a modern Center of Energy for joint R&D—and access to high‑performance computing. Regionally, the university partners with Kraków Technology Park and is a member of the hub4industry European Digital Innovation Hub, linking companies to demonstrators, training, and digital‑transformation support. Research draws competitive funding from the Polish Ministry of Education and Science, the European Commission, the National Science Centre, the National Centre for Research and Development, and NAWA. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, spin‑offs, and industry contracting.
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