Supercritical Fluid Methods and Protocols [Methods in Biotechnology 13]

Over the last 15 years, there has been renewed interest in supercritical fluids owing to their unique properties and relatively low environmental impact. Greatest attention has been given to the extraction and separation of organic compounds. Supercritical fluids have also been successfully used for particle production, as reaction media, and for the destruction of toxic waste. Supercritical carbon dioxide has been the most widely used supercritical fluid, mainly because it is cheap, relatively nontoxic, and has convenient critical values. Supercritical fluids have also been used on analytical and preparative scales for many biological and other applications. Many papers have been published on the use of supercritical fluids. However, few have acted as a detailed instruction manual for those wanting to use the techniques for the first time. We anticipate that this Methods in Biotechnology volume, Supercritical Fluid Methods and Protocols will s- isfy the need for such a book. Every chapter has been written by experienced workers and should, if closely followed, enable workers with some or no previous experience of supercritical fluids to conduct experiments successfully at the first attempt.

Because of their unique properties and relatively low environmental impact, supercritical fluids have proven highly useful in the extraction and separation of organic compounds, in particle production, as reaction media, and for the destruction of toxic waste. In Supercritical Fluid Methods and Protocols, experienced practitioners present detailed accounts of a wide variety of techniques using supercritical fluids. These range from the supercritical fluid extraction methods for numerous compounds to the ninhydrin staining of fingerprints on checks and banknotes, and from the detection of impurities in pharmaceuticals to a wide variety of applications throughout environmental and food science, and across analytical, clinical, and medicinal chemistry. Detailed step-by-step instructions enable users to apply these essential techniques successfully the first time, and include modifications that permit their effective adaptation to novel experimental or process conditions. For each application, additional discussions provide needed background information, lists of materials and apparatus, and advice about common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Versatile and comprehensive, Supercritical Methods and Protocols offers both novice and experienced investigators and laboratory analysts powerful tools that will enable successful biological and bioprocess analyses and optimizations today.