Cracow University of Technology and Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry are offering a new process for the extraction of high-purity cholesterol (>97%) from raw lanolin by using solvent extraction and adsorption on a shape-selective zeolite. The research consortium is looking for licensing or manufacturing agreements, or technical cooperation.

Extraction from raw lanolin can be a source of high-purity cholesterol (above 97%) that can be used in cosmetics manufacturing. High-quality cholesterol can be used, for example, as an emulsion component in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries.
Extraction of cholesterol from a natural raw material is possible due to a specific shape of its molecule, which efficiently differentiates this alcohol from the other alcohols present in lanolin. The process developed by a Polish research consortium is carried out at a temperature below 100°C and consists of four steps: hydrolysis, extraction, adsorption and crystallisation. An industrial company with experience in fine chemicals manufacturing and scaling up the chemical processes is being sought. Researchers from universities or industry to set up a co-operation aimed at the technology tailoring can be also involved.

Innovative Aspects:
The application of shape-selective zeolite adsorbents enables the extraction of cholesterol from the fraction of lanolin alcohols.

Main Advantages:
A cheap, natural raw material can be readily applied for the manufacturing of a component needed for the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. The method is relatively easy to perform and a whole process consists of a few steps only. No similar process is described in the open and patent literature. No complex equipment is required.

• Fine Chemicals, Dyes and Inks
• Pharmaceutical Products / Drugs

• Chemical industry
• Pharmaceutical/Comestics

• Pharmaceuticals/fine chemicals
• Health and beauty aids

• Technical Co-operation
• License agreement
• Manufacturing agreement (Subcontracting & Co-contracting)
• Financial resources