Choosing the Right Microwave Extraction System
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) accelerates the recovery of target compounds from solid samples through controlled microwave heating. Compared with conventional solvent extraction methods, it can significantly reduce extraction times and solvent consumption while improving sample preparation efficiency and reproducibility.
Milestone ETHOS X solutions cover laboratory analysis and solvent-free extraction of natural products, from compact labstations to higher-capacity processing systems.
Microwave Extraction for Analysis
Milestone ETHOS X and ETHOS X LEAN provide efficient microwave extraction for environmental, food and other laboratory applications. With dedicated configurations, both platforms also support solvent-free extraction of natural products.
Key benefits of laboratory microwave extraction:
- Shorter extraction times and reduced solvent consumption
- Controlled heating for reproducible results
- Flexible configurations for different samples and applications
- Simplified workflows and improved laboratory productivity

ETHOS X - Advanced Microwave Extraction Labstation
A versatile microwave extraction platform for laboratories requiring flexible methods and higher sample throughput. Advanced temperature control and dedicated rotors support efficient and reproducible sample preparation across different applications.

ETHOS X LEAN - Compact Microwave Extraction Labstation
A compact solution for reliable routine extraction. Intuitive operation, easyTEMP temperature control and application-specific accessories simplify sample preparation while maintaining flexibility.
Learn more about ETHOS X LEANMain applications of microwave extraction in sample analysis
- Environmental analysis: Organic pollutants and PFAS in suitable solid matrices
- Food and feed testing: Fat determination, fatty acid analysis and contaminants
- Natural product research: Essential oils, fragrances and plant-derived compounds
Microwave Extraction for Processors - ETHOS X Line
The Milestone ETHOS X line enables solvent-free microwave extraction of essential oils and terpenes from botanical materials. Designed for different production scales, these systems combine controlled heating and dedicated condensation technology for efficient recovery of volatile compounds.
Two processing solutions:
- ETHOS X 2.0: A 15 L rotating reactor designed for craft and medium-scale natural-product processing.
- ETHOS XL: A 45 L rotating drum combining microwave and conventional heating for larger-scale production.
Main applications of microwave extraction in production
- Extraction of Natural Products: Essential oils, fragrances, flavours and botanical extracts.
- Extraction of Terpenes: Solvent-free recovery of volatile terpenes from botanical materials.
- Hop Extraction for Breweries: True Hopping technology for efficient hop aroma extraction and utilisation.
How Does Solvent-Free Microwave Extraction Work?
Solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) uses microwave energy to heat the moisture naturally present in botanical materials, releasing essential oils and other volatile compounds without adding organic solvents or water. The compounds are recovered through a controlled condensation process.
For laboratory applications, Milestone also offers microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) configurations to extract flavours and other natural compounds, including pigments and flavonoids. The ETHOS X line extends solvent-free extraction to larger-scale natural-product processing.
Why Choose Analis for Microwave Extraction ?
Selecting the right microwave extraction system depends on your sample matrix, target compounds, throughput and processing scale.
Analis provides expert guidance on Milestone extraction technologies, system configurations and application requirements.
Amélioration de l'efficacité de l'extraction par solvant
The process of sample preparation represents a critical yet often overlooked aspect of chromatographic analytical procedures. It is here that errors are most likely to occur. Surprisingly, many laboratories still rely on the antiquated Soxhlet method, a technique dating back to 1879.
In contrast, Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) employs sealed vessels to elevate the extraction solvent temperature beyond its atmospheric boiling point. This strategic approach offers several advantages. Firstly, the heightened temperature significantly enhances the solubility of the target analyte, while concurrently reducing solvent viscosity. As a result, MAE achieves two pivotal goals: more efficient sample preparation and reduced extraction durations.
Furthermore, the microwave-assisted extraction method stands out for its selectivity, speed, and the superior precision and accuracy it imparts to analytical results when compared to alternative approaches.
Microwave-assisted solvent extraction finds application in a wide range of scenarios, including the removal of organic pollutants from environmental matrices, determination of fat content in food samples, elimination of contaminants from food products, and the extraction of additives from plastics.
Avantages
Reliable GC or GC-MS analysis
High sample throughput
Low running costs
Efficiency and consistency
Ease of use
EXTRACTION PAR MICRO-ONDES
pour l'analyse
Extraction des Polluants organiques
Détermination des graisses dans Food Samples
Extraction des Produits naturels
EXTRACTION MICRO-ONDES
pour la production
Extraction des Produits naturels
Extraction des terpènes
Extraction du houblon pour les brasseries
High-quality extracts with a processus d'extraction verte
Pour répondre aux limites des techniques d'extraction conventionnelles, Milestone a développé la gamme ETHOS X pour l'extraction de produits naturels tels que les terpènes du cannabis et du houblon, et les huiles essentielles d'une large gamme de plantes. La famille ETHOS X tire parti du mécanisme unique de chauffage sélectif par micro-ondes. Le chauffage interne de l'eau à l'intérieur de l'échantillon distend ses cellules et entraîne la rupture des glandes et des réceptacles oléifères. Ce processus libère les terpènes qui sont ensuite entrainés avec la vapeur d’eau in situ de la plante.
Application : True Hopping
Pour améliorer l'efficacité de l'extraction des arômes de houblon dans le processus conventionnel de houblonnage à sec, Milestone a appliqué une nouvelle technique de houblonnage appelée True Hopping, qui utilise l'approche bien établie de l'extraction par micro-ondes sans solvant (SFME).
Ce processus permet de récupérer jusqu'à 95 % des terpènes de houblon ainsi que les acides alpha et permet aux brasseurs d'établir des profils d'arômes très houblonnés tout en utilisant jusqu'à 40 % de pellets de houblon en moins.