An isolate is a substance obtained in a highly purified state, separated from other components present in its original source. Creating an isolate involves detaching a specific chemical or biological entity to achieve a pure form. This purification allows for focused study or application of the isolated compound, ensuring its properties are not influenced by other substances.
What Makes Something an Isolate
An isolate is characterized by its exceptional purity, consisting almost exclusively of a single target compound. This high level of purification differentiates it from extracts or concentrates, which retain a broader range of components from their source material. For example, protein isolates often contain 90% or more protein per serving, with most fats and carbohydrates removed. Cannabinoid isolates, such as CBD isolate, can achieve purities of up to 99.9% cannabidiol.
Achieving this high purity involves the extensive removal of other naturally occurring compounds, impurities, or unwanted substances. This rigorous purification eliminates nearly all other plant matter, waxes, oils, chlorophyll, and trace compounds, ensuring the final product is a highly concentrated form of the specific molecule.
Where Isolates are Commonly Found
Isolates are widely encountered in consumer products, especially within the health, wellness, and nutrition industries, due to their purity and targeted effects. Whey protein isolate is a prominent example, favored by athletes and individuals seeking to increase protein intake without significant fats or carbohydrates. It is also popular for post-workout recovery or for those with lactose intolerance due to its minimal lactose content.
Another common application is in cannabinoid products, specifically CBD isolate. This form of cannabidiol is completely free from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), making it suitable for individuals who wish to avoid THC entirely. CBD isolate is used for various wellness purposes, and its versatility allows for precise dosing and incorporation into products where a neutral taste and smell are desired. Isolates also find use in the fragrance industry, where individual aroma compounds are separated from natural sources like essential oils to craft specific scents.
How Isolates are Produced
The production of isolates involves a multi-step process designed to extract and purify a specific compound from a raw material. This typically begins with an initial extraction phase, where desired compounds are removed from the source using methods such as solvent extraction, often employing solvents like ethanol or CO2. For botanical sources, this yields a crude extract containing a mixture of many compounds.
Following extraction, a series of purification and separation techniques progressively refine the target compound. These include filtration, distillation, and winterization to remove unwanted components. Chromatography is a widely used method, separating compounds based on their differential interaction with a stationary and mobile phase. Crystallization is another purification step, where the isolated compound is induced to form pure crystals, which are then washed and dried. These multiple steps work in concert to achieve the high purity characteristic of an isolate.
Key Features of Isolates
Isolates possess distinct features stemming from their high level of purification. Their purity often reaches levels of 90% or higher, and in some cases, exceeds 99% for compounds like CBD. This absence of other compounds is advantageous for specific applications. For instance, whey protein isolates have minimal fat and lactose, making them suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or specific macronutrient goals.
The removal of other compounds also impacts sensory properties. Isolates typically have a neutral taste and smell, unlike full-spectrum extracts that retain the natural flavors and aromas of their source material. For botanical isolates, this purity means the absence of the “entourage effect,” a synergistic interaction believed to occur when multiple compounds from the plant work together. This makes isolates ideal for precise dosing, allergen avoidance, or when only the effects of a single compound are desired, offering a controlled and predictable experience.