Operational Group: Obtaining steviol glycosides from stevia leaves

The overall objective of the project is to develop a natural sweetener based on steviol glycosides, extracted naturally and using unconventional methods, without degrading the product's properties. The raw material used in the process is the Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni plant, specifically the dried leaf, which constitutes 40% of the plant's aerial parts, with the remaining 60% being the stem. This means that 60% of the harvested production is a byproduct in the form of the stem.

This stem is a source of organic matter provided by the crop and will be used to incorporate it back into the soil, providing a contribution of carbon and natural phytosubstances that contribute to improving the composition, structure, and microfauna of the soil. It also acts as a continuous sink for atmospheric CO2 fixation and its incorporation into the crop cycle.

Therefore, during this project, the Operational Group seeks to develop a pre-optimized steviol glycoside extraction process that is more environmentally friendly and has lower operating and maintenance costs compared to conventional processes. To achieve this, green, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly solvents will be used, and the steviol glycosides will be separated and purified by adsorption purification using resins, obtaining the purified glycosides in the form of a crystalline solid.