Up-to-date extraction

The conventional methods typically involve:
  • Long extraction times, often requiring several hours
  • High consumption of water and energy
  • Thermal degradation of sensitive compounds
  • Alteration of the original profi le of essential oils
  • Limited flexibility when working with different plant materials
To address these limitations, Milestone has developed the ETHOS X and ETHOS X LEAN microwave platforms, enabling a new approach to natural products extraction. By using a solvent-free microwave process, these systems deliver high-quality extracts in a signifi cantly shorter time while preserving the integrity of the original compounds and supporting a more flexible approach to method development.
ETHOS X and ETHOS X LEAN
High quality extracts.
Preserves the natural profile of compounds.
Solvent-free process.
No solvents and reduced environmental impact.
Fast extraction.
Rapid process with reduced energy consumption.
No thermal degradation
Avoids by-product formation across samples.
Scalable platform
From small-scale to larger batches.

High quality terpenes from Cannabis

Read how the cannabis plant can be processed using ETHOS X to produce high quality flavoring terpenes, while preserving the quality of the cannabis plant material for the further processing for THC and CBDs extraction with conventional techniques.

Choose your preferred setup

Two different configurations

Fragrances Extraction

The ETHOS X performs solvent-free microwave extraction of fragrances in plant material, such as essential oils, at atmospheric pressure. To run a sample, the operator places the material into the reactor without any added solvents or water, and then selects the pre-stored methods to start the run. Within minutes, the system's accelerated heating and water-cooling process enables the first drops of essential oils and water to condense in the fragrances glassware vessel, restoring the sample's in-situ water, while the essential oils are collected into the fragrances glassware available in glass and in stainless steel. Once the essential oils have been extracted, they can be analyzed directly by GC-MS without any preliminary clean-up or solvent exchange steps. The system's fast process also avoids thermal degradation, as the sample and the essential oils are exposed to heat for only a few minutes.
Fragrances Extraction

Flavors Extraction

In addition to essential oils, the ETHOS X and ETHOS X LEAN platforms support the extraction of flavors and a wide range of natural compounds from plant materials, extending their application across different research and development activities. Using Microwave Hydro-Diffusion and Gravity (MHG), the system enables the extraction of volatile and non-volatile compounds such as flavors, pigments, flavonoids, and carotenoids. The process allows compounds to diffuse out of the plant material and be collected without the use of solvents. Compared to traditional extraction techniques, this approach signifi cantly reduces extraction time while maintaining the quality and integrity of the extracted compounds.
Flavors Extraction

Unique Reactor Configurations

The ETHOS X and ETHOS X LEAN platforms offer flexible reactor configurations to adapt to different sample volumes and application needs. From small-scale experiments to larger batch processing, the system can be confi gured with reactors of different capacities. ETHOS X supports reactor volumes of 2, 5 and 12 liters, while ETHOS X LEAN offers configuration up to 2 liters, enabling laboratories to select the most suitable setup based on their throughput and application requirements.
2, 5 and 12 liters glass reactors for fragrances and flavors

RELIABLE PROCESS CONTROL

Accurate temperature control is essential to ensure reproducible extraction results. The ETHOS X and ETHOS X LEAN platforms use an advanced infrared sensor that directly monitors the real temperature of the sample throughout the entire process. This technology enables uniform heating, controlled operating conditions, and highly consistent extraction performance across different plant materials and sample sizes. Continuous temperature monitoring helps reduce variability between runs, improving method reliability and repeatability. As a result, users can achieve dependable outcomes across a wide range of applications, from routine analysis to advanced research, while maintaining high standards of efficiency, accuracy, and process control.

INTUITIVE OPERATION

The ETHOS X platforms are designed for simple, intuitive, and efficient operation. Pre-defined methods and a user-friendly interface allow users to quickly set up and run extractions while maintaining full control over process parameters whenever required. Milestone Connect provides immediate access to validated methods, applications, software updates, and technical resources, helping users optimize their extraction workflows and adapt them to specific research needs. The platform supports both experienced analysts and new users by simplifying routine tasks, reducing training time, and improving overall laboratory productivity. This combination of automation, flexibility, and digital connectivity ensures reliable performance and streamlined operation in a variety of analytical environments.

HIGH-QUALITY ESSENTIAL OILS IN MINUTES

The ETHOS X and ETHOS X LEAN platforms enable the extraction of essential oils directly from plant materials through a simple and efficient process. The sample is placed into the reactor without the addition of solvents or water, and the extraction is initiated using pre-defined methods. Within minutes, essential oils are released and collected through a controlled condensation process. The extract can be analyzed directly without any clean-up or solvent exchange steps, significantly simplifying sample preparation and reducing overall processing time. The short extraction cycle minimizes thermal exposure, helping preserve the natural profile of volatile compounds while ensuring high-quality and reproducible results. This approach combines speed, simplicity, and analytical reliability for both research and routine applications.

Testimonials

INRA Agroscience National Research Institute

Prof. Farid Chemat, University of Avignon, France

Prof. Farid Chemat is full professor of chemistry and director of Green Extraction Laboratory where 200 international scientists deal with innovative techniques.

University of Montpellier

Evelina Colacino and Clarence Charnay, Associate Professors, University of Montpellier, France

The Chemistry Department at the University of Montpellier is able to apply microwave technology to a range of different applications in chemical synthesis or extraction processes. Microwave-activated reactions have been developed in research laboratories for over 25 years with ever increasing demands for industrial applications.

Scientific Papers

A very large scientific library based on the MHG and SFME technology is now available and it includes sample preparation programs and analytical data.
  • A new process for extraction of essential oil from Citrus peels: Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity.

    Nabil Bousbia et al.

  • Towards a “dry” bio-refinery without solvents or added water using microwaves and ultrasound for total valorization of fruit and vegetable by-products.

    M. Jacotet-Navarro et al.

  • Improved microwave steam distillation apparatus for isolation of essential oils Comparison with conventional steam distillation.

    Naima Sahraoui et al.

  • Comparison of microwave-assisted distillation and conventional hydrodistillation in the essential oil extraction of flowers Rosa damascena Mill.

    Maryam Mohamadi et al.

Scientific Papers

A very large scientific library based on the MHG and SFME technology is now available and it includes sample preparation programs and analytical data.
  • A new process for extraction of essential oil from Citrus peels: Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity.

    Nabil Bousbia et al.

Greennovation

for your lab

Milestone is the only sample preparation company with a true and proven sustainability commitment.

Solvent-free microwave extraction

Solvent-free microwave extraction represents one of the most inherently sustainable approaches to sample preparation. This technique utilizes only the water naturally present in botanical materials to extract essential oils, eliminating the need for added solvents or water. Unlike traditional methods such as hydro distillation or steam distillation, which involve heating large volumes of water and often require long processing times, microwave extraction selectively heats the intracellular moisture within the plant matrix. This targeted heating dramatically reduces energy consumption, processing time, and waste generation. Because no solvents are used, the environmental footprint of this process is minimal, and the risk of operator exposure to hazardous chemicals is eliminated. In addition, solvent-free microwave extraction simplifies downstream handling and improves the purity of the extract, without compromising efficiency. This technology exemplifies how microwave-based processes can deliver clean, fast, and safe extractions with a strong focus on green chemistry principles
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