Method and devices for de-emulsifying and complexing organic compounds in emulsions

A method for the aggregation and separation of a mixture of organic substances, being dissolved in an aqueous emulsion, characterized by the steps of:

• a) provision of an aqueous emulsion having organic compounds dissolved therein, wherein the organic compounds are proteins, flavours, waxes, fatty alcohols, fragrances, flavouring agents, carboxylic acids, phospholipids, glycolipids, glyceroglycolipids, phenols, sterols, chlorophylls and/or sinapines, wherein the aqueous emulsion contains at least one compound carrying guanidino or amidino groups with a Kow<6.3,
• b) mixing the emulsion of step a) with an aqueous solution containing copper(II) ions and/or calcium ions until aggregate formation, wherein the achievement of aggregate formation signifies the beginning of the aggregation, which can be recognized with the eye,
• c) separating the aggregates from step b) by sedimentation, filtration, or centrifugation after obtaining an aggregated phase of organic compounds from step b), wherein a reusable clarified water phase containing compounds carrying guanidino- or amidino groups is obtained,
• d) reuse of the clarified water phase containing compounds carrying guanidino or amidino groups for the provision of an aqueous emulsion according to step a).