Optimization of Phytosterol Crystallization: Influence of Solvent Composition on Product Properties

  • Crystallization
  • 10 February 2026

About the webinar

The webinar, with guest speaker Paula Översti - Senior Specialist at Stora Enso Oyj, Finland, will examine the crystallization process of phytosterols and the variations in product properties through changes in solvent composition. Phytosterols, which include plant-based sterols and stanols, are utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The target phytosterol product must meet strict quality standards for total phytosterol purity as well as the concentrations of individual phytosterols and phytostanols. Furthermore, particle properties such as shape, size, and size distribution are critical for subsequent processing stages.

The solubility data for phytosterols and phytostanols in various solvent systems were obtained using the Crystal16. Extensive solubility data are crucial for evaluating product yield and techno-economy of the crystallization process, and also explain the observed variations in the properties of the final product. The role of water in the solvent system is particularly important. The research also examines how particle properties can be further modified by adjusting the solvent composition and process parameters to ensure optimal processability and scalability. Studies on the crystal properties and hydrate formation of phytosterols and phytostanols enrich understanding of how storage and processing conditions affect product properties.

Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Time: 15:00 pm CET  |  14:00 pm GMT  |  09:00 am EST  |  06:00 am EST  |  19:30 pm IST
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References

The presented research in the webinar is part of Paula´s PhD work, which has been published in the following publications:

1: Översti et al., 2025. The effect of water on the crystallization of phytosterols and phytostanols in organic solutions, Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106956

2: Översti et al., 2025. The influence of solvent composition and process parameters on the particle properties of phytosterols in batch cooling crystallization, Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejps.2025.107198

3: Översti et al., 2026. Crystal properties and hydrate formation of phytostanols and phytosterols, Cryst. Growth Des. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.cgd.5c01393

Guest speaker

Paula Översti

Senior Specialist, Stora Enso Oyj

Paula obtained her MSc degree in Chemical Engineering from Aalto University, Finland, in 2012. After graduation, she joined the renewable materials company Stora Enso Oyj. Paula has worked extensively in R&D on pulp mill improvement projects and the development of new products and processes involving cellulose and lignin materials. Paula’s expertise includes process design and simulations, techno-economic assessments, and profitability analyses.

In 2021, Paula began her industrial PhD project in collaboration with Aalto University, focusing on the design of the phytosterol crystallization process. The research supports the company’s targets for developing an industrially feasible purification process for a crude phytosterol-rich stream derived from tall oil, a by-product of the pulping process. The key research areas in Paula’s PhD work include investigating the impact of solvent composition on the properties of the produced phytosterol particles, assessing solvent recovery systems, and evaluating the techno-economic feasibility and scalability of the overall process concept.