The back extraction of amino acids from reverse micelle phase was investigated through gas hydrate formation. Three amino acids, namely L-aspartic acid, L-serine and L-phenylalanine having different hydrophobicity were used to model the amino acid solution. Back extraction of these amino acid solutions were studied with the help Of CO2 hydrate formation in a high-pressure reactor. The yield of extraction increased from 26% to 99% for L-aspartic acid, from 22% to 82% for L-serin and from 19% to 63% for L-phenylalanine by increasing water to surfactant (Aliquat 336) molar ratio, W-0, from 20 to 50. The yield of amino acid obtained from fermentation process (57%) is lower than the synthetically prepared amino acid solution (99%). Kinetics of hydrate formation was determined as a first order kinetic model. It was determined that there exists a direct correlation between hydrophobicity of the amino acid solvent and initial reaction rate constant. (c) 2007 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.