The integration of an in situ extraction into biocatalytic processes is often limited by the toxicity of organic solvents. Therefore, it is desirable to use water-based extraction systems (for example, aqueous micellar two-phase systems). They can be used, for instance, for the extraction of valuable products from microalgae cultures. Recently, the nonionic surfactant ROKAnol NL5 was identified as a suitable surfactant for this purpose, since it forms an upper micellar phase, enabling an easy separation of whole-cell biocatalysts. However, its application at temperatures below 45 °C is limited by unstable phase boundaries, whereas the maximal temperature to ensure the vitality of the most microalgae cultures is ∼40 °C. To overcome this problem, the addition of long-chain alcohols to the surfactant–water mixture during extraction is suggested in this work. Using 1-hexanol, a continuous extraction process with the model solute trans-cinnamic acid at 40 °C in a stirred column could be realized. The results of a new suggested water/ROKAnol NL5/1-hexanol system at 40 °C (extraction yield, Y cont = 97.67% ± 0.14%; enrichment factor, log10 T CA = 2.42 ± 0.03; number of theoretical stages, N theo = 4.45 ± 0.16) are comparable to those of the water/ROKAnol NL5 system at 45 °C (Y cont = 99.26% ± 0.24%, log10 T CA = 2.60 ± 0.10, N theo = 5.88 ± 0.67), ensuring, however, no damage of microalgae.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.