Chromatographic modeling of free lutein derived from marigold flowers

Abstract

In this study, mass transfer of free lutein derived from marigold in a chromatographic process was mathematically modeled. The required model parameters were first determined. The adsorption isotherm was determined from experimental adsorption study using batch method, while the overall mass transfer and axial dispersion coefficients were determined from appropriate empirical equations. The adsorption isotherm was found to be Langmuir and was applied to three mathematical models: ideal model, equilibrium–dispersive model, and transport model. From the results, the transport model was able to the most reasonably describe the mass transfer behavior of free lutein in both linear and nonlinear ranges of concentration. The optimum mobile phase velocity, determined numerically, was 0.16 cm/s.

Keywords:

• Adsorption
• Chromatography
• Free lutein
• Marigold
• Modeling
• Separation

Acknowledgments

Provision of powder of dried marigold flowers by PPT Global Chemical, Co. Ltd. is greatly appreciated.

Additional information

Funding

The authors thank the Thailand Research Fund (the RGJ-Ph.D. Program, PHD/0222/2553, IRG5780014, and MRG5680179) and the Ratchadapiseksomphot Endowment Fund (RES560530095-FW) for financial support.