SIMPLEX OPTIMIZATION FOR ALOE-EMODIN SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION USING AQUEOUS DOUBLE-PHASE EXTRACTION SYSTEM

Abstract

We report a new method of aloe-emodin separation and purification that is based on the simplex optimization method of an acetone-ammonium sulfate aqueous double-phase system. We investigated the partitioning trends and conditions of this double-phase system and identified an optimized double-phase recipe for aloe-emodin separation and purification. With this recipe, aloe-emodin was extracted at a purity of 95.23%. The simplex method reported here only requires simple equipment, and mild experimental conditions. The operations are cheap and easy, and produce products with high purity and yield. Thus, the simplex optimization method is effective in optimizing aqueous double-phase systems for industrialized production.

Keywords:

• aloe
• aloe-emodin
• aqueous two-phase technology
• purification
• separation
• simplex method

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This work was supported by The National Science and Technology Programs in Rural Areas of The Twelfth Five Year Plan-Research on The Key Technology of Quality and Safety Control for Ecological High Value-added Processing of Regional Specialties (2012BAD36B02).