EXTRACTION PROCESSES FOR BIOPRODUCT SEPARATION

The three-phase extraction process, a modification of reactive extraction, has been investigated for its applicability in the separation of organic acids from fermentation broth. It has been compared with reactive extraction, liquid membrane permeation, and supercritical fluid extraction. These processes are based on the use of amine extractants, which have to be dissolved in nonpolar solvents, for the extraction of carboxylic acids, hydroxycarboxylic acids, and aminocarboxylic acids. This paper considers the comparison of the above-mentioned processes. Furthermore, the extractability of acids from synthetic aqueous solutions and fermented broths has been compared. Principal consideration has been paid to the extraction of lactic acid, gluconic acid, citric acid, and L-leucine.