Thermodynamics Research Center / ThermoML | Fluid Phase Equilibria

ABSTRACT

Curcumin, a natural polyphenol, is a main constituent of turmeric, which is frequently used in food industries as well as pharmaceutical and medicine fields. This bioactive compound is sensitive to high temperature, light, high concentrations of salt, organic solvents, and pH. An economical benign method to extract this precious polyphenol is what seems to be required especially for industrial applications. Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) have demonstrated their potentials for the extraction and separation of bioactive agents. In recent years, researchers have taken a keen interest in the use of green biocompatible components capable of forming biphasic systems. In this study, the ATPSs consisting of carbohydrates (sorbitol, fructose) and tetra butyl phosphonium bromide (IL) were chosen to extract curcumin. To evaluate the efficiency of the system, the partition coefficient and recovery of curcumin were calculated. Furthermore, some factors affecting the curcumin partitioning such as temperature, pH and weight percent of carbohydrates and IL were taken into account. The results indicate that curcumin has a tendency to migrate towards the IL-rich phase. The highest values of the curcumin recovery ( approx.=99%) and partitions coefficient suggest the ability of our proposed ATPS to meaningfully enhance the extraction of curcumin.