Adsorption Resin Purification
The purification process using adsorption resins involves the separation and concentration of selected active compounds from the plant extract obtained. It utilises the phenomenon of selective adsorption of components onto the surface of porous polymeric materials with specific physicochemical properties.
Specific groups of compounds are selectively bound
The liquid extract obtained during the extraction process is fed onto a bed of adsorbent resin. There, specific groups of compounds – such as anthocyanins and polyphenols – are selectively bound, whilst the remaining components (e.g. sugars, mineral salts) pass through the bed.
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Anthocyanins and polyphenols
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Sugars and mineral salts
Resin selection is key to process selectivity
This depends on the chemical properties of the substances being purified, in particular their polarity, molecular weight and affinity for the stationary phase.
Molecular weight
Affinity for the stationary phase
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Parameter Flow rate
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Parameter Bed volume
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Parameter Composition of the eluent
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Parameter Concentration of the eluent
Controlled adsorption and elution process
The process includes selective adsorption of active compounds, rinsing to remove unadsorbed components and impurities, followed by desorption using a suitably selected solvent.
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Selective adsorption
Active compounds are selectively bound to the adsorbent resin bed.
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Rinsing step
Unadsorbed components and impurities are removed from the bed.
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Desorption / elution
Active compounds are eluted using a selected solvent, leading to their concentration in the eluate.
Resin regeneration and reuse
- Reused multiple times
- Stable adsorption properties
After the cycle is complete, the resin undergoes regeneration, which allows it to be reused multiple times whilst maintaining stable adsorption properties.
Reused multiple times
Stable adsorption properties
Purified extracts with higher active compound concentration
Enables the effective removal of impurities and the production of extracts with higher purity, standardised composition and increased concentrations of active compounds.
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Higher purity
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Standardised composition
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Increased concentrations of active compounds
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