Liquid–liquid extraction by mixed micellar systems: A new approach for clavulanic acid recovery from fermented broth

Abstract

This work is the first attempt to apply aqueous two-phase mixed micellar systems (ATPMS) of the nonionic surfactant Triton X-114 and the anionic one AOT to extract clavulanic acid (CA) from broth fermented by Streptomyces clavuligerus. Cloud points were determined in McIlvane buffer pH 6.5 with or without NaCl, and diagram phases/coexistence curves were constructed. CA partition was investigated following a 2 4-full factorial design in which AOT (0.022, 0.033 and 0.044% w/w), Triton X-114 (1.0, 3.0 and 5.0% w/w) and NaCl (0, 2.85 and 5.70% w/w) concentrations and temperature (24, 26 and 28 °C) were selected as independent variables, and CA partition coefficient ( K CA ) and yield in the top phase ( η CA ) as responses. CA partitioned always to the top, micelle-poor phase. The regression analysis pointed out that NaCl concentration and interaction between temperature and Triton X-114 concentration had statistically significant effects on K CA , while η CA was mainly influenced by temperature, Triton X-114 concentration and their interaction. Different ATPMS compositions were then needed to maximize these responses, specifically 0.022% (w/w) AOT, 5% (w/w) Triton X-114 for K CA (2.08), and 0.044% (w/w) AOT, 1% (w/w) Triton X-114 for η CA (98.7%), both at 24 °C without NaCl. Since at 0.022% (w/w) AOT, 1% (w/w) Triton X-114 and 28 °C without NaCl the system was able to ensure satisfactory intermediate results ( K CA = 1.48; η CA = 86.3%), these conditions were selected as the best ones. These preliminary results are of concern for possible industrial application, because CA partition to the dilute phase can simplify the subsequent purification protocol.