Studies on decolorization process for rhEGF as cosmetic ingredient

Abstract

A decolorization process using ion exchange chromatography was developed to refine rhEGF as a cosmetic ingredient. A macroreticular resin (D314) was selected, with respect to its high decolorization rate and recovery yield of rhEGF, and the operational conditions of the decolorization process optimized. The optimum conditions were as follows: the rhEGF effluent was ion exchanged at a flow rate of 60.0 mL/h, with an effluent pH 5.0, using a chromatographic column (i.d. 16mm) packed with D314, with a 7.5 cm in bed height. The decolorization process was carried out under the optimum conditions, and halted when the effluent volume reached 350 mL, giving a decolorization rate and recovery yield of rhEGF higher than 67 and 80%, respectively. When the decolorization rate exceeded 67%, the final product turned out to be white or light yellowish, which was to the satisfaction of the cosmetic standard.