Optimization in the isolation and purification procedure of pristimerin, an anticancerigen, by Aqueous Two-phase Systems

Abstract

The natural triterpene pristimerin possesses interesting potential against several types of cancer. However, its production at industrial levels requires novel environmentally friendly and efficient extraction procedures. Here we analyze an ethanol-phosphate Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPS) and its design parameters such as Tie-Line Length (TLL) and volume ratio (VR) on the direct extraction of pristimerin, concluding that high TLL 70 % (w/w) and a low VR (0.33) values provide the best extraction yield and purity. Partition experiments provided a compound KP value of 3.12 ± 1.21, reaffirming its preference for the ethanolic-rich phase. Besides, green assessment positioned the extraction in the classification A with 90.93 of 100 points. Furthermore, analysis at different laboratory scales (1X, 10X and 100X) demonstrated the scalability and robustness. Finally, a complete bioprocess based on the obtained results is suggested as a tool to address the pharmaceutical potential of this molecule in a sustainable and efficient manner.