Investigating the Parameters Effect on Ascorbic Acid Extraction Using Sulfate Salts and Polyethylene Glycol in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems

Aqueous two-phase systems provide a suitable environment for the separation of biomolecules, because in such systems there is sufficient water at all stages of the process, and on the other hand, the purpose is to isolate biomolecules and maintain their activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effective parameters on the extraction of Ascorbic acid with Sulfate salts and Polyethylene glycol polymer in aqueous two-phase systems. The effect of molecular weight of polyethylene glycol (4000 and 8000 g / mol), salts (MnSO4, Na2SO4, MgSO4), salt concentration, and pH effect on the formation of the two-phase system at temperatures of 32, 37, and 42 °C as investigated. The results showed that by increasing the molecular weight of the polymer, the coefficient of isolation and ascorbic acid extraction percentage decreased. Also, increasing the concentration of salt and temperature, the coefficient of isolation, and the percentage of extraction of Ascorbic acid increases. The separation of Ascorbic acid largely depends on the type of salt. MnSO4 salt showed a higher extraction percent (37.4%) than two other salts. The distribution coefficient of Ascorbic acid was found to be higher at (pH = 5), and the maximum Ascorbic acid distribution coefficient for the best salt (MnSO4) was obtained at 0/423.