| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1201498 | Journal of Chromatography A | 2013 | 5 Pages |
In the present study, compact high-speed countercurrent chromatographic apparatus was constructed with three columns connected in series. Two sets of columns were prepared from 10 mm and 12 mm I.D. tubing to form 12 L and 15 L capacities, respectively. Performance of these columns was compared for the separation of (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) from a tea extract by flash countercurrent chromatography (FCCC). In each separation, 200 g of the tea extract in 1600 mL of mobile phase was loaded onto the column. The 12 L column gave 7.5 L (35 g of ECG) and the 15 L column gave 9 L (40 g of ECG) of ECG solution without impurities. The ECG solution was directly hydrolyzed by tannase into (−)-epicatechin. The hydrolysate was purified by flash chromatography on AB-8 macroporous resin to give 52 g of EC (purity 99.1%). This scaled up apparatus could be used for the industrial separation of natural products.
► High-speed countercurrent chromatography is scaled up with three columns in series. ► (−)-Epicatechin gallate is separated from a tea extract using this apparatus. ► (−)-Epicatechin gallate is hydrolyzed by tannase to (−)-epicatechin. ► Flash chromatography on AB-8 macroporous resin purifies (−)-Epicatechin. ► The scaled up apparatus could be used for industrial separation of natural products.
