Separation and purification of curcumin using novel aqueous two-phase micellar systems composed of amphiphilic copolymer and cholinium ionic liquids
Isabelle S. Kurnik, Mariana A. Noronha, Mayra C.C. Câmara, Priscila Gava Mazzola, António A. Vicente, Jorge F. B. Pereira, André Moreni Lopes
Abstract
Novel aqueous two-phase micellar systems (ATPMS) composed of Pluronic F68, a triblock amphiphilic copolymer, and cholinium-based ionic liquids (ILs) were formulated and applied for separation/purification of curcumin (CCM). CCM stability in the presence of ATPMS components was also evaluated. CCM is stable up to 24 h in copolymer (1.0 – 10.0 wt%) and ILs (0.1 – 3.0 M) aqueous solutions. Very mild phase separation conditions (close to room temperature) were achieved by adding cholinium ILs to the Pluronic F68 + McIlvaine buffer at pH 6.0 solution. The decrease of cloud-point temperature is dependent on the relative hydrophobicity of IL anion, [Hex]− > [But]− > [Pro]− > [Ac]− > Cl−. ATPMS composed of more hydrophobic ILs ([Ch][Hex] > [Ch][But] > [Ch][Pro]) are most efficient in the partition of commercial CCM into polymeric micelles (PMs)-rich phase. The best ATPMS (0.70 M [Ch][But] and 0.60 M [Ch][Hex]-based ATPMS) were then used to purify CCM from a crude extract of Curcuma longa L. Both systems were very selective to separate CCM from protein-based contaminants (selectivity values ≥ 25; purification yields ≥ 12-fold). Pluronic F68-based ATPMS are promising for selective separation of hydrophobic biomolecules by using cholinium-based ILs as adjuvants to adjust phase separation temperatures and biomolecules’ partition.