Integrated process of extraction and purification of betanin from Opuntia ficus-indica using aqueous two-phase systems based on THF and sodium salts

This research present an integrated process for the extraction and purification of betanin from fruit of Opuntia ficus-indica. The extraction process was evaluated using different solvents (water, acetonitrile, ethanol and tetrahydrofuran), and then integrated into the purification process using aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS). The optimum conditions for extraction was with THF and the purification conditions determined to be 43 wt% of THF and 6 wt% of sodium citrate buffer (pH 5.5) at 25°C. A purification factor of 13.7 ± 0.5 fold, with a partition coefficient of betanin for salt-rich phase and the antioxidant capacity was increased ≈ 65%.