Optimization of Adsorbent Treatment Process for the Purification of Paclitaxel from Plant Cell Cultures of Taxus chinensis

C, 15, , 1:1(w/w). TGA HPLC . .Abstract − Biomass-derived tar and waxy compounds have a highly negative effect on the separation and purificationof paclitaxel and should be removed prior to final purification. Adsorbent treatment is a simple, efficient method forremoval of tar and waxy compounds from plant cell cultures. In this study, we optimized the important process param-eters (adsorption temperature, time, solvent type and adsorbent amount) of adsorbent treatment with Sylopute to removethe tar and waxy compounds in a pre-purification step. The optimal adsorption temperature, adsorption time, solventtype, and crude extract/Sylopute ratio were 30 °C, 15 min, methylene chloride, and 1:1(w/w), respectively. This resultcould be confirmed by HPLC analysis of the absorbent after treatment and TGA of the organic substances that werebound to the adsorbent. In adsorbent treatment step, the purity seemed to show a small improvement but this treatmenthad a significant effect on convenience and feasibility of following steps by the removal of tar and waxy compounds.Key words: Paclitaxel, Adsorbent Treatment, Process Parameter, Optimization, Sylopute