Optimization of preparative separation and purification of total polyphenols from Sargassum tenerrimum by column chromatography

Polyphenols from the ethanol extracts of Sargassum tenerrimum (ST) with potent antiallergic effects were studied to optimize separation process through column chromatography. The adsorption and desorption characteristics of three widely used adsorbents: macroporous resin, silica gel, and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP), were critically evaluated respectively and studied for the optimization of preparative separation of polyphenols. Static operations on these adsorbents showed that macroporous resin had the best adsorption and desorption capability among the three adsorbents. Dynamic adsorption and desorption with macroporous resin packed column were also conducted to optimize the parameters such as: with the optimal values shown in brackets, the concentration of extract solution (4 times diluted), pH value (6-7), adsorption speed (3 BV h-1, bed volumes/per hour), concentration of ethanol (80%), elution speed (3 BV h-1) and elution volume (7 BV). The chromatographic process so optimized gave a purity of 62.43% from the crude polyphenols, providing a promising basis for large scale preparation of bioactive polyphenols upon further scaling up tests. © Science Press, Ocean University of China and Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2009.