Molecular-trapping in Emulsion's Monolayer: A New Strategy for Production and Purification of Bioactive Saponins

Sci Rep. 2017 Nov 6;7(1):14511. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-15067-4.

Abstract

Saponins from defatted root-extract of Securidaca longipedunculata were systematically entrapped in emulsion monolayer-barrier and finally recovered in pure form through demulsification. First, their molecules were dispersed in water to engineer a monomolecular film architecture, via self-assembly. Emulsifying with ethyl-ether resulted in swollen micelles and engendered phase-inversion and phase-separation, by disrupting the thermodynamic equilibrium. As positive outcome, a Winsor II system was obtained, having saponin-rich upper phase (ethyl-ether) and impurities bound lower phase (aqueous). Saponin particles underwent transition in insoluble ethyl-ether, precipitated and recovered as solids. The entire process was bioactivity-guided and validated using pooled fractions of securidaca saponins, purified by TLC (RP-C18, F254S). TEM and SEM revealed interesting morphologies and particle sizes between nanometer and micron. At the end, purity output of 90% and total recovery of 94% were achieved. Here we show that "molecular-trapping in emulsion's monolayer" is an effective method for recovery, production and purification of saponins of plant origin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / methods*
  • Emulsions / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / isolation & purification*
  • Plant Roots / chemistry
  • Proof of Concept Study
  • Saponins / chemistry*
  • Saponins / isolation & purification*
  • Securidaca / chemistry

Substances

  • Emulsions
  • Plant Extracts
  • Saponins