Cloud point extraction of aloe anthraquinones based on non-ionic surfactant aqueous two-phase system

Non-ionic surfactant-based aqueous two-phase system had been investigated to extract aloe anthraquinones. It had the advantage of using a single auxiliary chemical to induce phase separation above cloud point at a low concentration. Non-ionic surfactant Triton X-114 was chosen for its excellent phase-separating ability and low cloud point. The main factors affecting the cloud point extraction were discussed such as equilibrium temperature and time, concentrations of surfactant and inorganic electrolytes, pH, etc. Under the optimised conditions, the highest extraction yield 96.93% was obtained. The reverse extraction of anthraquinones from surfactant-rich phase was achieved with a recovery of 70.35% by adjusting pH. Compared with conventional purification methods, this CPE technique can be completed in one operation; besides, it is a low-cost method and an environment friendly one.