METHOD FOR THE RECOVERY OF FERULIC ACID

摘要

The invention relates to a method for the recovery of ferulic acid from effluents from the nixtamalization or alkaline cooking of plant products. Wastewater resulting from corn alkaline cooking, which is known as nejayote and which is highly contaminating, is poured directly into the city water supply or, at times, treated in order to recover suspended solids. Using the inventive method, however, said effluents can now be used effectively for the recovery of ferulic acid which constitutes a raw material for the food, cosmetic, chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. According to the invention, the recovery method is performed in the stirred tank and the packed columns. Said method includes steps comprising the: filtration and acidification of the nejayote; absorption of the ferulic acid on an absorbent matrix; recovery of the absorbent material; washing, desorption or elution with an organic solvent; evaporation of the solvent; drying of the raw ferulic acid obtained; and purification of same by means of recrystallization.