POLYMER EXTRACTION METHODS

摘要

The invention features methods of separating a polymer from a biomass containing the polymer. In one aspect, the method includes contacting the biomass with a solvent system to provide a residual biomass and a solution. The solvent system includes a solvent for the polymer and a precipitant for the polymer, and the solution includes the polymer, the solvent for the polymer and the precipitant for the polymer. Applying a centrifugal force to the solution and residual biomass to separate at least some of the solution from the residual biomass. In another aspect, the method includes contacting the biomass with a solvent system to provide a residual biomass and a soluti on including the polymer and the solvent system; adding a precipitant for the polymer to the solution; and a separating at least some of the solution from the residual biomass after adding the precipitant for the polymer.