Process for the recovery of shikimic acid

摘要

Process for the recovery of shikimic acid from a fermentation broth wherein at least part of the fermentation broth is dried, the dried material is subjected to an extraction with an organic solvent whereby a shikimic acid solution is obtained. Optionally the cells are removed from the fermentation broth before drying. Preferably at least part of the fermentation broth is acidified before drying to a pH between 0 and 5, more preferably between 2 and 3. Optionally before drying at least part of the fermentation broth is subjected to a heat treatment at a temperature of at least 70 DEG C. Preferably in the extraction an organic solvent with a dielectric constant larger than 5 is used, more preferably a solvent is used which forms an azeotrope with water.