Isolation of crystals of alpha-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester

摘要

Disclosed is a method of isolating alpha -L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester, which is a sweetening agent substituting sugar and commonly referred to as aspartame. Aspartame solution is crystallized and forms a slurry of aspartame crystals suspended in water. The aspartame crystals are isolated from the slurry by applying high-pressure onto the slurry. The slurry is filled in a pressure filter, in which high-pressure is applied to the slurry. The slurry is squeezed by the high-pressure and forms a dewatered filter cake. The high-pressure is generated by supplying compressed air or water into a diaphragm tube integrated to the pressure filter. The water is efficiently removed and the moisture content of the filter cake is significantly reduced regardless of the crystal structures of the aspartame.