Separation of citric acid from fermentation broth with a weakly basic anionic exchange resin adsorbent

摘要

Citric acid is separated from a fermentation broth by using an adsorbent comprising a water-insoluble macroreticular or gel weakly basic anionic exchange resin possessing tertiary amine functional groups or pyridine functional groups, said anionic exchange resin comprising a cross-linked acrylic or styrene resin matrix. Citric acid is desorbed by water or dilute sulfuric acid. The pH of the feed is maintained below the first ionization constant (pKa1) of citric acid to maintain selectivity.