Purification of benzylpenicillin filtered broths by ultrafiltration and effect on solvent extraction

Purification of benzylpenicillin filtered broths obtained from fermented br oths produced at CIPAN, SA Pilot Plant Fermentation was carried out by ultr afiltration with diafiltration. This study was done using an ultrafiltratio n laboratory/pilot installation from Paterson Candy International Ltd. whos e module has a tubular configuration. Membranes with molecular weight cut-o ffs of 8000 (polysulfone), 20 000 (polysulfone) and 100 000 (PVDF) were ass essed. Comparison between solvent extraction of benzylpenicillin from ultra filtered broths and from filtered broths using flocculants was also done. U ltrafiltration with diafiltration of benzylpenicillin filtered broths was u sed successfully to remove proteins, colored substances and other impuritie s giving high benzylpenicillin recovery in the permeate, as an alternative to the use of flocculants and anti-emulsion agents to obtain good phases se paration in benzylpenicillin solvent extraction.