Obtainment of high-fructose solutions from cashew (Anacardium occidentale)apple juice by simulated moving-bed chromatography

The simulated moving-bed (SMB) technology has been successfully used in sep arations in the petrochemical, food, and fine chemicals industries. This wo rk is intended to demonstrate the possibility of using this technology to o btain high-fructose solutions from the cashew applejuice, which may represe nt an attractive economic alternative for its industrial exploitation. The cashew tree is a native tropical plant abundant in Northeastern Brazil, the commercial value of which relies mainly on the processing of its nut. Desp ite the high nutritional value of the penduncle of the fruit, the cashew ap ple, approximately 90% of the crop spoils on the soil. Simulation and exper imental results are presented for SMB separation of fructose from glucose, both present (similar to 40 kg/m(3)) in the aqueous phase of concentrated c ashew applejuice. Kinetic and equilibrium data for fructose and glucose on packed columns using cation-exchange resins are reported. Experimental resu lts for SMB operation at 30 degreesC indicate purities close to 90% in each product (fructose-rich extract and glucose-rich raffinate). Simulated pred ictions of the unit performance and internal profiles agree well with exper imental data. To increase the added value and versatility of the products, either an isomerization step for the raffinate or diverse SMB fluid-solid f low rate ratios may be applied. In this way, a wide range of products may b e obtained. from nearly pure fructose to 42. 55, and 90% solutions, which a re the standard high-fructose syrup concentrations. If solids content is co nveniently raised to the standards of commercial high-fructose syrups, thes e products may be used as food additives, thus confirming a potentially att ractive use of the cashew apple juice.