Evaluation of Mesoporous Alumina Adsorbent for the Purification of Paclitaxel

Several types of mesoporous alumina adsorbents with different physical properties were prepared by spray pyrolysis and were used for the separation/purification of the anticancer agent paclitaxel. The pore diameter of the adsorbents had a greater effect than did the surface area and the pore volume on the removal of plant-derived impurities. An appropriate pore diameter (~10.8 nm) was required for effective impurity removal. At a constant pore diameter, the surface area of the adsorbent affected not only the purity but also the yield of paclitaxel. Also, increasing the surface area of the adsorbent resulted in an increase in the adsorption of paclitaxel and impurities (biomass-derived tar and wax components). Removal of these impurities was confirmed by HPLC analysis of the absorbent after the treatment and TGA of the organic substances that were bound to the adsorbent.