Selective recovery of cadaverine from lysine decarboxylase bioconversion solution using methyl ethyl ketone

Abstract Efficient extraction and purification process is still a major bottleneck for economical production of cadaverine. We examined 10 different organic solvents to determine which one might be a suitable solvent for cadaverine extraction. Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) was a very selective solvent for cadaverine. High pH was critical factor for cadaverine extraction with high purity. Cadaverine extraction efficiency of more than 70.1% with 99% of purity was successfully achieved by applying optimized extraction condition (pH 13.5, 58 °C, 200 rpm incubation for 6 h). Cadaverine extraction using MEK seems quite feasible and promising for the preparation of polyamide monomers for environmental process.