Integrated optimization of the adsorption of theaflavins from black tea on macroporous resins

In this work the adsorption and desorption parameters for the separation of theaflavins from tea are determined. The obtained data is used for a preliminary selection of the resin with the best adsorption capacity and desorption ratio. From the four tested resins the hydrophobic A-DVB resin has the best characteristics. In addition, the data was used to fit the adsorption isotherms at different temperatures to two theoretical models. The isotherms form the basis of a more extensive model that can be used to optimize the sorption separation yield. The selected resin will be used in a follow up study to determine the optimal operating conditions of the system, using design of experiments and analysis of variance.