Process design for the continuous production of α- and γ-mangostin from mangosteen pericarp with integrated solvent recovery

Mangosteen pericarp, a major agricultural by-product, is a rich source of xanthones, including α- and γ-mangostin, which possess significant anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. This study details the continuous production process for these bioactive compounds, focusing on material and energy balance, performance parameters, and preliminary economic feasibility. The process includes material pretreatment, extraction, and separation using a three-zone simulated moving bed (TZ-SMB) system.Extraction experiments were optimized to model the yield of α-mangostin based on temperature and solvent (acetonitrile) concentration. The optimal extraction conditions were found to be 40 °C and 65 % v/v acetonitrile, achieving a maximum yield of 70.49 mg/g of dried pericarp. For the separation process, models based on triangle theory were developed to determine the maximum feed flow rate for the TZ-SMB system while ensuring at least 98 % relative purity for both compounds.A block flow diagram was used for material and energy balance calculations, performed in MATLAB. The wet mangosteen pericarp feed rate was varied to achieve the target xanthone concentrations required for the TZ-SMB design. At the optimal solvent recycle ratio of 90 %, the system demonstrated a daily production capacity of 477.65 mg for α-mangostin and 140.76 mg for γ-mangostin, with a favorable benefit-to-cost ratio. The economic analysis confirms the process's profitability, especially with solvent recovery. This work provides a foundational preliminary design, supporting strategic decision-making and laying the groundwork for more detailed process design using simulation software.