The Comparison\nof Typical Organic Solvents and Ionic\nLiquid for More Environmentally and User-Friendly Pyocyanin Extraction

Pyocyanin is a pigment that recently gained importance\nas a valuable\nchemical. Most often, the method for extraction is based on the use\nof chloroform. Therefore, an efficient and more environmentally friendly\nmethod is vital for further use. We compared organic solvents and\nionic liquids as pyocyanin extractants. We assessed the extraction\nefficiency using a pyocyanin standard and pyocyanin extracted directly\nfrom the bacterial culture. The results showed that only chloroform,\ndichloromethane, and ethyl acetate were useful for pyocyanin extraction\namong the tested organic solvents. Extraction with chloroform was\nthe most efficient method. Notably, the ionic liquid could also be\nfavorable for the extraction process, exhibiting antibacterial properties\nand being separated from the pigment by adsorbing pyocyanin on clays\nand desorbing it with ethanol. The extraction of pyocyanin can be\nled by using alternative extractants, i.e., dichloromethane or ionic\nliquid, and therefore, it can be less hazardous for the environment\nand the user.