A novel method for the highly efficient biotransformation of genistein from genistin using a high-speed counter-current chromatography bioreactor

Genistein, an important soybean isoflavone compound, has gained attention for its significant properties. Compared with the glycone form of genistin, low content of genistein limits the use in food and pharmaceutical fields. In this study, a novel bioreactor with high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was built for the highly efficient biotransformation of genistein from genistin. The solvent system for the bioreactor was selected according to the K(D) values. The selected solvent system was evaluated by the enzyme activity of β-glucosidase. An ethyl acetate/buffer solution was selected as the preferred solvent system for the HSCCC bioreactor. Optimum reactor parameters were selected according to the retention of the stationary phase. The HSCCC bioreactor was operated using different flow rates, and 2.0 mL min(−1) was chosen as the optimal flow rate with a conversion rate of over 90% within 24 h; the novel bioreactor easily immobilized and recycled the enzyme and could be applied in the preparation of genistein.