Abstract: in this work, we studied the dynamics of the separation of a racemic mixture of praziquantel (PZQ) by Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) chromatography as a previous step to implementing its online monitoring and real-time optimization. Praziquantel was the enantiomer of choice because it is largely used to fight against schistosomiasis. First of all, we validated the SMB unit and the chiral detector equipment separately. Open-loop experiments were executed right after to compare the experimental data to the simulated one. The simulations were made using a software developed in our group using the MatLab platform. The experimental data were obtained by a build-in-house SMB unit.

Mini-Bio: Felipe Cunha obtained his under-graduation in Chemical Engineering (EQ/UFRJ) and his master’s degree in Chemical Engineering Science (PEQ/COPPE/UFRJ). He is currently a doctorate student in PEQ/COPPE/UFRJ, where he has been studying phenomena related to the SMB unit. Before starting his Ph. D studies, he worked during 6 years as researcher in the membrane group, also located at PEQ/COPPE.