Protocol for the extraction and purification of shikimic acid from Escherichia coli fermentative media

Shikimic acid (SA) is a valuable pharmaceutical precursor used in drug synthesis. Here, we present a protocol for isolating and purifying SA from Escherichia coli cultures. We describe steps for combining cell disruption, centrifugation, filtration, preparative anion-exchange chromatography, elution, and lyophilization. We detail procedures for identifying SA-containing fractions by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, followed by ethanol-based recrystallization and FTIR characterization of the purified product. This protocol provides an integrated downstream processing strategy for microbial SA production.