Aqueous extraction of anthocyanin from hibiscus by coupling instantaneous pressure drop and microwave assisted process

Abstract

This paper discusses about the optimization of process parameters for the extraction of anthocyanin from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis by instantaneous pressure drop pre- treatment and microwave assisted extraction process using water as solvent. The experimental design was formulated with the help of response surface methodology (RSM). The process parameters viz., process pressure, treatment time, microwave power and solvent to sample ratio were optimized based on the yield of anthocynine content. The maximum yield of anthocyanin was obtained with the treatment combination of 1.12 kg/cm2 process pressure, 2 min treatment time, 960 W microwave powers, 27.5 solvent to sample ratio. Conventional aqueous extraction of anthocyanin resulted in less yield (Cold extraction- 85 mg/L, Hot extraction- 93.5 mg/L). The conventional method was found to be time consuming compared to coupled system which will take few minutes.