Intensification of microwave energy parameters and main effect analysis of total phenolics recovery from Euphorbia hirta leaf

Process optimisation of defatted wheat germ protein extraction in a novel alkaline-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) via Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD)

This is the first study to provide a preliminary investigation into the recovery of protein from wheat germ and the prediction of their extraction conditions in microwave cavity using a novel DES solvent. The response surface methodology was used to predict the microwaved protein extraction conditions of the DWG. The effects of DES buffer-concentration (X₁: 0.01-1.00 g/mL), microwave power (X₂: 50-250 W), irradiation time (X₃: 1-5 min) and sample-to-buffer ratio (X₄: 1:10-1:50) were tested using a single factor and Box-Behnken experimental design. Under the optimized conditions (X₁ = 0.52 g/mL, X₂ = 186 W, X₃ = 3.28 min, and X₄ = 1:39) protein yield and absorbed microwave were obtained at the optimal value of 33.00 % and 677 J/min, respectively with no denaturation of the protein as validated from the SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis profile. Consequently, this investigation provides a practical approach for the extraction of bioactive protein from DWG using a novel deep eutectic solvent.

Upscalability and Techno-Economic Perspectives of Nonconventional Extraction Techniques of Essential Oils

Context: Nonconventional extraction methods, such as microwave, supercritical fluid, and ultrasonic, are known to be veritable means of producing solvent-free high-quality essential oils. Nonetheless, technical requirements for the utilization of these extraction technologies are often exorbitantly expensive, thereby limiting their utilization. Evidence Acquisition: Although these emerging extraction technologies have been reported to be efficient at a laboratory scale, their techno-economic analyses are necessary for proper upscaling. Scaling up nonconventional extraction has long been regarded as a critical constraint in larger industrial applications with a relatively limited body of published literature on more specific techno-economic analyses. Results: Therefore, an essential oil extraction unit’s techno-economic feasibility should be carefully assessed before an acquisition decision can be made for industrial upscaling. This review critically examined the implications of upscaling nonconventional extraction techniques while taking into consideration their techno-economic benefits. Conclusions: This study will undoubtedly assist researchers and industrial experts make an informed decision on the suitable extraction methods while taking into account the essential oil yield, quality characteristics, energy consumption, and operating costs.

Statistical Optimization of Flavonoid and Antioxidant Recovery from Macerated Chinese and Malaysian Lotus Root (Nelumbo nucifera) Using Response Surface Methodology

In this study, the combination of parameters required for optimal extraction of anti-oxidative components from the Chinese lotus (CLR) and Malaysian lotus (MLR) roots were carefully investigated. Box–Behnken design was employed to optimize the pH (X₁: 2–3), extraction time (X₂: 0.5–1.5 h) and solvent-to-sample ratio (X₃: 20–40 mL/g) to obtain a high flavonoid yield with high % DPPH_sc free radical scavenging and Ferric-reducing power assay (FRAP). The analysis of variance clearly showed the significant contribution of quadratic model for all responses. The optimal conditions for both Chinese lotus (CLR) and Malaysian lotus (MLR) roots were obtained as: CLR: X₁ = 2.5; X₂ = 0.5 h; X₃ = 40 mL/g; MLR: X₁ = 2.4; X₂ = 0.5 h; X₃ = 40 mL/g. These optimum conditions gave (a) Total flavonoid content (TFC) of 0.599 mg PCE/g sample and 0.549 mg PCE/g sample, respectively; (b) % DPPH_sc of 48.36% and 29.11%, respectively; (c) FRAP value of 2.07 mM FeSO₄ and 1.89 mM FeSO₄, respectively. A close agreement between predicted and experimental values was found. The result obtained succinctly revealed that the Chinese lotus exhibited higher antioxidant and total flavonoid content when compared with the Malaysia lotus root at optimum extraction condition.