Ultrasound-assisted extraction of natural antioxidants from the flower of Limonium sinuatum: Optimization and comparison with conventional methods. (15th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Dong-Ping; Zheng, Jie; Zhou, Yue; Li, Ya; Li, Sha; Li, Hua-Bin
• Is Part Of: Food chemistry. Volume 217(2017)
• Page Start: 552
• Page End: 559
• Publication Date: 2017-02-15
• Subjects: Limonium sinuatum -- Flower -- Ultrasound-assisted extraction -- Antioxidant; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.09.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-8146

Abstract

Highlights: Ultrasound-assisted extraction of natural antioxidants from the flowers of Limonium sinuatum. Ethanol concentration, solvent/material ratio, ultrasound irradiation time and temperature were investigated. Response surface methodology used to optimize parameters and study combined effects. Experimental values obtained were compared against conventional maceration and Soxhlet extraction methods. The UAE method is more efficient for antioxidant extraction. Abstract: Natural antioxidants are widely used as dietary supplements or food additives. An optimized method of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was proposed for the effective extraction of antioxidants from the flowers of Limonium sinuatum and evaluated by response surface methodology. In this study, ethanol concentration, ratio of solvent to solid, ultrasonication time and temperature were investigated and optimized using a central composite rotatable design. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration, 60%; ratio of solvent to solid, 56.9:1 mL/g; ultrasonication time, 9.8 min; and temperature, 40 °C. Under the optimal UAE conditions, the experimental values (483.01 ± 15.39 μmol Trolox/g DW) matched with those predicted (494.13 μmol Trolox/g DW) within a 95% confidence level. In addition, the antioxidant activities of UAE were compared with those of conventional maceration and Soxhlet extraction methods, and the ultrasound-assisted extraction could give higher yield of antioxidants and markedly reduce the extraction time.