Modeling and Optimizing of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Antioxidants and Phenolics from Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

In this study, modelling and optimizing microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of antioxidants and phenolics from wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) was performed by using response surface methodology with face-centered composite design as factors of temperature, extraction time, solvent concentration, and solid-to-solvent ratio. The MAE process factors were optimized so that cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of the wormwood extract are maximized. All of the models calculated for the two responses (CUPRAC and TPC) were found significant (p<0.0001) to show the relationship between the response and independent parameters. Extraction temperature was found as the most significant operational factor in MAE. Extraction time was found is the most insignificant parameter in MAE. The data obtained by the experimental model and the predicted by the model were found to be strongly accordance. It shows the suitability of the model and its success in optimization. The CUPRAC and TPC yields were obtained as 1.22 and 1.42 mmol TR/g-dried sample under the optimum operational conditions of MAE. According to the CUPRAC and TPC values, under the same operational conditions, MAE method was found to be approximately two times more efficient than classical heat extraction. As a result, the modeled methodology can be applied to the extraction of antioxidant and phenolics from the wormwood in the natural product industry.