Optimisation of ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions for phenolic content and antioxidant activities of the alga Hormosira banksii using response surface methodology

Abstract

This study aimed to optimise ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions of the brown alga Hormosira banksii for total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities including total antioxidant capacity (ABTS), DPPH free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) using response surface methodology (RSM). Box–Behnken design was employed to assess the effect of ultrasonic temperature, time and power on the TPC and antioxidant activities of the extracts. The results showed that RSM was an accurate and reliable method in predicting TPC and antioxidant activities (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) of the extracts with R 2 values of 0.97, 0.96, 0.92 and 0.94, respectively. The ultrasonic temperature and time had the significant impact on TPC and antioxidant capacities. The optimal UAE conditions for the maximal values of TPC and antioxidant activities were of 30 °C, 60 min and power 60%, or 150 W. The values of TPC and antioxidant activities (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP) achieved under these parameters were 23.12 (mg GAE g−1), 85.64 (mg TE g−1), 47.24 (mg TE g−1) and 12.56 (mg TE g−1), respectively. UAE was found to be more efficient in comparison to conventional extraction, with shorter time for extraction and higher of TPC level and antioxidant activities. Therefore, ultrasonic-assisted extraction using RSM is effective for extraction and further isolation and purification of phenolic compounds from H. banksii. In addition, this alga could be a potential rich source of natural antioxidants applied in food and pharmaceutical fields.