Optimization of β-carotene solubility in pressurized hot water using a dynamic method and factorial methodology

Abstract

In this experimental investigation, the solubility of β-carotene in pressurized hot water was measured at temperatures in the range of (70-130) °C and the pressure of 20 bar by using a dynamic method. The influence of different variables, including temperature and flow rate in the range of (0.15-0.64) ml/min, on the solubility of β-carotene was investigated. Furthermore, the optimization of these parameters was done through the experimental design by using factorial methodology. The results of the experiments showed that the temperature was the main parameter affecting the solubility of β-carotene in pressurized hot water. The best conditions for solubility of β-carotene in pressurized hot water were the temperature of 85 °C and a flow rate of 0.64 ml/min. β-carotene’s solubility data in pressurized hot water were correlated with the dielectric constant values of the solvent mixture.