Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Granules Drying for Preparation of Tomato Extract Tablets Using Wet Granulation Method

Abstract

This work aimed to optimize tomato extract granule drying using a microwave to shorten the granule drying process by the 32 full factorial design. The power and time of the microwave were optimized to minimize moisture content and maximize lycopene content. Power was varied from 300 W, 450 W, and 600 W for 10 min, 15 min, and 20 min. Results showed that the optimal condition within the design space and control space was the power of 450 W for 17 min. This condition gave the moisture content of 2.09 ± 0.15% and lycopene content of 0.0798 ± 0.0031%. A low percent error of the prediction was found, indicating that the prediction by a computer program was accurate and reliable. The granules obtained from the optimal condition were further used to prepare tomato extract tablets. Three batches of 650 mg tomato extract tablets were prepared using 1500 psi compression force. All three batches had a hardness of 9.19-10.18 kP, low friability (0.026-0.033%), short disintegration time (1.44-1.70 min), and lycopene content of approximately 0.19%. This work was the first report on optimizing tomato extract granule drying using a microwave-assisted technique according to scientific novelty. In summary, microwave-assisted drying could be applied in preparing tomato extract tablets by shortening the granules drying process.