Optimization of the Conditions of Supercritical CO2 Extraction for Carotenoid from Blue Algae Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

To optimize the conditions of supercritical CO2 extraction of carotenoid, a single factorial experiment was used to study the extracting temperature, time and pressure. A three-level Box–Behnken factorial design was used with response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the three conditions. A mathematical model was then developed to show the effect of each factor and their interactions on the carotenoid yield. The single factorial experiment shows that the best extracting temperature, time and pressure are 50 0C,50 min and 25 MPa, respectively. The model estimates that a maximal caroteniod yield (0.624 mg/g) can be obtained when the conditions of temperature, time and pressure are set at 51.9 0C,61 min and 25.6MPa,repectively. The yield of carotenoid (0.621± 0.009 mg/g) from validation experiments agree with the predicted one.