Annatto Dye Research Articles

Adsorption of Carotenoids, Chloride, and Sulfate from Annatto Dye Agro-Industrial Effluent

<p>Natural dyes, such as annatto, are widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, the effluents from annatto dye production pose environmental challenges due to the presence of residual dye components, organic matter, and dissolved inorganic species (chloride and sulfate). This study, the first attempt in the literature to deal with real annatto dye effluent, aimed to evaluate the use of activated carbon for the removal of carotenoids (norbixin), chloride, and sulfate. A 2³ full-factorial design was employed to optimize the adsorption process parameters (temperature, pH, and adsorbent mass). The results showed that up to 90% of carotenoids and chloride could be removed under optimized conditions (low temperature and pH). Sulfate removal was more strongly influenced by the pH of the medium, with a maximum removal of 53%. The adsorption process was well-described by empirical models, though traditional isotherm models did not adequately represent the experimental data. Hypotheses that support isotherm models such as pore homogeneity, monolayer formation, constant internal diffusion were not satisfied. This study demonstrates the potential of activated carbon adsorption as a feasible method for treating food industry effluents containing high loads of carotenoids and inorganic salts.</p>

Exploring the dyeing potential of annatto dye on linen substrate: An inquiry into the effects of different mordants

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the dyeing capacity of annatto dye on linen textile substrates under the influence of different mordants, such as ferrous sulphate, alum, chitosan, and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDACl). Annatto dye was extracted in an alcoholic medium, and the concentrations of the dye compounds bixin and norbixin were determined using ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry. Dyeing experiments were conducted with 10% and 20% weight of material (s.p.m.) concentrations, both on mordant‐treated substrates and on substrates pre‐bleached only. The colour evaluation indicated better colour yields for substrates pretreated with alum and PDDACl, with colour strength (K/S) values of 41.14 and 38.74, respectively, for dyeing with 20% s.p.m. However, these substrates exhibited the highest colour deviation (∆E) values in washing and lightfastness tests. The substrate pretreated with ferrous sulphate and the substrate pre‐bleached only showed K/S values of 25.99 and 18.68, respectively, with the ferrous sulphate‐treated substrate exhibiting the lowest ∆E values in washing and lightfastness tests among all evaluated substrates. Chitosan‐cationised samples showed the lowest colour yield, with a K/S of 12.51. Regarding washing and lightfastness, the pre‐bleached only substrate and the chitosan‐pretreated substrate displayed intermediate ∆𝐸 values. The dyeing kinetics of pre‐bleached substrates exhibited pseudo‐first‐order behaviour, while for ferrous sulphate‐pretreated samples, pseudo‐second‐order behaviour was observed. Langmuir's adsorption model was suitable for pre‐bleached substrate dyeing and ferrous sulphate‐pretreated sample dyeing in adsorption isotherms. However, for mordanted samples, higher adsorption intensity was observed.

Acrylic yarns pre-treated with different mordants and their dyeing potential with annatto dye

The study aimed to identify the best conditions for dyeing acrylic fiber with natural annatto dye, considering the presence of metallic mordants such as alum and ferrous sulfate, and evaluating the influence of soy milk or the absence of a mordant. Exhaust dyeing tests were conducted with the extract at different pH ranges to understand the behavior of the carotenoids bixin and norbixin in annatto seeds. Color intensity was measured by spectrophotometry, while colorfastness tests were performed to assess color transfer. The alum mordant showed less colorfastness than dyeing without a mordant, suggesting interference in dye fixation despite high color intensity values. On the other hand, the ferrous sulfate mordant exhibited limited leveling but high colorfastness. The natural pH range of the extract with soy milk mordant demonstrated good colorfastness and moderate intensity, resulting in a light-yellow shade. These findings underscore the complexity of interactions between natural dyes, synthetic fibers, and different mordants, emphasizing the importance of considering various factors to optimize desired outcomes in acrylic fiber dyeing.

FROM SEED TO SHRUB: A THOROUGH REVIEW OF BIXA ORELLANA AND ITS DIVERSE APPLICATIONS

The plant Bixa orellana (Annatto) is a botanical treasure with a complex personality that shows adaptability beyond commercial and cultural limits. Following a thorough investigation, this plant's "From Seed to Shrub" journey is revealed, considering a variety of medicinal uses. The main attraction of this plant is the vivid reddish-orange pigment, derived from its seeds, which has become a staple in the culinary sector. Vegan items and ethnic foods alike benefit from the unique color and traditional flavor that annatto adds to food preparations. Bixa orellana is used in traditional medicine for purposes other than coloring; its extracts are said to have medicinal qualities. Its profound cultural importance, which is ingrained in native customs and ceremonies, lends depth to its adaptable nature. Industrially, the plant is highly productive because it can produce annatto dye, a commodity that finds use in textiles, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This makes annatto an important component of worldwide industrial processes. The plant's ability to adjust to many environmental circumstances adds to its allure, making it easier to cultivate and guaranteeing accessibility on a worldwide level. Further investigation into the phytochemistry of Bixa orellana is also pointing to possible pharmaceutical uses, which could lead to the creation of new therapeutic opportunities. Its socio-economic significance is highlighted by the fact that annatto production and commercialization considerably improve living conditions in areas where it is abundant. Overall, Bixa orellana is a botanical wonder that has a rich history of use in a variety of disciplines, including being a versatile plant with a wide range of uses and a bright future.

Use of annatto dye extraction residue as additive in the cassava starch composite foam tray

AbstractPigment extraction from annatto seed results in large amounts of by‐products (~97%) and residual carotenoid content. In this work, composite foam trays containing 90:10 (10AR), 80:20 (20AR), and 70:30 (30AR) cassava starch: annatto residue (AR) ratios were prepared by thermopressing. The physical–chemical properties, thermal stability, antioxidant activity, and biodegradability of the composite foam trays and cassava starch foam tray (control) were measured and compared. High AR ratio (20AR and 30AR) yielded thicker (2.1–2.3 mm), denser (0.72–0.74 g/cm3), and less porous (32.5–33%) composite foam trays than the control due to incomplete cassava starch gelatinization and the presence of fibers, lipids, and proteins in AR. Thus, the composite foam trays had lower mechanical resistance (0.4–0.8 MPa) and elongation (0.4%–0.7%) than the control (2.9 MPa and 1.5%). However, addition of high AR ratio increased the foam tray resistance to water and yielded colorful foam trays with antioxidant property as measured by DPPH• (0.11 to 0.52 μM TE/100 g) and ABTS•+ (7.86–53.77 μM TE/100 g). Increasing the AR ratio in the composite foam tray delayed the biodegradation time by 17 days as compared to the control, but all the foam trays were more biodegradable than EPS. Therefore, AR has potential use in the production of bioactive composite foam trays.

USE OF THE PAIR COMPARISON METHOD FOR ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF ICE CREAM

The authors chose five samples of ice cream from different brands of domestic producers as objects of study. The authors used a paired method for determining desirability during testing, which is used to identify qualitative differences and the desirability of goods of the same name by the requirements of SS R (State Standard R) 53161-2008. The authors also carried out an organoleptic assessment according to SS R ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 22935-2-2011 Milk and dairy products and organoleptic analysis of paragraph 14, SS 31457-2021 Milk ice cream, cream, and ice cream. The results of the evaluation of ice cream samples by the method of pairwise comparison are also presented. The authors identified evaluation criteria that reflect the consumer properties and attractiveness of the product: packaging, labeling, and organoleptic indicators. The authors have identified evaluation criteria that reflect the consumer properties and attractiveness of the product: packaging, labeling, and organoleptic indicators. Differences in the samples were established. A comparative analysis of the composition showed that one of the samples contains annatto dye, which is not included in the list of food additives for use in the manufacture of ice cream. As a result of testing, the authors identified the most desirable sample. The obtained data can be considered reproducible, taking into account the error probability of 0.01%. The results have practical implications for manufacturers in developing new product lines to meet customer requirements, and for consumers in choosing a competitive product from a variety of product ranges that differ in price and quality.

Optimal process conditions to recycled polyester dyeing using natural annatto dye

The growing interest in replacing synthetic dyes with natural sources is a result of environmental concern, since natural dyes are less aggressive and more biodegradable. Despite being a sustainable alternative, natural dyes have some limitations. In this context, this paper evaluates the natural annatto dye application in conventional (PES) and recycled polyester (rPES) fabrics, with a view to industrial application. For this purpose, operational parameters (temperature and pH) were varied to achieve the optimum dyeing process condition, regarding the color and quality of fabrics. The temperature oscillated from 98.3 °C to 136.2 °C, while the pH from 4.17 to 9.83 in the liquid bath during dyeing, at a fixed concentration of 1.5% of natural annatto dye, for 60 min. FTIR analysis was performed to characterize the presence of the dye molecule in the dye bath. The dyeing that showed the best results, for the exhaustion (95.6%), KS (2.21) and fastness scores (4/5), was carried out at 115 °C and pH 4.17. The dyed samples showed low light fastness values after 5 h of exposure. Further analysis to show the effect of dyeing time, presented that in 10 min the maximum fabric coloring is reached, with a KS value of 3.58. Also, the color parameters changes of the dye in water solution were evaluated at different pH values. In conclusion, the conditions evaluated for natural annatto dye application presented good dyeability for both fabrics (PES and rPES), demonstrating great potential for use in the textile industry.

Effect of different filters on the extraction of norbixin from Bixa orellana for synthetic fiber dyeing and development of a post-dyeing process for removal of the unfixed dye

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of three types of filters for the extraction of the annatto dye from Bixa orellana for polyester dyeing. In addition, post-dyeing washing processes were proposed to improve the wash and rubbing fastness. In the extraction procedure the paper filter presented the highest yield (13.3%), followed by the polypropylene (11.4%), but there was no significant difference in the results for the exhaustion percentage (average of 87.4%) and K/S values (1.68 to 2.24). Results showed the polypropylene filter was the most suitable and can be reused. The post-dyeing washing processes with detergent improved the fastness increasing the color transfer score from 1.5 (large change) to 3 (small change). An acceptable color difference between the dyed fabric samples before and after washing was observed. Results indicate that the post-dyeing washing process improves the quality of dyed fabrics to levels acceptable for industrial application.

Hybrid Pigments from Bixin Dye and Inorganic Matrices

Annatto dye is a natural organic dye belonging to carotenoids, whose main components are bixin and norbixin. Due to its low stability, it is convenient to protect the dye molecules with other materials. The use of clay minerals is an alternative, which are phyllosilicates with attractive physico-chemical properties, such as high specific surface area, cation exchange capacity, mechanical/chemical stability and non-toxicity. The main purpose of this work was to develop hybrid materials, using annatto dye and clay mineral modified with different inorganic cations, and then, to evaluate the stability of the new pigments. The process of preparing the modified clay minerals involved mixing a synthetic montmorillonite in solutions containing the precursor salts of the metal cations. Subsequently, the dye was dissolved in a solution containing water and alcohol, followed by filtration and mixed with the modified clay, giving rise to the hybrid pigments. Through the characterizations, it was noted that a variety of colors were obtained, and the sample containing aluminum was the one that most adsorbed the dye and showed a significant increase in stability at high temperatures. This hybrid material was better to dye than its pure form. Therefore, the bixin/montmorillonite pigments are promising for replacing artificial colors in practical applications such as in the cosmetics, food or pharmaceutical industries.

Snack-food industry effluent pre-treatment for annatto dye and yeast removal: Process improvement for effectiveness and sustainability

Wastewater from snack foods manufacturing processes may contain significant amounts of pollutants that may affect receiving municipal treatment facilities. Their removal with onsite pre-treatment is therefore necessary, to avoid costly discharge fees. This paper presents a study of two common pollutants in snack-food industry wastewater, namely annatto dye and yeast, in view of planned changes at a production facility. Analyses were conducted to determine the new raw wastewater composition discharged into the municipal wastewater system after local pre-treatment. The most relevant issue affecting effluent quality after the introduction of new ingredients, would be the generation of an effluent no longer compliant with discharge requirements. Pre-treatment upgrade options were studied, showing that annatto removal from process wastewater can be successfully achieved with minor modification of the current process. Yeast removal, instead, would require major interventions on existing processes, hence an alternative approach strategy is proposed.

Colorimetric Analysis of the Stability of Annatto Dye in Solution and Its Use in the Dyeing of Polyester Fibers

Due to the large amount of toxic effluents generated by the textile industry using most of synthetic dyes, natural dyes are increasingly gaining prominence, in keeping with the global trend toward prioritizing the use of cleaner technologies. However, the application of natural dyes is still restricted, mainly due to their instability in solution and poor fixation onto textile substrates. Thus, research is required to improve the performance of these dyes in order to obtain products with the characteristics desired by the industry. In this study, the potential of natural annatto dye in the dyeing of polyester (PES) fiber was analyzed and the color and stability parameters in solution were evaluated through two experiments. Initially, the stability of the natural annatto dye in solution was determined under different conditions of temperature, pH, and dye concentration and the application of this dye in conventional PES fiber dyeing was investigated. Subsequently, the influence of the use of a carrier in the dyeing of PES fiber was evaluated. The results indicated that the variables with the greatest effect on the degradation of the dye are temperature and pH. The natural annatto dye showed good interaction with the PES fiber in the conventional dyeing process, presenting good results of color yield and levels of fastness. In the dyeing processes conducted with and without a carrier, the dyeing performed in the latter provided better results, with the advantage of allowing the application of lower temperatures.

Growth performance and color enhancement of goldfish, Carassius auratus, fed diets containing natural dyes extracted from annatto (Bixa orellana) seeds

ABSTRACTThe present study was conducted to evaluate growth performance and color enhancement of goldfish, Carassius auratus, fed diets containing 0, 50, 100, 200, and 250 mg kg−1 diet of annatto dye (AD) for 60 days. The survival rate was significantly higher in fish fed 100, 200, and 250 mg AD kg−1 diet over than these fed control and 50 mg AD kg−1 diet (p < 0.05). AD significantly (p <0 .05) increased the pigmentation in the skin and caudal fin of goldfish in a concentration dependent manner (R2 = 0.995, 0.997). The highest amount of total carotenoid deposition in fish skin and fins were given by diets containing 200–250 mg AD kg−1 diet. The highest redness (a*) of 43.21 and yellowness (b*) of 12.53 were obtained by 250 and 50 mg AD kg−1, respectively. The present results show that AD can be successfully used as an alternative natural carotenoid source in goldfish diets at levels of 200–250 mg AD kg−1 diet.

Loss of Dyes by HPLC Analysis in Ras Cheese and its Whey

In a previous study, the extract of Turmeric and β-Carotene was extracted from local cheap products for coloring the Egyptian Ras cheese instead of the imported Annatto dye. Ras cheese was made with this extract, and compared with control cheese. HPLC technology was used to estimate the stability of the added dye during making of cheese when fresh) and during storage period (180 days), and compared with control samples. HPLC analyzed was performed to detect and follow the reduction of the colour of cheese, and the loss of dyes in the whey. Results showed that after extraction for HPLC analysis of the annatto extract (norbixin) used in making Ras cheese, the recovery of norbixin from fresh Ras cheese averaged 80.57%, while the norbixin content in the whey of Ras cheese was 19.35%. HPLC determination of β-Carotene in Ras cheese was about 4.28% from a total amount of β-Carotene being used in cheese making process is lost in whey. Recovery of β-carotene from fresh Ras cheese was 95.32%. Recovery of β-carotene from uncolored Ras cheese fresh Ras cheese and whey sample were (96.00%/3.50%), respectively. The results from HPLC determination of β-Carotene in ripened Ras cheese after six month old cheese were 37.23%. Residual Annatto was extracted from ripened Ras cheese after 180 days from storage which was 34.07%. While, residual curcumin percentage in Ras cheese after ripening time was 43.20%. Annatto is less stable compared to Curcumin and β-carotene extracts under the same condition. When used Curcumin and β-carotene extracts, they forming a stable colour little of which is lost during separation of the whey. The economic feasibility between the price of colorant added and loss of some of it in whey, it is clear that annatto is less expensive but will be larger loss of whey. In contrast, in the case of Curcumin and carotene extracts, a little amount of the added extract is lost in the whey. On the other hand, it is recommended that the waxing of Ras cheese wheels to preserve the colour of oxidative degradation.

High temperature dyeing of PET fabric with natural colourants extracted from annatto seeds

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the possibility of dyeing polyester (PET) fabric with natural dye extracted from annatto seeds using high temperature dyeing method.Design/methodology/approachPET fabric was dyed with annatto extract by varying dyeing parameters (temperature, time, pH and dye concentration) to determine the optimum dyeing conditions. The influences of KAl(SO4)2, FeSO4, gallnut mordants or a commercial UV absorber on colour yield and fastness properties were further studied.FindingsOptimum results were obtained when the fabric was dyed at 130°C for 30 min in a dyebath containing 15 per cent (owf) annatto dye at pH 6. The dyed fabric had an orange shade and exhibited good to excellent wash, crock, perspiration fastness and fair light fastness. Further dyeing with mordants or UV absorber mostly resulted in lower colour yield and similar fastness properties.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the light fastness was slightly improved to moderate level for the sample with UV absorber, a noticeable colour staining on cotton portion of multi-fibre fabric occurred when subjected to standard washing test. Compared to C.I. Disperse Orange 73, the annatto dye exhibited comparable colour fastness but had inferior light fastness when dyed at approximately the same colour strength.Originality/valueNatural colourants from annatto seeds can be used to dye PET fabric at high temperature without mordants, yielding deep orange shade and satisfactory fastness properties. This study provides a promising application to reduce the environmental impact of synthetic dyes.

Adsorption of natural annatto dye by kaolin: kinetic and equilibrium

ABSTRACT The adsorption of annatto dye was analysed using kaolin clay as the adsorbent. In this work, the influence of the adsorbent particle size, agitation (0 and 100 rpm), temperature (25, 40, and 60°C), and salt presence (sodium chloride and sodium sulphate at 1, 2 and 3 wt%) on the adsorption process was studied. The adsorption increased 14.21% for particles smaller than 45 µm and the agitation (100 rpm) led to an increase of 22.41% compared to the system without agitation. The ΔG° (237.711 kJmol−1) indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous. The negative value of ΔS° (−408.999 Jmol−1K−1) and ΔH° (−115.829 kJmol−1) showed an exothermic physisorption process. The adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo-second-order model. In the adsorption equilibrium, the tested models provided good correlation coefficients ranging from 0.744 to 0.999 with the best fit observed for the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of the kaolin clay for the annatto dye was obtained at 25°C with 1% of sodium sulphate (q max = 59.88 mgg−1).

Polydopamine‐coated silk yarn for improving the light fastness of natural dyes

One of the problems occasionally associated with the use of natural dyes in the dyeing of silk is the susceptibility of the dyed yarn to fading in light. While a number of approaches have been used to address this problem, the use of polydopamine (PDA), a known agent with photo‐protective properties, has not been assessed previously. In this study, silk was pretreated with nano‐particulate PDA formed in situ by oxidation of a dopamine solution, then dyed with lac dye or annatto dye as model natural dyes. Photofading rates were significantly reduced in the case of annatto‐dyed, PDA‐coated silk relative to uncoated silk, while wash fastness was unaffected and remained only moderately good. In contrast, no significant change was seen in photofading rates with treated or untreated lac‐dyed silk, and wash fastness was also unaffected. The PDA did not adversely affect resultant colour values if the concentration of the dopamine precursor was kept low. When this was done, acceptable colours were obtained in the dyed silk. Further investigation is warranted of PDA as a photofading protectant and mordant with other natural dyes on silk and other fibres.

Mucilaginous polysaccharides from vegetative parts of Bixa orellana L.: Their characterization and antioxidant potential.

The aim of this study was to extricate adhesive mucilaginous polysaccharides (MPS) from vegetative parts of Bixa orellana and furthermore to explore proximate analysis and antioxidant potentials. The ethanol precipitated mucilage concentrates of leaf holds 57.7%±3.2% moisture, 31.7±1.61g/100g aggregate starch content, 23.6±0.07g/100g reducing sugar content, 14.5±2.0g/100g pentose content, 9.37±0.56g/100g uronic acid substance, 10.6±0.98g/100g total phenolic content, and 36.9±0.52mg/100g total protein content. In contrasted with twigs, the leaves MPS demonstrated two folds increment in phenolic content. The sugar composition characteristics of MPS by gas liquid chromatography demonstrated a noteworthy content of xylose (163.5±6.6mg/100g), mannose (17.2±0.6mg/100g), and galactose (13.7±0.4mg/100g) in leaf. The MPS extract of leaves exhibited a dose-dependent antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging ability. The data obtained in this study open a new avenue to further investigate the broad applications of these annatto dye yielding plant polysaccharides. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The mucilaginous polysaccharides (MPS) from plant sources are being used for different applications in food, pharma, and cosmetic enterprises. Nowadays there is a developing enthusiasm for MPS for their dietary and medicinal advantages. Particularly dietary polysaccharides are known to evoke immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we present the leaf and twig parts of Bixa orellana as rich sources of MPS, the MPS characterization and also antioxidant potential, which could substantiate B. orellana MPS as functional ingredients and furthermore in nourishment industry for expanding dairy foods consistency.

In Vitro Evaluation of Antimold Activity of Annatto Natural Dye and Its Effects on Microbial, Physicochemical, and Sensory Properties of Bread

In vitro antimold activity of annatto natural dye against Aspergillus niger, Neurospora sitophila, and Rhizopus stolonifer was evaluated with agar well diffusion and agar dilution assays. The effects of adding annatto dye (0, 0.5, 0.75, and 1%) to bread formulations were then examined. Total microbial and fungal counts, moisture, color, radical scavenging activity, and sensory analysis of bread were monitored. A. niger was the fungus most sensitive to annatto dye in vitro. Increased dye concentrations resulted in significant decreases ( P < 0.05) in moisture, total microbial and fungal counts, and L*, a*, and b* values of bread. The highest antioxidant activity was achieved in the bread with 1% of annatto dye. All bread containing annatto dye had acceptable sensory attributes as determined by panelists. The addition of annatto dye resulted in bread with a longer shelf life and acceptable sensory qualities.

Avaliação do extrato metanólico de urucum (Bixa orellana L.) em associação com azul de metileno para dupla coloração em histologia vegetal

The annatto is a yellow-orange dye extracted from the pulp of Bixa orellana L. seeds, a tree native of tropical forests. The composition of this dye consists basically of carotenoids, such as bixin, norbixin and nobixate. Bixin, a highest amount compound, has a liposoluble characteristic that facilitates its interaction with cell membranes. The present study evaluated the dye association viability in vegetable histology of Bixa orellana L., Morinda citrifolia L. and Petiveria alliacea L. leaves. The annatto dye was obtained by extraction in methanol (1:6 w/v) by maceration of Bixa orellana seeds. The analyzes were carried out in cross sections of the vegetal samples collected in the “Berta Lange Morretes” Medical Garden of Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA). After clarification with sodium hypochlorite, the staining was performed in an average immersion time of 10 seconds, for both the urucum + methylene blue association in the 2:1 (A1) and 1:1 (A2) concentrations as well as for the blue methylene 1% and annatto dye 2%. All sections were mounted between blade and coverslip with distilled water, and visualized under an optical microscope. The A1 allowed a better morphological visualization of the anatomical structures due to the acidic characteristic of bixin which reacts with basic pH components of plant, and the alkaline characteristic of methylene blue that reacts with structures of acidic nature. This association represents a staining technique that can contribute alternatively as plant histological dyes.

How does the use of surfactants in polymer-salt based aqueous two-phase systems affect the annatto dye (Bixa orellana L.) partitioning?

In this work, the partitioning of natural annatto pigments in aqueous two-phase systems formed by poly(ethylene) glycol polymers (1500 or 4000 or 6000 g mol−1) or triblock copolymer L35 (2000 g mol−1) + sodium citrate + water was studied in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The hypothesis investigated was that the use of surfactants as additives in traditional two-phase aqueous systems could improve the solubility of the annatto extract in the phases of these systems through a mechanism of mixed micelle formation. This would make it possible to implement the use of these systems in the annatto dye extraction process. For this, several experiments were conducted. The annatto extract partition coefficient was determined as a function of pH, surfactant concentration, molar mass and hydrophobicity of the polymer, tie-line length, and the nature of the electrolyte. These results showed the potential of surfactant as a modulation agent for dyes transfer between the aqueous two-phase systems phases. The effect of surfactant was attributed to its interaction with norbixin from annatto, which was studied by means of surface tension and spectrophotometric measurements. The driving force governing annatto extract partitioning was dependent on the system composition and the temperature. Lower partition constants values for annatto extract obtained in the presence of surfactant demonstrated the potential of the aqueous two-phase systems for the extraction or purification of annatto.