Optimization of microwave assisted extraction parameters of betalains pigment from Celosia argentea var. cristata using box behnken design

The use of effective extraction technique would be beneficial for degrading the cell wall leading to efficient leaching out of pigments with less degradation of pigments. The pigment extracted using this technique will be use as a replacement of synthetic colorant in food industry and pharmaceutical. The main objectives are to extract betalains pigment, study the effect of extraction parameters on response and optimization of parameters for pigment production. In microwave assisted extraction of betalains pigment, parameters such as microwave power of 80, 160 and 240 W, treatment periods of 30, 60 and 90 s and solid to solvent ratio of 1:20, 1:30 and 1:40 g/ml were employed. Effect of these parameters were studied on response quantification of betalains and the parameters were optimized using Response Surface Methodology. Numerical analysis and effect of parameters on quantification of betalains was also studied. It was observed that solid to solvent ratio was observed to be highly significant affecting the extraction yield. The optimal process variables and response obtained for microwave power, treatment period, solid to solvent ratio and quantification of betalains are 200 W, 66 s, 1:20 g/ml and 9.11 mg/g, respectively. Microwave assisted extraction is found to be one of the promising extraction techniques for betalains extraction.