Optimization of Microwave‐Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds From Chiltepin Pepper ( <i>Capsicum Annum Var. Glabriusculum</i> ) Using a Box‐Behnken Design and Response Surface Methodology

ABSTRACT To optimize the extraction of chiltepin pepper ( Capsicum annum var. glabriusculum ), microwave extraction and meat quality evaluations were conducted guided by a Box–Behnken design. Fixed (microwave power) and variable (extraction time, solvent volume, and sieve size) parameters were factored to generate solutions for possible future preparations of optimized extracts before extract evaluation via meat quality (pH, refrigeration, and cooking loss percentages, 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substance value, and total bacteria count) assessment in a Box–Behnken design. Outcomes were analyzed using response surface methodology, followed by preparation of the optimized extract of the best desirability following the suggested extraction criteria. The prepared extract was compositionally (GC–MS) analyzed for biocompounds and antioxidant capacity. A total of 54 solutions were achieved post‐optimization, with the suggested desirability level of 0.862 recommended adopting chiltepin screen size, irradiation time and distilled water combination of 0.536 mm, 77.836 min and 360.00 mL respectively, while microwave power is held constant. Utilizing this combination, the prepared extract had 31 biocompounds, comprising nitrogen‐, sulfur, and chlorine‐based biocompounds. Esters identified comprised two phthalic acid esters, one carboxylic acid ester, and two methoxyacetic and carbonic acid esters. Also, one elemental‐based nitrogen, seven nitrogen‐oxygen, and two nitrogen‐sulfur‐based compounds were identified alongside one chlorine‐based compound. Also, acetamide, N‐n‐heptyl‐, N‐octyl‐acetamide, and acetamide, N‐tetradecyl‐ were harvested in significant quantities. Also, the determined antioxidant capacity revealed phenolic and vitamin C contents of 504.26 mg GAe/100 g and 3.48 mg/g respectively. A Box–Behnken approach to microwave extraction of chiltepin is promising for future biological and pharmaceutical applications.