Enrichment of Anthocyanins From <i>Clitoria ternatea L</i> . Using AB‐8 Macroporous Resin for Production of High‐Intensity Natural Blue Colorant Powder

ABSTRACT This study focuses on enhancing anthocyanin concentration in natural blue colorant powder from butterfly pea flowers (BPFs) (Clitoria ternatea L.) using an adsorption–elution method with AB‐8 macroporous resin. Based on the experimental results, optimal processing conditions were identified as BPF extract concentration of 0.3 mg/mL, adsorption time of 90 min with circulating flows, volume ratio between BPF extract solution and AB‐8 resin was 3.5:1 (v/v), elution solvent was 60% ethanol, and elution flow rate of 1 mL/min. The total monomeric anthocyanin content, determined via the pH differential method, reached 14.77 ± 0.23 mg/g in the final powder‐a more than six‐fold increase compared to the crude extract. The powder exhibited vivid violet‐blue coloration, low moisture content (9.27 ± 0.14%), and high antioxidant activity (IC 50 = 75.69 ± 0.12 ppm), which is substantially improved compared to the unpurified extract (IC 50 = 248.40 ± 0.35 ppm). Furthermore, the AB‐8 resin maintained high efficiency over three reuse cycles, demonstrating its stability and potential for scalable production. These findings confirm that macroporous resin purification is a practical approach for producing anthocyanin‐rich powders with enhanced functional properties, making it highly suitable for applications in the food, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries.