Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for Optimization of the Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Polysaccharides from Catathelasma ventricosum

Microwave-assisted extraction was investigated for extraction of polysaccharides from Catathelasma ventricosum using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The effects of operating conditions (extraction time, microwave power and ratio of water to raw material) on the extraction yield of polysaccharides were studied. A Box-Behnken Design was used for experimental design and analysis of the results to obtain the optimal processing parameters. Among the three extraction parameters, the microwave power was the most significant factor to affect the yield of polysaccharides from Catathelasma ventricosum. In addition, microwave power and extraction time had significant interaction effects. A mathematical model with high determination coefficient was gained and could be employed to optimize polysaccharides extraction and the optimal conditions were extraction time 5 min, microwave power 420 W, ratio of water to raw material 25:1. Under these conditions, the experimental yield of polysaccharide was 7.83±0.19% which was close to the predicted value.