Cleaner Engineering and Technology (Apr 2023)

Microwave-assisted extraction proof-of-concept for phenolic phytochemical recovery from Allium Sativum L. (Amaryllidaceous): Optimal process condition evaluation, scale-up computer-aided simulation and profitability risk analysis

  • E.O. Oke,
  • O. Adeyi,
  • B.I. Okolo,
  • J.A. Adeyi,
  • Chiamaka J. Ude,
  • S.E. Okhale,
  • Nnabodo D,
  • Jude A. Okolie,
  • J.A. Adeyanju,
  • O.O. Ajala,
  • K. Nwosu-Obieogu,
  • K.A. Osoh,
  • A.G. Adeniyi,
  • N.E. Eleanya

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13
p. 100624

Abstract

Read online

Allium Sativum L. (ASL) extract is one of the medicinal and aromatic products used in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and perfumery industries. The scientific literature bibliography regarding process scale-up simulation and techno-economics of phenolic extract from ASL Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) is seldom reported. This study presented optimization and techno-economics of phenolic recovery from ASL extraction. Box-benken design extraction experiment was conducted at irradiation power (520 W – 1040 W), extraction time (2- 10 min) and solid-liquid ratio (0.4 – 1 g/100 ml). The extraction conditions that optimized experimental extractible yield and Total Phenolic Content (TPC) evaluated in Box-benken desirability of Response Surface Methodology. Bioactive finger printing of the extract was analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC). Aspen Batch Process Developer was used for the process techno-economic analysis; profitability uncertainty was analyzed using Monte-Carlo Simulation (MCS). Optimal extractible yield (28.62%) and TPC (76.8 mgGAE/g dry extract) were obtained at irradiation time 7.62 min, microwave power 826.67 Watt (63.6%) with solid-liquid ratio 0.55g/100 ml. The HPLC fingerprint revealed bentulinic acid, galic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid and ferulic acid. Cost of Manufacturing (COM) for 5L, 50L and 500L extractors gave US$ 1,480, US$ 220 and US$ 56 respectively. Techno-economic results of 500L extraction capacity with 900 kg/year design gave batch size (0.25 kg), production rate (2 kg/min), cycle time (125 min), discounted net present value (38,133 US$), rate of return (34%) and pay back time (2.94yrs). MCS results show high certainties of achieving base case profitability indices. The study shows that MAE of garlic powder is economically feasible.

Keywords