Optimizing supercritical carbon dioxide extraction process of spicy component from Zanthoxylum bungeanum by response surface methodology

Objective:To optimize the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction process for spicy component from Zanthoxylum bungeanum to improve extraction efficiency. Methods:Based on the single-factor experiments, the Box-Behnken center-united experimental design principles for 3 factors were used to determine the experiments condition and the response surfaces analysis. Results:Within the tested level ranges, the impact of three process parameters on the weight of spicy component from big to small was extraction temperature, extraction press, extraction time in turn. The optimum extraction temperature was 45℃ and extraction press was 29MPa, extraction time was 89min, the pressure and temperature of separator I was 12MPa and 30℃, the pressure and temperature of separator II was 8MPa and 37℃, and the pressure of rectifying column was5Mpa, the temperature of rectifying column were 35, 40, 45, 50℃, and the extraction rate of spicy component from Zanthoxylum bungeanum was 2.2%.Conclusion:Supercritical carbon dioxide was beneficial to no-residue methodology, convenient operation and improve extraction efficiency and consequently, suitable for the extraction of spicy component from Zanthoxylum bungeanum.