Microwave-assisted high-pressure CO<sub>2</sub> extraction of carotenoids from carrot pomace using sunflower oil as a green solvent

Suremelihindi S., Demir A. E., Gogus F., KOÇAK YANIK D.

MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL, vol.212, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 212
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.microc.2025.113367
  • Journal Name: MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Index Islamicus, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: Carotenoid, Extraction, Microwave-assisted high-pressure CO2, Sunflower oil
  • Eskisehir Osmangazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

beta-carotene, a lipophilic bioactive compound, is widely recognized for its health-promoting properties. Carrot serve as one of the richest natural sources of beta-carotene, and their processing byproducts, such as carrot pomace, are also abundant in this valuable compound. beta-carotene was extracted into sunflower oil (SO) from carrot pomace using a microwave-assisted high-pressure CO2 (MW-HPCO2) system, enabling efficient recovery of carotenoids from processing waste. The extraction process was optimized using a three-factor Box-Behnken design, with temperature (80-120 degrees C), time (2-12 min), and oil-to-solid ratio (10:1-30:1 g/g) as the independent variables. Under the optimal conditions (180 degrees C, 146 secs, and an oil-to-solid ratio of 27.3 g/g) the process achieved a maximum carotenoid recovery of 48.27 +/- 0.56 %. Statistical analysis revealed that both extraction temperature and time significantly influenced carotenoid recovery (p < 0.05), while the oil-to-solid ratio showed no significant effect. The acid and p-anisidine values of the carotenoid-enriched oil increased but remained within acceptable limits, and the peroxide value was unaffected. These results highlight the potential of MW-HPCO2 extraction system as a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly method for carotenoid recovery from carrot pomace. Furthermore, the carotenoid-enriched oil obtained through this method has potential applications in the food industry.