Optimization of carotene recovery from hydrolyzed palm olein in adsorption column chromatography using response surface methodology

Abstract

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for optimization of carotene recovery from hydrolyzed palm olein (HCPOlein) in adsorption chromatography was carried out. The level and interaction of three independent variables was investigated: column temperature (50 to 60C), oil loading (25 to 200 g), and mobile phase flow rate (6 to 60 mL/min). Based on the response as percentage of carotene recovery from 50 g of HP-20 adsorbent, the optimum conditions were achieved at 200 g of oil loading, column temperature at 55C, and flow rate at 33 mL/min. Up to 98% of carotene recovery was obtained under these conditions. Interaction of oil-oil, oil-flow rate and flow rate-flow rate could enhance the percentage of carotene recovery. However, oil and flow rate as single factors could significantly reduce percentage of carotene recovery. Oil loading as a single factor could positively influence the amount of carotene adsorbed. However, flow rate as a single factor and oil-oil interaction could negatively influence the amount of carotene adsorbed. The mean of difference (MD) of the experimental and predicted data for percentage of carotene recovery and the amount of carotene adsorbed were very small, -0.0067 and 0.0133, respectively. The probability (P) value showed no significant lack-of-fit for both equations in this model.