Optimization of Inulin Extraction from Roots of Cichorium Intybus

Abstract

Chicory is a plant variety which is rich in inulin in its root system. Inulin is a polysaccharide. It is good dietary and healthy food. Chicory's optimal extraction yields maximum inulin which can be used for different procedures like in food and pharmaceutical industry. Therefore in this study, Inulin is extracted by hot water extraction using ethanol as solvent. The experiment was performed at different temperatures (15ºC - 25ºC) with the pH of water ranging from (6-9). The yield from the extract is about 45mg/ml in 25ºC at 20ml concentration of ethanol with 7.5 pH of water. These were numerically and graphically analyzed and optimized using the design expert software -Response Surface Methodology using Central Composite Design. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA table. This study demonstrates the effective method of extraction of inulin from chicory roots and optimization of inulin.