Extraction Optimization of Phenolics and Antioxidants from Black Goji Berry by Accelerated Solvent Extractor Using Response Surface Methodology

This study aims to provide fundamental knowledge for the use of black goji berry and determine the optimum process parameters that produce maximum phenolics from black goji berry through accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). The optimal extractions of phenolics and antioxidants from black goji were explored via the ASE techniques, applying the response surface methodology (RSM) design. After reaching the optimal conditions for single factors, the optimal ASE extraction conditions were found through a total of 17 runs following the Box-Behnken design (BBD) from RSM. The maximum yield of total phenolic content (TPC) was 17.92 mg GAE/g under the best extraction conditions: an extraction temperature of 89.38 degrees C, an ethanol concentration of 70% and an extraction time of 13 min. This study indicates that the optimal extraction conditions could serve as the scientific basis for scaled-up industrial production. Black goji berry could be a viable source of nutraceuticals due to the abundance of antioxidant and phenolic substances.