Optimum conditions of microwave-assisted extraction for phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of the brown alga Sargassum vestitum

This study aimed to optimise microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions for total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and antioxidant activities of the alga Sargassum vestitum by using response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design. The results showed that solvent concentration had the greatest impact on TPC and antioxidant activities of the extracts, followed by radiation time and power. The optimal MAE conditions were ethanol concentration of 70%, radiation time of 75 s and power of 80%. The optimal MAE method showed much better extraction efficacy of phenolics and antioxidant capacities of the extract than conventional and ultrasonic methods.