Optimization and extraction of annatto pigments obtained from Bixa orellana L. using supercritical fluid extraction

Traditionally, various techniques like water, vegetable oil, and solvent extraction are used to extract annatto pigments, a natural coloring agent derived from the Bixa orellana L. shrub. These traditional extraction methods can be time consuming and yield minimal pigment concentrations. This study explores an innovative approach to extract the maximum pigments from the annatto seed using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Fresh, extracted aqueous, and peeled samples of annatto powder were used at different temperatures (40, 45, and 50 °C) using different solvents of ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate with 99 % purity. The optimal extraction condition in supercritical fluid extraction is obtained with an aqueous sample treated with methanol solvent at 45 °C that yields 4.62 % norbixin, 2.49 % bixin, and a hue angle of 24.85⁰, achieving a high desirability value (0.949). Response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction procedure to obtain a higher yield of annatto pigments. In addition, for optimized conditions, the total phenols and antioxidants assay yielded 3.8 mg GAE/g and 51 % inhibition. HPLC analysis confirmed norbixin in the extracts obtained with a retention time of 38.40 min. This method offers a significant boost in pigment extraction efficiency, but also minimizes processing time. These combined advantages position it as a potentially superior approach for producing annatto pigments with enhanced concentration and purity.