Optimization of a Solid-Phase Extraction Procedure for the Separation of Picrocrocin and Crocins from Saffron Extract

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus used as a flavoring and coloring agent in the food industry which also possesses medicinal properties. In the current study, the optimum Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) conditions for separating picrocrocin and crocins from aqueous saffron extracts were investigated, using Rotatable-Central Composite Design (RCCD) in combination with Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimized factors were volume of saffron extract (3 mL), elution solvent (15% v/v ACN/water for picrocrocin; and 50% v/v ACN/water for crocins), and volume of elution solvent (ACN/water) (10 mL). The response factor measured was the UV-Vis absorbance. The presence of picrocrocin and crocins in the solutions obtained from SPE was confirmed using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS). The above optimized SPE procedure provides economy in reagents and consumables.