Graphene oxide assisted solvent for enhancing the coupled ultrasonic extraction process of curcumin from Curcuma longa L

ABSTRACT A coupled ultrasonic extraction process of curcumin from Curcuma longa L enhanced by the graphene-oxide-assisted solvent was developed. The yield was investigated in relation to extraction temperature, extraction time, ethanol volume fraction, and graphene oxide concentration. Response surface methodology was used to develop a quadratic model of the yield and extraction process. The optimum extraction parameters with the highest yield were obtained and the economic value was then assessed. Results showed that the coupling process could reduce the extraction time, extraction temperature, and ethanol volume fraction while improving the extraction yield. The optimal process parameters were 50.0°C extraction temperature, 1.5 h extraction time, 60.0% ethanol volume fraction, and 1.0 mg/g graphene oxide concentration. The highest extraction yield was 64.9 mg/g, which was better than that have been reported. It can save an estimated $1507 in production expenses for every ton of turmeric under the optimal extraction process. Moreover, the reduction in extraction temperature and ethanol volume fraction also means a safer and cleaner production environment, which highlights the greater potential application prospect of the extraction process developed in this paper.