Optimization of Inulin Extraction from Helianthus tuberosus Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Inulin is widely used in functional foods throughout the world for its health-promoting and technological properties. Helianthus tuberosus is cultivated widely in the northern part of Iran. Helianthus tuberosus can be a valuable source of Inulin. To optimize conventional extraction of Inulin, various combinations of time, temperature, and solvent: solid ratio, were used. In this research, a series of statistically designed studies were performed to investigate the effect of each of the independent variables (temperature and pH of extraction medium, extraction time, and solvent: solid ratio). The following variables: solvent: solid ratio (5-12 v/w), temperature (40-90°C) and time (5-40 min) were studied. The central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed as experimental design and statistical analysis. Based on canonical analysis, the optimal conditions for maximizing Inulin extraction yield (42.2%) were 76.64°C for 23.90 min and solvent: solid ratios of 12:1 (v/w).