Study on Ultrasonic-assisted Organic Solvent Extraction Process of Paprika Red Pigments

Hot red peppers as raw material,paprika red pigments were prepared with extraction solvent of acetone using the method of ultrasonic-assisted organic solvent extraction in this study.The influences of main process parameters,including ratios of solid material to solvent volume,ultrasonic temperatures and ultrasonic time on extraction efficiency of paprika red pigments were compared and analyzed;moreover,the extraction process was optimized via single-factor tests and a four-factor three-level orthogonal array experimental design [L9(34)].The results showed that the method of ultrasonic-assisted organic solvent extraction was an effective and practicable one for paprika red pigments extraction,and the spectral properties and characteristic absorption peak of paprika red pigments were similar to that of standard compound.The relative quantity and chroma of paprika red pigments reached their maximum values when acetone was used as extraction solvent.And the most suitable conditions for paprika red pigments extraction were as follows: acetone was used as extraction solvent,ratio of solid material to solvent volume was 1:8(g/mL),ultrasonic temperature was 35 ℃ and ultrasonic time was 30 min.And the chroma of paprika red pigments reached 139.4 when the optimal conditions were met.Therefore,the ultrasonic-assisted organic solvent extraction process was with easy operation and high safety,low cost,high product quality,and provided reference value for further industrial production of paprika red pigments.